The iPhone 17 series is shaping up to be one of Apple’s most exciting releases, promising substantial upgrades across all models. From improved display technology to under-display Face ID, Apple is taking big strides with its upcoming lineup. Here’s everything we know so far about the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Slim (also referred to as iPhone 17 Air), iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
1. 120Hz ProMotion for All Models
One of the biggest changes is that Apple is finally bringing its 120Hz ProMotion display technology to the non-Pro models. This is a significant improvement, as current non-Pro models, including the recently launched iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, still have 60Hz displays.
With a 120Hz LTPO OLED panel, both the iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Slim will offer smoother scrolling and a better viewing experience. This technology will also enable variable refresh rates, meaning the screen can adjust the refresh rate based on what’s being displayed. It can drop as low as 1Hz to save battery when showing static images, and ramp up to 120Hz for fast-paced content like videos and gaming.
2. Introducing the iPhone 17 Slim
Replacing the underperforming iPhone 16 Plus, Apple is set to launch the iPhone 17 Slim, also referred to as the iPhone 17 Air. This model is expected to be one of the thinnest iPhones ever made. Its sleek and ultra-thin design will make it a standout in the lineup, positioning it as a premium option among the non-Pro models.
3. Display Upgrades for the Pro Models
The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will continue to push the envelope in display technology. While the base models are catching up with ProMotion technology, the Pro models will feature an even more advanced display.
- Under-Display Face ID: One of the most anticipated features for the Pro models is the introduction of under-display Face ID. This will mark the end of the Dynamic Island, as the selfie camera will be the only component left in a small punch-hole cutout. This change will give the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max a near all-screen design, similar to many flagship Android phones.
- LTPO Display: Just like the standard models, the Pro versions will have LTPO technology, allowing for a variable refresh rate that ranges from 1Hz to 120Hz, improving both battery life and performance.
4. Camera Improvements Across the Board
Apple is also making notable changes to the camera systems, especially on the Pro models. Rumors suggest that the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will feature a 24MP front camera, which is a huge leap from the 12MP cameras currently on Apple devices.
- Triple-Camera System: The Pro models may also get an upgraded 48MP triple-camera setup, with improved sensors for better low-light performance and dynamic range.
- AI-Enhanced Photography: Apple continues to focus on AI-driven photography and videography improvements, aiming to make the iPhone 17 Pro models even more capable for professional use.
5. Chipset and Performance Boost
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are rumored to come with Apple’s next-generation A19 chipset, built on 2nm technology by TSMC. This cutting-edge chipset is expected to deliver:
- 15% improvement in processing power over the iPhone 16’s A17 chip.
- 25-30% reduction in power consumption, which will contribute to better battery life.
- 12GB of RAM on the Pro models, making them more powerful and capable of handling AI-driven tasks.
These performance upgrades will make the iPhone 17 Pro models one of the fastest and most efficient smartphones on the market, ensuring smoother multitasking and better gaming performance.
6. Battery Life and Power Efficiency
With the introduction of LTPO displays and the power-efficient A19 chipset, the iPhone 17 series is expected to offer improved battery life across the lineup. The ability of the display to scale down to 1Hz during low activity will save significant power, especially when the Always-On Display feature is enabled.
- Always-On Display: This feature, previously available only on Pro models, will now come to the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Slim. With the variable refresh rate going as low as 1Hz, the Always-On Display can show useful information like the time or notifications without draining too much battery.
7. iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max: More RAM, More Storage
Both the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are expected to come with 12GB of RAM, an upgrade from the 8GB seen in previous models. This additional RAM will be essential for handling the increased processing demands of machine learning and AI-powered features that Apple is working to integrate more deeply into its ecosystem.
8. Enhanced Connectivity: 5G and WiFi 7
The iPhone 17 series will come with improved connectivity features. Apple is reportedly working on an in-house 5G modem, which could replace the Qualcomm modems used in previous models. Additionally, the Pro models might support WiFi 7, ensuring faster and more reliable wireless connections.
9. Expected Launch and Pricing
As with most iPhone releases, the iPhone 17 series is expected to be announced in September 2025. While there is no official word on pricing yet, it’s likely that the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Slim will start at prices similar to the current iPhone 16 models, with the Pro versions commanding a premium.
- iPhone 17 Slim (Air) could be a higher-end offering among the standard models, given its ultra-thin design and improved display technology.
Conclusion: What to Expect from iPhone 17
The iPhone 17 series is shaping up to be a significant upgrade, especially in terms of display technology. The addition of 120Hz ProMotion displays on the non-Pro models will finally narrow the gap between the standard and Pro variants. The iPhone 17 Slim, with its sleek design, aims to offer a premium feel to consumers who don’t want to splurge on the Pro models.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will continue to push the boundaries with under-display Face ID, more RAM, and a more powerful A19 chipset. If you’ve been waiting for a true all-screen design on an iPhone, the 17 Pro series might finally deliver that futuristic look.
As we edge closer to the launch, more details will likely emerge, but one thing is clear—Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup is set to redefine the user experience with its high-end features and cutting-edge technology.
