Apple is expected to replace the current Plus version with the iPhone 17 Air, the slimmest iPhone model yet. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, this model will measure 5.5 mm in thickness and feature a single rear camera. The device will integrate the A19 chip, C1 modem, Action Button, Camera Control, and a 24-megapixel front camera.

Apple will equip all four iPhone 17 models with aluminum frames, replacing the titanium frame found in the iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro, or the stainless steel frame used from the iPhone X to the iPhone 14 Pro.

Completely New Camera Module

Except for the iPhone 17, the other three models will feature a new rear camera design. The Pro models will adopt a rectangular camera module with rounded corners, spanning the entire width of the device. Apple will maintain the triangular arrangement of the three lenses, but the LiDAR sensor and LED flash will be moved to the right. Meanwhile, the 17 Air will have a pill-shaped camera module.

Increased Screen Size for the Standard iPhone 17

Apple may increase the screen size of the standard iPhone 17 to match the 17 Pro model's 6.27-inch display, while the 17 Air will feature a completely new 6.6-inch screen.

ProMotion Display

Apple will expand the ProMotion feature to all iPhone 2025 models, enabling the screen to adjust the refresh rate from 1 to 120 Hz, resulting in a smoother experience. As a result, both the iPhone 17 and 17 Air will also support the Always-On Display feature like the Pro models. Apple will no longer face criticism for the 60 Hz display on the standard version, a feature considered outdated in today’s high-end smartphones.

Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth Chips Designed by Apple

The iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max will be the first models to feature Apple-designed Wi-Fi 7 chips, allowing data transmission across three bands: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz simultaneously, for a more stable connection. The new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips will help Apple reduce reliance on external suppliers such as Broadcom.

48-Megapixel Telephoto Lens

Apple is expected to equip the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max with a 48-megapixel telephoto lens, much higher than the current 12-megapixel resolution, which is the same as the main camera and ultra-wide angle lens. However, the optical zoom capability will be 3.5x (85 mm) instead of 5x (120 mm).

The new focal length is deemed more suitable for portrait photography, enabling users to easily frame their shots without needing to move far from the subject. This change won’t affect image quality, as the 48-megapixel resolution allows users to crop photos as needed.

8K Video Recording

Although 8K video recording is not yet widespread, equipping the 17 Pro with this capability will ensure that even if content is cropped, it will still meet 4K standards. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman mentioned in February that Apple plans to focus on improving video recording features for the iPhone 17 Pro when it launches later this year.

24-Megapixel Selfie Camera

The iPhone 17 will feature a 24-megapixel front camera, doubling the current resolution. This upgrade improves photo quality and ensures more detail even when zoomed in or cropped. A new feature that may appear on the Pro models is dual recording, which activates both the front and rear cameras simultaneously. This feature is particularly useful for content creators on video platforms like YouTube and TikTok.

Scratch and Reflective Resistant Display

According to Instant Digital, a previously reliable Apple information source on X, the iPhone 17’s display will feature a super-hard anti-reflective coating and improved scratch resistance. This new solution will eliminate the need for third-party tempered glass screen protectors.

12 GB RAM

Apple Insider reports that the two Pro versions will upgrade their RAM from 8 GB to 12 GB, while analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that only the iPhone 17 Pro Max will have 12 GB of RAM. This memory boost will improve Apple Intelligence performance and enhance multitasking capabilities.

A19 Chip

The two iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air models will be equipped with the A19 chip, while the 17 Pro and Pro Max will feature the A19 Pro chip. Although it won’t be manufactured with the 2nm process, Apple’s phones are still expected to significantly improve performance, incorporating important components like the Thunderbolt controller for the Pro models, Neural Engine for Apple Intelligence, and ISP for enhanced image quality.

New Thermal Management Design

Apple continues to upgrade its thermal management system with the iPhone 17 generation using vapor chamber cooling technology. This solution, commonly used in many high-end Android devices, helps distribute heat evenly across a larger surface, preventing slowdowns due to overheating and maintaining stable performance. This is especially beneficial for devices with thin designs.

Reverse Wireless Charging and Larger Battery

According to Instant Digital, Apple is testing reverse wireless charging on the iPhone 17 Pro to power other Apple devices like AirPods and Apple Watches.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max will also feature a larger battery by increasing its thickness to 8.72 mm, compared to the previous model’s 8.25 mm. This adjustment is expected to add 400 mAh to the battery capacity of the device.