Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 17 lineup in fall 2025, featuring a range of compelling upgrades across its models, including the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 “Air,” iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Significant upgrades across the lineup
One of the most notable changes is the introduction of ProMotion technology across all iPhone 17 models, allowing them to adjust refresh rates up to 120Hz, moving away from the longstanding 60Hz limitation in base models.
The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will also feature enhancements to their camera systems, with all three rear-facing cameras upgraded to 48MP. This provides higher resolution zoom shots and more effective digital zoom capabilities, although it will not reach the extensive zoom levels found in some Android devices.
Apple plans to introduce a new model, speculatively named the iPhone 17 “Air” or iPhone 17 “Slim,” which may replace the current Plus model. Market analysis reveals the Plus model represents only 8% of iPhone 16 sales. This new “Air” model is expected to feature a thinner design, with speculation suggesting a target thickness of 5.5mm, compared to the iPhone 16 Pro’s 8.25mm.
Say hello to iPhone 17 Air: The thinnest iPhone ever?
An upgraded cooling system will include a vapor cooling chamber designed to manage heat more effectively, enhancing performance and battery life. This change aims to address common issues where iPhones become warm during use, impacting charging speed and overall device performance.
The lineup will be powered by Apple’s latest A19 and A19 Pro chipsets, with the A19 and A19 Air utilizing the standard A19 chip. The A19 Pro will be exclusive to the Pro models. Despite initial expectations of a new 2nm manufacturing process for these chips, production yields may not be sufficient for 2025, but Apple will still highlight significant performance enhancements.
Additionally, the phones will offer an always-on display feature made possible by the new universal ProMotion display technology. Users will have continued access to battery status and widgets while the phone is in an “off” state, improving user convenience.
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The Pro models are also rumored to undergo a redesign, featuring a glass back with a full-width metal camera bump, marking the first aesthetic change since the iPhone X era. This change aims to visually differentiate the new models from previous iterations.
All four models will see significant upgrades to front-facing cameras, moving to 24MP sensors from the previous 12MP standard, enhancing selfie quality, particularly in low-light conditions.
The iPhone 17 lineup looks to integrate various “Pro” features into the more budget-friendly models, making them increasingly attractive to consumers who might be considering an upgrade.
Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Ideogram