As the iPhone 16 hits the market, attention is shifting to the anticipated iPhone 17, expected to launch in the latter half of 2025. Notably, Apple seems to be moving away from the Plus model, introducing a new variant called the iPhone Slim. Executives at Apple have referred to the upcoming models as their “most ambitious” iPhones ever. Here’s what we know so far about this future device.
Release Date of the iPhone 17
If Apple adheres to its usual schedule, the iPhone 17 lineup should debut in September 2025. Reports from The Information indicate that Apple has initiated manufacturing for the standard iPhone 17 models in India, marking the first time the company has begun production outside of China. This early phase involves refining the design and testing new materials to ensure efficient production.
During this initial manufacturing stage, Apple aims to ensure that millions of units can be produced daily with minimal defects. This phase is expected to continue until early next year. Additionally, Apple has already started producing iPhone 17 Air models in China, entering the new product introduction phase, which focuses on design validation and prototype testing.
iPhone 17 Slim: A New Direction
Since the launch of the iPhone 12 mini, Apple has faced challenges in marketing its smaller models, with low sales figures for the iPhone 12 mini, 13 mini, 14 Plus, and 15 Plus. As the company evaluates the performance of the iPhone 16 Plus, it appears to be considering a different strategy for the iPhone 17.
Rumors suggest that the iPhone 17 Slim will be a premium version of the standard model, priced around $1,299, making it the most expensive iPhone to date. Despite its ultra-thin design, it is expected to feature the A19 chip, 8 GB of RAM, and two main cameras, along with ProMotion technology. However, how Apple will manage battery life in such a slim form factor remains uncertain.
Interestingly, the Pro models of the iPhone 17 are rumored to include 12GB of RAM and the A19 Pro chip, utilizing TSMC’s new N3P manufacturing process, along with three 48MP main cameras. This raises questions about how Apple can justify a higher price for a model that may not outperform its Pro counterparts.
Display Size and Design of the iPhone 17
For the upcoming iPhone lineup, display analyst Ross Young predicts that Apple will implement a pill-shaped cutout across all models, including the Pro versions. Although there were earlier reports of under-panel Face ID technology for Pro models, this feature has been postponed to the iPhone 18. Additionally, there are rumors that Apple may replace the titanium frame with aluminum for all models.
The standard iPhone 17 models are expected to finally incorporate Always-On Display and ProMotion technology. Young anticipates that Apple will introduce a low-temperature polycrystalline oxide display across all models in 2025. This could benefit companies like Samsung and LG, who are likely to receive significant OLED panel orders from Apple.
Each iPhone 17 is expected to maintain the same display sizes as their predecessors, with 6.3 inches for the smaller models and 6.9 inches for the iPhone 17 Pro Max. While a Plus version is not anticipated, the iPhone Slim is generating buzz.
Cameras and Features of the iPhone 17
The iPhone 17 Pro lineup is set to feature a 48MP lens on all primary cameras. While the iPhone 16 Pro was rumored to include a 48MP ultra-wide lens, the 17 Pro will also upgrade the telephoto lens to the same resolution. Additionally, an exclusive tetra prism zoom camera is expected for the Pro Max model.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has outlined Apple’s plans for a significant upgrade in zoom capabilities, moving from a 12MP sensor to a 48MP tetraprism lens. However, it remains unclear whether this new zoom camera will be available on all Pro models.
Moreover, Apple is reportedly working on a mechanical aperture for the iPhone Pro, allowing users to manually create a shallow depth-of-field effect in their photos. Currently, the bokeh effect is artificially generated through Portrait Mode.
Performance and Connectivity of the iPhone 17
The iPhone 17 lineup is expected to be powered by the A19 family of chips, with Apple developing both the A19 and A19 Pro versions. These chips will likely continue to utilize a 3nm manufacturing process, enhancing efficiency and performance.
While the exact performance improvements remain to be seen, the focus on Neural Engine cores suggests that Apple is prioritizing advancements in its Apple Intelligence features. The Pro models are rumored to come with 12GB of RAM, while the standard models will have 8GB.
Wi-Fi 7 support is also anticipated for the iPhone 17, following the iPhone 16’s introduction of this technology. Wi-Fi 7 promises faster speeds and improved connectivity, especially in crowded environments. Analysts believe Apple may introduce its proprietary Wi-Fi modem, reducing reliance on Broadcom.
Battery and Software of the iPhone 17
Details about the battery capacity for the iPhone 17 remain unclear. However, it is rumored that the entire lineup will feature the same battery glue technology used in the iPhone 16. This innovation simplifies battery replacement, enhancing repairability.
While battery life is a concern for the iPhone 17 Air, new display components may help improve battery performance in the Pro models. As for software, Apple is developing iOS 19, which is expected to include significant updates to Siri and other Apple Intelligence features.
By 2025, Siri is anticipated to gain contextual understanding capabilities, enhancing user interaction. Features like writing tools, image creation, and photo memory organization are also expected to be part of the new iOS.
As we await more information about the iPhone 17, it’s clear that Apple is gearing up for an exciting release. Stay tuned for updates as more details emerge.
Via BGR
