The iPhone 17 is generating significant buzz as its expected September launch draws near. Rumors and leaks are providing a glimpse into potential upgrades and features, suggesting a substantial leap forward compared to previous models.

Release Date and Pricing

Industry analysts largely anticipate Apple to unveil the iPhone 17 series in early to mid-September 2025. A specific date that has surfaced is Tuesday, September 9, 2025, for the keynote event, followed by pre-orders opening around September 12, and shipments commencing around September 19.

Pricing is always a hot topic. While the iPhone 16 base model starts at $799, some analysts suggest a potential price increase for the iPhone 17, possibly to $849, citing rising component and manufacturing costs. However, the rumored "iPhone 17 Air" model could offer a mid-range option, potentially impacting the pricing structure.

Design and Display

The iPhone 17 lineup is expected to bring some notable design changes. There is speculation about a new "part-aluminum, part-glass" design for the back of the Pro models. A redesigned antenna system that wraps around the rear camera bump is rumored, potentially improving connectivity. The standard iPhone 17 might see a display size increase from 6.1 inches to 6.3 inches. The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to have a 6.6-inch display. Display sizes across the lineup will be 6.3 inches for the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro, 6.6 inches for the iPhone 17 Air, and 6.9 inches for the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

A significant upgrade could be the introduction of 120Hz ProMotion displays across the entire iPhone 17 lineup. This would bring smoother scrolling and a more premium feel to all models. The iPhone 17 Pro models are rumored to feature an anti-reflective display option with a matte finish.

Performance and Hardware

The iPhone 17 series is expected to be powered by the next-generation A19 chip. The A19 Pro chip will likely feature in the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, while the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air could have the standard A19 chip. The A19 chips are rumored to be built on TSMC's 3NP process. The Pro models and even the Air variant might get a boost to 12GB of RAM, enhancing multitasking and Apple Intelligence performance. To combat thermal heating, all four iPhone 17 models are rumored to feature a metal-covered battery and other internal design changes for better heat dissipation.

Camera Enhancements

Significant camera upgrades are anticipated. All four iPhone 17 models are said to feature an upgraded 24-megapixel front-facing camera. The iPhone 17 Pro Max could be the first iPhone to feature three 48-megapixel rear cameras: a Wide camera, an Ultra Wide camera, and a Tetraprism Telephoto camera. This model is also expected to support 8K video recording. The Pro models may also support dual video recording, capturing footage from the front and rear cameras simultaneously.

iPhone 17 Air

The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to replace the Plus model, emphasizing a thin and light design. It could be the thinnest iPhone ever, with a thickness of just 5.55mm. Other rumored features include a 6.6-inch display, a single 48MP rear camera, and potentially Apple's own 5G modem.

Software

The iPhone 17 lineup is expected to ship with iOS 26, which includes upgrades to the Phone and Messages apps. iOS 26 also packs fresh updates for CarPlay, Apple Music, Maps, and Wallet and debuts Apple Games, a new all-in-one hub where you can find and play all your games in one place.