Apple is preparing to launch the iPhone 17 lineup in September 2025, marking a major refresh of its most popular product line. The standard iPhone 17 will continue to serve as the entry point while still delivering several upgrades across display technology, performance, and camera capabilities. Alongside it, Apple is also expected to debut the iPhone 17 Air, a thinner model designed to replace the Plus version with a sleeker form factor.
The iPhone 17 series represents an important shift in Apple’s strategy. For the first time, Apple is expected to bring ProMotion displays to the non-Pro models, making the iPhone 17 feel much closer in experience to the Pro lineup. Combined with a new A19 chip, slimmer bezels, and improved cameras, the iPhone 17 will stand out as a significant step forward compared to the iPhone 16.
iPhone 17 features
The iPhone 17 will introduce several upgrades compared to the iPhone 16. The display will increase to 6.3 inches, bringing a slightly larger screen without enlarging the overall body of the phone. This display will also support 120 Hz ProMotion for the first time on a non-Pro model, delivering smoother animations and better responsiveness.
Powering the device will be Apple’s new A19 chip, paired with 8 GB of RAM for stronger performance and improved efficiency. This will allow the iPhone 17 to fully support iOS 26, which introduces more AI-powered features that require advanced on-device processing. The front camera will see a notable upgrade to 24 MP, while the rear dual-camera system is expected to receive better sensors for improved low-light photography.
Here’s a summary of the rumored features:
- 6.3-inch OLED display with 120 Hz ProMotion
- A19 chip with 8 GB RAM
- 24 MP upgraded front-facing camera
- Dual-lens rear camera system with improved sensors
- Faster wireless charging up to 25 W and wired charging up to 35W
- Expanded color lineup with new finishes
- Slimmer bezels for a more modern look
- Improved battery efficiency for longer runtime
iPhone 17 Air design and features
The iPhone 17 Air is set to replace the Plus variant, offering a 6.6-inch display in a much slimmer body. Reports suggest it could measure between 5.5 mm and 6 mm thick, making it one of the thinnest iPhones ever. The Air is expected to feature the same A19 chip as the standard model, along with similar color options and design language.
Its thinner profile may mean some compromises, such as a single rear camera lens instead of a dual system, but Apple is positioning it as a stylish alternative for users who value design and portability over advanced photography features.
iPhone 17 Air design and features
The iPhone 17 Air is set to replace the Plus variant, offering a 6.6-inch display in a much slimmer body. Reports suggest it could measure between 5.5 mm and 6 mm thick, making it one of the thinnest iPhones ever. The Air is expected to feature the same A19 chip as the standard model, along with similar color options and design language.
Its thinner profile may mean some compromises, such as a single rear camera lens instead of a dual system, but Apple is positioning it as a stylish alternative for users who value design and portability over advanced photography features.
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17
Compared to the iPhone 16, the iPhone 17 introduces a range of improvements:
• Larger 6.3-inch display versus 6.1 inches on the iPhone 16
• ProMotion 120 Hz support instead of 60 Hz on iPhone 16
• A19 chip with efficiency gains over the A18
• 24 MP front camera versus the 12 MP sensor in iPhone 16
• Faster charging speeds with Qi 2.2 wireless charging
• Slimmer bezels for a more modern look
These updates position the iPhone 17 as a meaningful upgrade, especially for users holding onto older devices such as the iPhone 13 or iPhone 14.
iPhone 17 storage options
Apple is expected to continue offering multiple storage tiers for the iPhone 17, starting at 128 GB and scaling up to 512 GB. This will help maintain a lower entry price compared to the Pro models, which may shift to a 256 GB base.
iPhone 17 release date
Apple traditionally announces new iPhones in September, and the iPhone 17 is expected to follow this cycle. An announcement event in early September 2025 is likely, followed by pre-orders within a few days and in-store availability later that month.
This schedule mirrors the timeline of the iPhone 16 release and ensures the iPhone 17 will be available in time for the holiday shopping season.
iPhone 17 price and availability
Pricing for the iPhone 17 is expected to increase slightly compared to the iPhone 16. The base iPhone 17 may start around $850–$899, while the Air is expected to cost slightly more due to its slim design and larger display. Both models will remain significantly more affordable than the Pro lineup, making them attractive options for users who want a balance of price and features.
Apple will likely continue to offer multiple storage options, starting from 128 GB and scaling up to 512 GB. While the Pro models are rumored to start at 256 GB, the standard iPhone 17 is expected to keep the 128 GB entry option to stay accessible in price.
Overall, the iPhone 17 lineup will narrow the gap between Apple’s regular and Pro iPhones. With ProMotion displays, better cameras, and stronger chips, the standard iPhone 17 will feel like a significant upgrade for users coming from older devices while remaining more affordable than the Pro series.
