When you buy through affiliate links in our content, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn 
While the iPhone 16 was the central focus of this year’s “Apple Glowtime” event, we already have some good insight into the iPhone 17, which is expected to arrive in September 2025 with features that might make it the model to wait for.
With hinted improvements, including ProMotion screen technology for a speedier screen refresh rate of 120Hz, improved scratch resistance, a slimmer design, and a faster A-series chip, the 2025 iPhone 17 is speculated to see one of the biggest updates to the iPhone design in many years.
What is the iPhone 17?
iPhone 17 is expected to be the next Apple flagship smartphone to replace the iPhone 16. We expect the 2025 Apple iPhone lineup to come in four models: the standard iPhone 17, the iPhone 17 Pro, the iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the rumored new iPhone 17 “Slim”.
Some speculators, including Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, suggest that Apple is discontinuing the iPhone 17 Plus to explore new design trends beyond the existing iPhone lineup.
When is the iPhone 17 Release Date?
Apple hardly says a word about its iPhone launch dates unless the release date edges closer. However, if we follow Apple’s traditional release cycle over the past few years, we expect the iPhone 17 to launch around September 2025.
iPhone 17: Rumored Features, Specs & Design
Early leaks into Apple’s road map reveal that the company will reportedly expand the ProMotion Display technology (sometimes seen in iPhone Pro models) from the current iPhone 16’s 60Hz to 120Hz in the iPhone 17.
Ross Young, CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants, recently posted on social media that Apple will use low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) panels for all iPhone 17 models to enable a refresh rate of up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and video content creation.
Apple iPhone 17 may also feature a big camera upgrade, with a leak by Ice Universe on Chinese social media website Weibo suggesting that the phone’s selfie camera resolution will be upgraded to 24MP, up from the 12MP expected in the iPhone 16.
Competition with itself: 2024’s iPhone 16 range are beautiful phones, but evolution marches on. (Apple)
Ice Universe also shared a document containing the iPhone 17 specs, suggesting that the 2025 iPhone 17 standard version is likely to have a 6.27- or 6.3-inch screen while the Pro Max will have a 6.82-inch size.
The RAM size for the base version is rumored to be around 12 GB.
There are also reports that the iPhone 17 will be equipped with the A-19 Chip based on TSMC’s 2nm process node. However, another post on Weibo suggests that the 2nm process won’t go into mass production until late 2025 and will not be ready in time to feature in the iPhone 17 series.
Instead, Apple will likely use an upgraded variant of the 3nm process in the A-19 Chip technology.
According to another post on Weibo spotted by an X user, the outer glass of the iPhone 17 will likely feature a scratch-resistant anti-reflective display.
iPhone 17 Price
It might be tough to predict the launch price of the iPhone 17 since the 2024 iPhone is just arriving.
However, with the iPhone 16 launching at $799, we expect Apple to retain this price tag for next year’s iPhone 17 base model.
Our Wishlist for Apple’s 2025 iPhone
Although early leaks project the iPhone 17 to have major upgrades from its predecessor, we still hope Apple’s 2025 iPhone plans include the following updates:
While iPhone batteries have been steadily evolving, power-hungry users still crave an even mightier electrical heartbeat to fuel their iPhones.
The iPhone 16’s expected 3,500mAh capacity trails behind the Galaxy S24’s 4,000mAh and Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s 4,650 mAh battery.
For the iPhone 17, we hope to see an iPhone battery that finally crosses the 4,000mAh threshold.
Apple could enhance charging speeds to match or exceed competitors. Many Android phones like the OnePlus 12 support up to 80W fast charging already.
While the iPhone 16 can charge up to 30W, we still need more improvements in the iPhone 17 lineup when it arrives next year.
While Apple has made significant strides in camera technology, improving optical zoom capabilities to match or exceed competitors like Samsung’s “Space Zoom” could be a desirable enhancement.
For example, the AI-powered 100x Space Zoom in the Samsung Galaxy S24 processes information to capture clearer, brighter pictures without compromising quality.
While iPhone 16 has a 6.1-inch display, other flagships are aiming for larger display sizes, and we wouldn’t want Apple to remain static in this area.
Interestingly, there are early leaks that Apple is working on a 6.3-inch display in the iPhone 17 and even a totally new slim variant with a larger display. We will have to wait to see how the developments play out in the coming months.
Nearly every flagship smartphone nowadays has transitioned to a higher refresh rate across its models. Brands like Samsung, Google, and OnePlus already feature 120Hz refresh rates in their standard flagship models.
Apple is still lagging behind in this area by only enabling higher refresh rates in its premium models.
Apple enthusiasts are keen on seeing a boost in refresh rate across all iPhone 17 models and matching the latest industry standard of 120Hz — across the entire range — wouldn’t be too big an ask.
iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 17
Here’s a comparison table between the current iPhone 16 and the upcoming iPhone 17 based on our predictions:
The Bottom Line
As we wait anxiously to see what Apple has in store for us in the iPhone 16 series, the 2025 iPhone rumors are already making fans skeptical about whether to buy the iPhone 16 now or wait for the 17 series.
If all the leaks and rumors we discussed materialize in the next Apple Phone, then it will be worth it for those who can hang longer for the launch.
