The annual Apple event is just around the corner, and the air is thick with anticipation. While Apple’s new iPhones are always a big deal, the iPhone 17 series is shaping up to be something truly special. Based on a flood of leaks and reports from reliable sources, the iPhone 17 isn’t just an incremental update, it’s a major leap forward that could redefine what a smartphone is.
From a brand-new “Air” model to a major camera overhaul and Pro-level features for every phone, here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming iPhone 17.
Goodbye “Plus,” Hello “Air”: A Bold New Lineup
For years, the iPhone lineup has been predictable. But this year, Apple is shaking things up. All signs point to the retirement of the “Plus” model, which will be replaced by a brand-new, ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air. This new model is rumored to prioritize a sleek and lightweight design, appealing to users who want flagship-level performance in a more portable form factor.
The rumored lineup will now consist of:
- iPhone 17: The new standard model, with a larger 6.3-inch display.
- iPhone 17 Air: The new, ultra-thin model, likely with a screen size between the standard and Pro Max models.
- iPhone 17 Pro: The premium model, with all the latest features.
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: The top-tier, largest, and most advanced iPhone.
Pro-Level Displays for Everyone: The 120Hz Revolution
One of the most exciting rumors is that Apple will bring ProMotion technology to the entire iPhone 17 lineup. This means that even the base iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air could feature a 120Hz refresh rate, a feature previously reserved for the Pro models.
For the average user, this is a massive upgrade. Scrolling through your social media feeds, swiping between apps, and playing games will feel incredibly smooth and responsive. It’s an upgrade that you’ll notice the second you pick up the phone.
A Camera Overhaul That Changes Everything
Apple’s cameras are consistently among the best, but the iPhone 17 series is rumored to take photography and videography to a whole new level.
- Front Camera Upgrade: For the first time in years, the front-facing camera across all iPhone 17 models is expected to get a huge bump, from 12MP to 24MP. This means sharper selfies, clearer video calls, and much more flexibility for cropping and editing.
- A “Super” Telephoto Lens: Rumors suggest the iPhone 17 Pro Max will feature a groundbreaking 48MP telephoto camera. This could offer an incredible 8x optical zoom, a massive leap from the current 5x. This will make it easier than ever to capture stunning, detailed photos from a distance.
- 8K Video Recording: For professional creators and enthusiasts, the Pro models are also rumored to support 8K video recording. This would be a first for the iPhone and would allow for incredibly detailed, high-resolution video that provides immense flexibility in post-production.
Under the Hood: Power, AI, and Connectivity
The iPhone 17 won’t just look different; it will be a powerhouse on the inside as well.
- A19 Pro Chip: The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are expected to be powered by the new A19 Pro chip, built on an advanced 3nm process. This will bring significant improvements in speed, efficiency, and AI processing, especially for the new Apple Intelligence features.
- More RAM: To handle the demands of advanced AI and multitasking, the Pro models are rumored to get a bump to 12GB of RAM.
- Wi-Fi 7 and Improved 5G: Apple is expected to finally start using its own in-house modem for some models, potentially bringing Wi-Fi 7 and dramatically improved 5G connectivity.
Key Factors Influencing Price
Several factors are rumored to be pushing the price of the iPhone 17 series upward:
- Upgraded Base Storage: The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are widely expected to start with 256GB of storage instead of the traditional 128GB. This is a significant upgrade that Apple will use to justify a higher base price.
- Component Costs: The new A19 Pro chip, advanced camera sensors, and new materials are likely to increase the cost of production.
- Inflation and Tariffs: Ongoing global economic factors and trade tariffs are also cited by analysts as potential reasons for a price increase.
iPhone 17 Pricing Predictions
iPhone 17 (Base Model)
- Predicted Starting Price: Around $850
- Analysis: The base iPhone 17 is likely to see a modest price increase, possibly around $50, due to the larger 6.3-inch display and other general upgrades. It’s expected to retain the 128GB starting storage option.
iPhone 17 Air (New Model)
- Predicted Starting Price: Around $899 – $949
- Analysis: This new model is rumored to replace the “Plus” model and will be positioned as a premium, ultra-thin device. Its price will likely fall between the base iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Pro. Some reports suggest it might land at the same price as the previous iPhone Plus, while others predict a slight bump due to its unique design.
iPhone 17 Pro
- Predicted Starting Price: Around $1,049
- Analysis: This is where the most significant change is expected. The iPhone 17 Pro is rumored to get a $50 price increase, bringing its starting price from the traditional $999 to $1,049. However, this increase is tied to the upgrade of base storage from 128GB to 256GB. In essence, while the starting price is higher, you’re getting a better value than the previous generation’s 256GB model.
iPhone 17 Pro Max
- Predicted Starting Price: Around $1,249
- Analysis: The iPhone 17 Pro Max is also expected to get a price bump, potentially a $50 increase over the previous model. The base storage for the Pro Max has already been at 256GB for the last generation, so the price increase will be solely for the new features, such as the rumored 48MP telephoto lens and an even larger screen.
| Model | Previous Generation (iPhone 16) | Predicted iPhone 17 Starting Price |
| iPhone 17 | $799 | ~$850 |
| iPhone 17 Air | $899 (iPhone 16 Plus) | ~$899 – $949 |
| iPhone 17 Pro | $999 (128GB) | ~$1,049 (256GB) |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | $1,199 (256GB) | ~$1,249 (256GB) |
The Verdict: Is It Worth the Upgrade?
The iPhone 17 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting iPhone releases in years. The rumored new “Air” model, the inclusion of ProMotion across the entire lineup, and the massive camera upgrades make it a compelling upgrade for almost anyone. While the price might be slightly higher, the rumored jump in base storage to 256GB on the Pro models could help justify the cost.
Whether you’re a casual user, a content creator, or a tech enthusiast, the iPhone 17 series seems poised to deliver a phone that truly feels next-gen.