While the iPhone 17 series isn’t expected to launch until September 2025, rumors and leaks have already started circulating about its potential features. Based on the latest information available as of April 6, 2025, here’s a rundown of the anticipated features for the iPhone 17 lineup, which is expected to include the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
General Features Across All Models
ProMotion Displays (120Hz Refresh Rate): All four iPhone 17 models are rumored to feature ProMotion technology, bringing smoother scrolling and video playback with refresh rates up to 120Hz. This would mark the first time non-Pro models get this feature, enabled by LTPO OLED displays. It’s unclear if the always-on display will extend to all models or remain a Pro exclusive.
24-Megapixel Front Camera: The entire lineup is expected to upgrade from a 12MP to a 24MP front-facing camera, promising sharper selfies and better video call quality, with improved detail even when cropped.
Wi-Fi 7 Support: All models are anticipated to include Wi-Fi 7, offering faster speeds, lower latency, and better efficiency compared to previous standards, with theoretical peak speeds exceeding 40Gb/s.
A19 Chipset: The iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air are expected to use the A19 chip, while the Pro models will likely get the more powerful A19 Pro. Built on an enhanced 3nm process (N3P), these chips should deliver improved performance and energy efficiency for tasks like gaming, multitasking, and AI features.
iPhone 17 (Standard Model)
Display Size: Rumors suggest a slight increase to a 6.3-inch display (up from 6.1 inches in the iPhone 16), maintaining a compact form factor.
Camera Design: Expected to retain a dual-camera setup with a vertical layout, similar to the iPhone 16, with a 48MP main sensor.
Frame: Likely to feature an aluminum frame, consistent with recent non-Pro models.
Performance: The A19 chip with 8GB of RAM should handle everyday tasks and Apple Intelligence features efficiently.
iPhone 17 Air
Ultra-Thin Design: Touted as the thinnest iPhone ever, with a rumored thickness of 5.5mm (excluding the camera bump, which could reach 9.5mm). This slim profile prioritizes design over some high-end specs.
Display: A 6.6-inch OLED display, positioning it between the standard and Pro Max models in size.
Camera: Expected to feature a single 48MP wide rear camera in a horizontal “camera bar” design, sacrificing ultra-wide and telephoto lenses for thinness. The 24MP front camera matches the rest of the lineup.
Materials: May use a titanium-aluminum alloy frame for a lightweight yet durable build.
Connectivity: Likely to include Apple’s custom C1 5G modem (debuted in the iPhone 16e), though it might lack mmWave 5G support. It’s also expected to be eSIM-only due to space constraints.
Battery: Despite its slimness, rumors suggest a high-density battery to maintain decent battery life, though it may not match thicker models.
Additional Features: MagSafe charging, a Camera Control button, and an Action Button are anticipated.
iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max
Display Sizes: The iPhone 17 Pro is expected to have a 6.3-inch display, while the Pro Max could grow to 6.9 inches, both with ultra-thin bezels and possibly higher peak brightness.
Camera Upgrades:
A new horizontal “camera bar” design with a larger rectangular bump housing three lenses: a 48MP main sensor, a 48MP ultra-wide, and a 48MP telephoto (up from 12MP in the iPhone 16 Pro), potentially with 5x optical zoom.
Some rumors hint at 8K video recording capabilities for the Pro models, a big leap from the current 4K limit.
A possible mechanical aperture on at least one model, allowing adjustable depth-of-field for more professional-grade photography.
Materials: Rumored to switch from titanium to an aluminum frame with a part-aluminum, part-glass back, potentially to address overheating and align with the rest of the lineup.
Performance: The A19 Pro chip paired with 12GB of RAM (up from 8GB in the iPhone 16 Pro) should boost multitasking and Apple Intelligence performance. Storage options might start at 256GB, with a possible 2TB max.
Cooling: Improved heat dissipation, possibly with a vapor chamber system in the Pro models.
Display Enhancements: A more scratch-resistant, anti-reflective coating is rumored, alongside a potentially smaller Dynamic Island on the Pro Max due to a “metalens” Face ID design.
Battery: The Pro could feature a 3,700 mAh battery, while the Pro Max might pack a 4,700 mAh cell, benefiting from the slightly thicker design.
Other Rumored Features
Design Refresh: The iPhone 17 series could mark one of the biggest design overhauls since the iPhone X, especially with the Air model replacing the Plus and the new camera layouts on the Air and Pro models.
Connectivity: Apple’s in-house Wi-Fi chip might debut across the lineup, enhancing integration with other Apple devices.
Durability: A tougher display coating could reduce the need for screen protectors.
These details are based on speculation and leaks as of April 6, 2025, and Apple could still tweak or scrap some features before the official reveal. The iPhone 17 series is shaping up to blend cutting-edge tech with a bold new design direction, especially with the introduction of the Air model. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the expected September 2025 launch!