The new iPhone cycle is coming, and there are enough rumors to paint a pretty clear picture. We are talking about four models: iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and a brand new, ultra-thin variant that sources call the iPhone 17 Air/Slim. According to insiders, it will replace the Plus version and make the lineup slimmer – literally and figuratively. TechnoVision will tell you more about it below…

In terms of design, expect redesigned cameras on the Pro models and an emphasis on thinness in the Air. Some reports mention a very thin body (about 5.5-6 mm) and even a single main camera in the Air for the sake of profile and weight. It’s not official, but the trend toward ultra-thin flagships seems logical for Apple.

Screens – the main story of the year. If 120 Hz used to be the privilege of Pro versions, then in 2025 LTPO/ProMotion will supposedly appear in all four models. This means smoother scrolling, gameplay, and, last but not least, Always-On Display thanks to the ability to lower the frequency to 1 Hz. The source of the forecast is a reputable display market analyst Ross Young.

Under-screen Face ID has been talked about for years, but the latest roadmap pushes back this innovation. Apple’s in-screen facial recognition system is expected to be available no earlier than 2026 (iPhone 18 Pro line), so the iPhone 17 is likely to retain the “dynamic island” with some cosmetic changes.

As for the cameras: the front module may go to 24 MP instead of 12 MP. This is not the first time this rumor has been heard and comes from analyst Jeff Pu, and it has been picked up by major media, so the chances are high. The Pro models will have a redesigned main camera unit with more noticeable sensors and a periscope for a long optical zoom.

The processor is expected to be A19 Pro and increase the amount of RAM to 12 GB in professional versions, while the basic iPhone 17 and Air will get A18/A19 with 8 GB.

By the way, if ProMotion and Always-On really come to non-Pro, the difference between regular and professional models will shrink. For many users, the screen will be the main reason not to overpay for a Pro – the choice will shift to the camera and battery life.

Here’s a slim iPhone 17 Air that raises a few questions about the battery. Insider photos allegedly show an ultra-thin battery (about 2.49 mm thick) and a capacity of ~2,800-3,000 mAh. Such figures sound bold – and that is why they should be treated with caution. Some observers assume that Apple will compensate with software and platform efficiency, so the real endurance may be somewhere around the level of current iPhones.

The release of Wi-Fi 7 in premium models (and possibly more widely, if there are no problems with components) is quite expected. In addition, there is an assumption that Apple continues to work on its own radio modems, but details on this will be known in the next month. Also, with the advent of the Qi2 standard in 2024, there is a high probability that the 17 series will have faster wireless charging (the exact figures for its speed will be announced during the official presentation).

Now for the main point

Traditionally, the company holds a presentation in September. As of August (if nothing changes), this event is expected to take place on Tuesday, September 9. Pre-orders are likely to open on Friday, September 12, and the first deliveries will start on September 19.

So how will the iPhone 17 differ from the iPhone 16 in the end? First, as we said above, the universal 120 Hz and Always-On. Secondly, the new Air form factor instead of Plus. Third, a 24-megapixel selfie camera as a massive feature for everyone, not just professional models. And finally, the Pro versions are likely to focus on the long-range camera and video processing to justify the premium price.

In general, this year looks interesting. Apple seems to be leveling up the basic capabilities of the entire display line, while experimenting with the form factor with the 17 Air. If the plans come true, most users will feel the changes with their eyes (screen/front camera), not just through benchmark numbers. We just have to wait until September, when everything will fall into place.