iPhone
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iPhone 17
All about iPhone 17
The 2025 iPhone lineup was revealed during the awe dropping Apple event. It includes the expected iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro in addition to the new iPhone Air.
Apple wanted to differentiate its lineup by removing the ill-received iPhone Plus and adding in an all new device platform that prioritizes thinness. It's technically part of the iPhone 17 lineup, especially thanks to the A19 Pro chipset, but it likely won't be updated with each generation.
The standard iPhone 17 focuses on base features at a reasonable price, but it isn't quite budget. That's the role the iPhone 17e took when it was announced in early 2026.
It's Apple's strongest lineup offering yet with an incredible value in the iPhone 17, the form-over-function iPhone Air, and the feature-filled iPhone 17 Pro. It's a tough year for consumers to pick between these options.
The sales numbers have indicated that Apple has a hit with the iPhone 17 lineup. It is a lucky coincidence that the base iPhone 17 will be one of the low end models available through early 2027, which will likely allow that high demand to carry on much longer than normal.
What's next for iPhone
2026 could prove to be quite a different year for Apple as it introduces a new model and changes the release schedule. These are just rumors, of course, but as we get closer to September, the likeliness increases.
An iPhone Fold could release in 2026The iPhone Fold could finally be revealed alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September 2026. The iPhone 18 is expected to be held until spring 2027 and be released alongside the iPhone 18e.
Apple's entry into the foldable market has been difficult so far. Rumors indicate that the device has encountered problems during production testing that could push mass production back.
Since the iPhone underwent significant design changes in 2025, the new models should look relatively similar on the outside. Other than the new foldable, the updates are expected to focus on continued camera improvements, the new chipset, and other small changes.
The large camera plateau and aluminum unibody design will stick around for the iPhone 18 Pro models. There's a chance Apple could slowly move away from Camera Control as it hasn't been well received, but it will likely remain for the 2026 generation.
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Apple's flagship iPhone 17 Pro saw an incredible set of upgrades across the board. Every camera is refreshed, the cooling system is rethought, and the case is lighter thanks to a shift back to aluminum.
iPhone 17 Pro Max has several internal and external upgradesThe overall design had to change to accommodate the increasing thermal needs of on-device AI and graphically-intense applications. Apple's shift to aluminum, the addition of a vapor chamber, and neural accelerators in each GPU core show the commitment to improving AI performance.
The A19 Pro continues Apple's annual improvements to its CPU and GPU with some neural processing thrown in. Each of the six GPU cores have neural accelerators that help improve on-device AI processing.
If there was ever an iPhone built from the ground up for on-device AI performance, it was the iPhone 17 Pro.
Small, but important display changes
Looking at the iPhone 17 Pro Max from the front won't provide much difference from the previous models, except maybe in color. The edge is no longer titanium, which helps with the device's weight, and the display is upgraded.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a bright and color accurate displayThe display is brighter in sunlight, reaching 3,000 nits peak versus 2,000 nits. It also has the new Ceramic Shield 2 with 3x scratch resistance.
The scratch resistance is tough to test, but users report regular use over the initial months of ownership hasn't resulted in noticeable scuffs or scratches. Enough force on the right material will scratch or break the display, but it does seem tough anecdotally.
The Dynamic Island is still present at the top of the display, hiding the selfie camera and sensors used for Face ID. The Lock Screen has evolved with iOS in recent years with increased customization, so a user's always-on display can be quite unique from person to person.
Upgraded pro camera system
Apple introduced camera upgrades across the iPhone 17 lineup. The Fusion Ultra Wide camera is now 48MP on the standard iPhone, and the new 4x Fusion Telephoto camera is 48MP on the iPhone 17 Pro.
The Fusion Main camera is unchanged, but all of Apple's cameras benefit from upgrades to the image signal processor (ISP) and the algorithms in use. Apple actually put in a lot of effort to ensure photos are consistent across every camera, even the "optical like" lenses in-between the main optical ones.
