Will the iPhone 17 Be Apple’s Boldest Upgrade Yet?
With the iPhone 16 still fresh on the market and the recent launch of the iPhone 16e, attention is already shifting to Apple’s next-generation smartphone. According to reports, company executives are calling the upcoming iPhones the “most ambitious” devices in the product’s history.
Leaks suggest that one of the biggest changes in the iPhone 17 lineup will be the removal of the “Plus” model, making way for a new “Slim” or “Air” variant. Additionally, all four models may finally feature a 120Hz ProMotion display and upgraded 24MP front cameras.
If you skipped the iPhone 16 or are simply curious about what Apple has planned, here’s a roundup of the latest iPhone 17 rumors from credible sources.
iPhone 17 Lineup: The End of ‘Plus,’ The Start of ‘Slim’
For years, Apple’s “Plus” variant has lagged in sales, with many customers opting to pay a little extra for the Pro models. As a result, the company is reportedly replacing it with a thinner and lighter “Slim” or “Air” version.
This new model is expected to feature:
- A 6.6-inch display
- A single 48MP rear camera
- At least 8GB of RAM, with some configurations offering up to 12GB for improved AI performance
Apple is focusing on making this the thinnest iPhone ever, with a body measuring just 6.25mm—even slimmer than the iPhone 6 (6.9mm). However, the ultra-thin design might eliminate the bottom speaker, leaving just one speaker at the top.
The base iPhone 17 and Pro models could see a slight size increase from 6.1 to 6.3 inches, while the Pro Max is expected to retain its 6.9-inch display.
New Design: A Major Overhaul
Apple has largely stuck with the same design for five years, but the iPhone 17 could introduce significant changes—especially to the camera layout.
- The iPhone 17 Air may feature a centrally positioned single camera housed in a larger bump.
- The Pro models could adopt a horizontal camera strip, similar to Google’s Pixel 9 Pro.
- Apple might shift away from titanium for Pro models, with some sources suggesting an all-aluminum lineup. However, others claim titanium will remain exclusive to Pro variants.
- The Dynamic Island cutout on the iPhone 17 Air is expected to shrink slightly, while the Pro Max might introduce an advanced “metalens” Face ID sensor for an even smaller cutout.
Display Enhancements: ProMotion for All
Apple is reportedly planning a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate for every iPhone 17 model, a feature previously limited to Pro versions. According to display industry sources, all models will use LTPO OLED panels, allowing for always-on displays (AOD) across the lineup.
- Samsung will manufacture the screens for the Pro models
- LG will produce panels for the base and Slim/Air variants
Additionally, Apple is working with Corning to develop a new anti-reflective, scratch-resistant glass for the iPhone 17 series.
Camera Upgrades: Major Improvements Across the Board
For years, iPhones have stuck with 12MP front cameras, but the iPhone 17 series is set to double the resolution to 24MP. The front camera is also rumored to be more centrally positioned within the Dynamic Island instead of off to the left.
As for zoom capabilities, the 5x periscope zoom lens will remain a Pro-exclusive feature. However, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to be the first Apple device with three 48MP cameras—wide, ultra-wide, and Tetraprism (periscope zoom). It’s unclear if this same setup will extend to the iPhone 17 Pro.
For those unfamiliar, a Tetraprism lens uses multiple light reflections within a folded glass system to achieve powerful zoom capabilities, a technique other smartphone brands have utilized since 2017.
Apple seems to be making big moves with the iPhone 17 lineup, from ditching the “Plus” model to revamping the camera design and enhancing display technology. While details are still emerging, the changes could make this one of the most exciting iPhone releases yet.
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