There was some controversy to Apple's use of "optical like" to describe cameras like the 2x or 8x option, but these aren't simple crops of larger photos. Every point from 0.5x to 8x captures a photo between 24MP and 12MP with advanced algorithms that ensure color accuracy, dynamic range, and quality expected from the main cameras.
iPhone 17 Pro Max has an incredible camera systemOf course, using smaller portions of the sensor will result in slight reductions in sharpness and range in some circumstances, but that is expected. Apple's image pipeline is more consistent than ever in the iPhone 17 Pro.
Apple also introduced the new ProRes RAW format, which is only available when recording video in pro-level apps like Final Cut Camera or Blackmagic. It is a format packed with so much data, an external SSD is required.
iPhone 17 Pro Max processors
The A19 Pro used in the iPhone 17 Pro has a 6-core CPU and a 6-core GPU with Neural Accelerators in each core. Apple included more memory and a larger cache than in the A18 Pro, making this a graphics and AI powerhouse.
A19 Pro comes to iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone AirA vapor chamber cooling system ensures the processor dissipates heat to the frame and away from the user's fingers. It allows longer peak load operations, which leads to faster performance when it counts.
Geekbench scores show a 3,895 single-core score, which echoes Apple's claims of the fastest processor in a smartphone. Multi-core reaches 9,746, which is powerful and is only beat out by select competitors using 8-core processors.
Apple also included the N1 chip, which is for networking. It brings an in-house solution for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread.
iPhone 17 Pro Max review
Apple rethought the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max for the era of AI and Apple Intellignce. Its design ensures sustained performance regardless of what is thrown at it, plus it's a new look that emphasizes the bigger, more rugged style versus the ultra-thin iPhone Air.
iPhone 17 Pro Max is redesigned with AI workflows in mindUnlike the standard iPhone, the display was left relatively untouched for the pro lineup beyond a boost to 3,000 nits of brightness outdoors. The move from titanium to aluminum is evident the first time you pick up the phone, and by far the most notable external change.
The camera bar was seen as a controversial option when it was first rumored, but that design update has fallen into the background. It makes the iPhone 17 Pro Max easily identifiable as the new iPhone, sure, but it doesn't affect using the device.
The rear glass panel that allows for MagSafe charging creates a two-tone look that emphasizes each of the three available colors — orange, silver, and blue. The aluminum doesn't appear to be any more scratchable than other aluminum iPhones, at least not in our use.
The display is brighter in sunlight, but that's about itThe 48MP Pro Fusion camera system is an incredible update that makes taking many kinds of photos that much better. Users have full access to every focal point from 0.5x to 8x that outputs photos at 12MP, 24MP, or 48MP depending on the settings and lens in use.
The new Fusion Telephoto Camera is 4x at 48MP instead of 5x at 12MP. The 8x at 12MP is a further reach and boasts improved detail capture versus the previous 5x lens as well.
Processing wise, the A19 Pro offers 4x peak GPU performance versus A18 Pro, partially aided by vapor chamber cooling. Geekbench scores show an improved 3579 single core score, and a 9546 multi-core score.
Those seeking the ultimate iPhone feature set with longest battery, best cameras, and better USB-C capabilities should look to the iPhone 17 Pro lineup. The iPhone Air is targeted at those seeking form over function, while iPhone 17 fits in with the budget-conscious crowd.
iPhone 17
There are several big changes in the standard iPhone 17 that make it a huge leap from iPhone 16. The display is bigger, brighter, and refreshes at 120Hz, and the battery life has improved by about 8 hours of offline video viewing.
The iPhone 17 is a competitive entry modelStandard iPhone users also get the 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide Camera, which is a jump from the 12MP sensor used previously. The selfie camera is also improved across the entire lineup, bringing the 18MP Center Stage camera that can shoot landscape selfies without physically rotating the iPhone.
Externally, there's not much different versus previous models. It's got the Main and Ultra Wide cameras, USB-C, and familiar design. The A19 is improved in performance, and contributes partially to the better battery life.
The updated Ceramic Shield 2 protects the front glass with 3x scratch resistance. Overall, the iPhone 17 is an excellent upgrade and highly competitive with the pro models upgrades offered from previous generations.
iPhone 17 review
iPhone 17 has a slate of upgrades that make it a solid choice for those in the market for an upgrade. It's more budget-friendly than the iPhone 17 Pro models and the iPhone Air, but has a competitive set of features.
iPhone 17 is a big jump in features from iPhone 16The external design is indistinguishable from the iPhone 16 lineup, though the display is slightly larger at 6.3 inches thanks to shrinking bezels. The new color options are black, white, blue mist, sage, and lavender.
Speaking of the display, that's where the biggest upgrades reside for this generation. It got ProMotion and an Always On display, meaning it can adapt the refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz based on the content on display.
The A19 has a 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU with Neural Accelerators for improved AI performance. The N1 network chipset is Apple's first in-house networking chip and offers Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread.
It is a performantive chipset scoring up to 3502 on the single core Geekbench test, and up to 8810 on the multi core test.
Overall, the iPhone 17 is a great value for customers. The display, new selfie camera system, and improved chipsets are more than enough for most upgraders coming from older iPhones.
iPhone 17 accessories
A new accessory was also introduced with the iPhone 17 lineup — the crossbody strap. Apple has submitted its entry into this trend with an expensive strap that adjusts its length with magnetic clasps.
The latest Apple cases have spots to connect the crossbody strap as well. It's secure enough, but will need plenty of testing to determine how trustworthy the tether to the case is.
Apple also refreshed its case lineup with a replacement for the ill-received FineWoven cases. Those were meant to be an alternative to leather, but were easily stained or damaged.
The new cases are called TechWoven, and Apple hopes they will rectify issues found previously with a more resistant, nylon-like material. However, some FineWoven products are still available, like in MagSafe Wallets.
iPhone Air
The iPhone Air is Apple's latest attempt for an alternative device that sits between the base iPhone and pro models. It offers features like ProMotion and the A19 Pro, but it's in a thin and light design.
iPhone Air is Apple's latest attempt at an alternative deviceApple discontinued the "Plus" model and introduced the iPhone Air, but it is not a replacement for that device. Instead, it acts as a new product alternative in a parallel track to iPhone 17 Pro.
The 120Hz ProMotion variable refresh rate display is now available across the entire iPhone lineup. It also means every user will have access to the always-on mode, including in StandBy.
Pro features focus on extended performance and improved cameras instead of gatekeeping additional features that could be available on other devices. The iPhone Air has a single camera, single speaker in the earpiece, and lacks the battery life of more modern iPhones.
It has a titanium frame designed to prevent inadvertent bending or warping. It's strong enough that people struggle to make any kind of permanent damage in attempts to bend the device by hand.
How to buy iPhone 17
Pre orders begin on September 12 and initial shipments go out September 19. Apple kept the prices steady, but was able to compensate for tariffs by removing the 128GB storage tier from the lineup.
The iPhone 17 starts at $799, the iPhone Air starts at $999, the iPhone 17 Pro starts at $1,099, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max starts at $1,199. Apple also included a 2TB storage tier for the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Everything below this point was written before the iPhone 17 event held in September 2025. It has been preserved to show how accurate rumors were leading into the event.
The iPhone 16 is here, but the rumor mill was already on what was coming next months before it was released. Due in September 2025, the iPhone 17 lineup is forecast to offer a few interesting updates to the smartphone series.
The rumors have solidified around four devices arriving, with a new "iPhone 17 Air" replacing the previous plus model in the lineup. The pro models are expected to see more significant camera upgrades and the entire lineup will have a new rear case design.
The iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max will have something called a camera bar instead of the usual camera bump. It's a shelf that extends across the entire back of the iPhone that will allow devices to be thinner without sacrificing camera capability.
Beyond the usual processor upgrades and other minor spec changes, little else has been rumored. Some expect the aesthetic changes will help drive upgrades in spite of the feature set being a relatively iterative change.
A prototype in the wild
On July 28, a social media user shared a photo of what seemed to be an Apple employee in San Francisco using a prototype iPhone. It is notable because, while Apple definitely tests their devices in public, they tend to be hard to spot.
iPhone 17 prototype spotted in the wild. Image source: SkyfopsThis model was in a giant black case that obscured everything except the display, cameras, and sensors. The new camera bar design was obvious, since the flash and LiDAR are easily visible across from the cameras.
Across the last decade of iPhone releases, minus the iPhone X, the new generation of iPhone generally looked like the previous one. So, people taking notice of a prototype was much less at risk.
While it was almost certain there would be camera bars in iPhone 17, this public sighting was the first real confirmation. Of course, some suspect the photo could have been staged with fake props or generated with AI to get social media clout, or even Apple could have intentionally created the scenario to generate hype.
Whatever the case, the iPhone 17 lineup is expected to be announced in September as usual. All will be revealed then.
iOS 26 and iPhone
Apple did a lot of restructuring and rethinking around its operating systems during WWDC 2025. It revealed a system-wide redesign based on a material called Liquid Glass and it also renamed every OS to version 26.
iOS 26 leans heavily on animations and graphics for the Liquid Glass material, which is an indication of Apple's confidence in Apple Silicon. The material itself and how it catches light and color from the information around it could also hint at future device plans.
We've referred to the next iPhone as the "iPhone 17" because it is the one coming after iPhone 16, however, Apple could continue its naming restructure and introduce an "iPhone 26" instead. Names very rarely leak and there is nothing indicating such a name change is coming, but anything is possible.
As Apple Silicon used in iPhone gets more powerful, it will enable new experiences and UI designs that weren't possible before. Expect Apple to entice users with some enhancements to Liquid Glass that is exclusive to iPhone 17.
iPhone 17: Air, Pro, Max
As has been the case for generations, Apple will continue to offer its iPhones in two tiers, with a standard pair accompanied by two Pro models. Each pair will be differentiated by size, but will have similar core specifications.
iPhone 17 could look similar from the frontThe Pro versions will have better components, including a faster processor and better cameras, while the standard models will gain most of the features of the previous generation's Pro models.
It is currently expected that there will be the Pro and Pro Max versions as usual, but the standard versions may differ.
Due to ongoing low proportional sales of the Plus models versus the rest of the group, Apple is rumored to switch it out for a new concept. Instead of just making a larger Plus version of the standard release, Apple could instead bring out the iPhone 17 Air.
As the name indicates, the Air will be a thinner version, though no-one knows exactly how thin. For reference, the iPhone SE is 0.29 inches whereas the M4 iPad Pro is 0.20 inches thick.
iPhone 17 could get thinner the same way iPad Pro didReferences to a screen resolution that matches a rumor from Ming-Chi Kuo suggest Apple is indeed working on the middle-sized iPhone 17 Air. However, nothing about the name or form factor was included in this small discovery.
Because of the thin enclosure, there's a higher potential for the Air model to bend compared to thicker versions. Rumors point to the use of a titanium-aluminum alloy to add strength to the frame.
Apple is rumored to be looking into switching back to aluminum for the pro models' frames. Titanium is used to keep the frame light but durable and it is unclear why Apple would move away from the material, so, the rumor is seen as unlikely at present.
Color options rarely leak, but one source suggests Apple could bring back a sky blue option for iPhone 17 Pro models. It could be similar to the popular Sierra Blue used in iPhone 13 Pro.
iPhone 17 Displays
Normally, Apple will use two different screen sizes for its flagship smartphones. With the introduction of the Air, that may change to three.
Rumors have said that, alongside the 6.1-inch screens of the iPhone 17 model, and the 6.9-inch of the Pro Max, the Air will be between the two. Thought to be closer to the Pro Max sizing, it's expected to be 6.6 inches in size.
Other changes to the display have also been offered, affecting all of the range.
iPhone 17 should have a more scratch-resistant screenFor example, Corning is allegedly working on new harder glass that can perform better than Ceramic Shield displays in withstanding scratches. These same glass panels may also be more anti-reflective than previously produced.
Always-on displays, a trait of the iPhone 15 Pro models, may also move over to the standard editions, meaning all models will offer always-on functionality.
There has also been the claim that ProMotion will finally be available on all iPhone 17 models. However, since this is often referred to as a Pro-specific feature, that seems dubious.
iPhone 17 Cameras
So far, rumors about the new models have been about smaller features rather than major changes to the arrangement from the iPhone 16 generation.
The exception is the iPhone 17 Air, which is proposed to have only one camera, instead of the two or three of the other models. This is due to the constraints of creating a thinner device that still needs to fit in the same components as a slightly thicker model.
iPhone 17 Air may have a new camera bumpFor the rear cameras, it has been proposed that the 2025 models will have adjustable apertures. The benefit is that users will be able to play with bokeh, the background blurriness, of a shot in-camera instead of computationally afterwards.
Variable apertures would also be interesting with Camera Control, which could adjust the aperture by sliding the finger.
A seemingly obvious report claims that the tetraprism lens used for the Telephoto camera won't make its way to non-pro iPhone 17 models, and definitely not the iPhone 17 Air.
A leaker suggested Apple would shift to a horizontal bar on pro models with three cameras going across, but that was quickly shot down by more reliable sources. Instead, Apple will likely stick with the triangle shape, but still on a longer camera bar.
A sketchy photo showing the supposed camera bar rumored for iPhone 17Leaked images shared in January show two iPhone backs in a plastic bag. They appear to show large camera modules on the rear with a large single cutout and a bar-shaped bump — these could be the rumored iPhone Air.
However, it seems odd that Apple would drop down to one camera on a new flagship device when it is heavily promoting shooting spatial video. Sure, Apple Vision Pro is a niche product with a big price tag, but every iPhone was advertised as capable of shooting spatial video in 2024, and this would be a regression.
That is, unless Apple somehow figures out how to generate spatial video using one camera, LiDAR, and software.
The front camera may also get a few upgrades. Instead of a 12-megapixel sensor, the front could use a larger 24-megapixel version.
The camera bump could turn into a camera barReliable leakers have begun corroborating the camera bar rumors, so it's possible that Apple is going to use the design in iPhone 17. The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max would retain the triangle camera formation, but the bump would extend into a bar across the entire back of the iPhone.
If Apple does go with this significant design change, it would likely be for space consideration. More space for improved camera technology and more space for the battery and other components.
iPhone 17 A19
Following the established pattern, Apple will use a "Pro" variant of its A19 chip with its Pro models, and the A19 for the standard edition smartphones.
Apple may also switch out the lens arrangement for a new one, going from a five-element plastic lens to a six-element edition.
A motherboard change could reduce the weight of the iPhone 17 generation.To end users, the difference could mean one or two more cores in the Pro chip versus non-Pro, or some other form of performance or feature boost.
The A19 is anticipated to be the first to be released using TSMC's 2-nanometer production process. The die shrink offers multiple benefits, including power savings, improved heat dissipation, and a physically smaller size.
To go with the new chip, Apple could improve te amount of onboard memory. While the iPhone 16 uses 8GB of memory, the iPhone 17's Pro models may be upped to 12GB.
iPhone 17's Motherboard
An internal component change could end up making the iPhone 17 marginally lighter for users.
Apple is rumored to switch its motherboard production to a technique known as Resin Coated Copper. Using a laminate material instead of a bonding sheet, it will use deposited resin and laser ablation-carved copper to create the board.
This should result in a thinner motherboard, as well as one that will be easier to drill due to the lack of fiberglass. This will also help marginally reduce the time of production for Apple's supply chain, and possibly construction cost too.
Apple is also looking to shift to more house made components like the modem and Wi-Fi radio. It hopes to reduce its reliance on third-party manufacturers further like when it shifted to Apple Silicon in Mac.
iPhone 17 Release Date and price
Apple revealed that there will be an event on September 9, 2025 dubbed "awe inspiring." It will be where the iPhone 17 lineup, new Apple Watches, and other accessories are revealed.
There is a lot of uncertainty around pricing at the moment due to extreme tariffs levied against nearly every country in the world by the United States. There is a lot of back and forth and no clear strategy with the tariffs, so there is no telling which ones will be in place or how high when Apple reveals the new models.
Estimates suggest Apple could increase the price of some models by $50 or more to compensate for tariffs.