Apple iPhone 17 release date, price and specs rumors

The rumor mill never stops when it comes to Apple's iPhones.

The iPhone 16 series has just been released, but rumors about the iPhone 17 are already being heard. Since Apple is notoriously secretive, these early leaks and rumors only add to the excitement.

If you want to know why you should wait for the iPhone 17, here's a summary of everything we know about the entire lineup so far. However, keep in mind that nothing is set in stone until Apple announces it.

When will the iPhone 17 be released?

Apple typically unveils its new iPhone lineup in September, often on the Tuesday of the second week. Based on this pattern, we can expect the iPhone 17 to be announced September 9, 2025.

Here's a look at the release dates of the latest iPhones:

• iPhone 16: September 9, 2024
• iPhone 15: September 12, 2023
• iPhone 14: September 7, 2022
• iPhone 13: September 14, 2021
• iPhone 12: October 13, 2020 (delayed due to Covid)

Pre-orders usually open on the Friday after the announcement, with devices shipping a week later. Occasionally, certain models may experience minor delays due to production issues.

How much will the iPhone 17 cost?

Pricing details for the iPhone 17 remain speculative. However, according to leaker Ice Universe on Weibo, the “Plus” model could be replaced by a new “Air” or “Slim” model that would be priced higher than the Pro Max.

The speculated price is as follows:

• iPhone 17: 6.27-inch LTPO display, A19/8GB ($799/£799)
• iPhone 17 Pro: 6.27-inch LTPO display, A19 Pro/12GB ($1,099/£1,099)
• iPhone 17 Pro Max: 6.86-inch LTPO display, A19 Pro/12GB ($1,199/£1,199)
• iPhone 17 Air/Slim: 6.65-inch LTPO display, A19/8GB ($1,299/£1,299)

If these rumors prove true, the overall cost of the iPhone range could rise significantly, with the Pro model increasing in price by $100 and a new high-end model topping the Pro Max.

What specifications and features will the iPhone 17 have?

iPhone 17 Air

The iPhone 17 Air, previously called the iPhone 17 Slim, is expected to launch in 2025 (possibly alongside the rest of the iPhone 17 series) and could serve as a mid-range model in Apple's lineup, positioned between the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Per.

Analyst Jeff Pu of Haitong International (via 9to5mac) was the first to report this change, and The Information later reported on the “Air” or “Slim” model, stating that it is a new one, yet would be a higher quality model that sits above the Pro Max in the lineup.

However, according to Mark Gurman, this new device will be positioned between the iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Pro. It could be aimed at targeting users who want more premium features than a standard iPhone but don't need the high performance, larger screen or advanced camera systems of the Pro models.

According to Pu (via MacRumors), the iPhone 17 Air will run on the A19 chip (not the A19 Pro), have 8GB of RAM, and have a single 48-megapixel rear camera and a 24-megapixel front camera, making it makes a strong competitor for users who want premium features without the high price of the Pro models.

It's also expected to feature a 6.6-inch display (slightly smaller than the iPhone Plus models), Face ID, a Dynamic Island cutout, and an aluminum body whose design could make it significantly thinner than previous models . This would line up with rumors that Apple is working on ultra-thin OLED displays using Novatek's TDDI technology.

The iPhone 17 Air will likely be priced above the standard iPhone 17 but below the Pro models, although the exact price is not yet known.

design

Apple could introduce a new display size for the standard iPhone 17 model in 2025. The iPhone 17 could measure 6.3 inches instead of 6.1 inches, making it the same size as the iPhone 16 Pro.

Apple is rumored to be planning to kill the Plus model in 2025, so there may only be a single cheaper device, measuring 6.3 inches between the size of the current 6.1-inch iPhone 15 and the 6.7-inch iPhone 15. Inch iPhone would be 15 Plus.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

A notable rumor also suggests that Apple may introduce a new green color option for the iPhone 17 Pro models.

According to leaker Majin Bu, Apple is testing various color codes including #004349 (Teal Titanium), #4f00b7 (Green Titanium) and #003800 (Dark Green Titanium). Although this color selection is not final yet, there is a strong possibility that a Teal Titanium variant will be included in the final lineup.

The iPhone 17 Pro could mark a departure from Apple's traditionally more muted color options for its Pro models, which currently include black, white, gold and gray for the iPhone 16 Pro. Introducing eco-friendly options would appeal to those who want a more vibrant selection in Apple's premium lineup.

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According to The Elec, all models in the iPhone 17 series are expected to feature LTPO displays, with sizes varying between 6.27 inches and 6.86 inches. According to rumors, the always-on display, which was previously only reserved for the Pro models, will become standard in all versions.

A Chinese leaker, Ice Universe, claims that the non-Pro models of the iPhone 17 will for the first time feature an LTPO display with a variable refresh rate of 120Hz, similar to many current Android flagships. This could actually pave the way for always-on display support, although Apple may still reserve this feature for the Pro models.

Apple is also said to be working with Corning on a new anti-reflective and scratch-resistant glass for the iPhone 17 series. This rumor comes from the Instant Digital account on Weibo.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

According to rumors, the iPhone 17 Air/Slim (via DigiTimes) will feature a new, ultra-thin OLED display that could make the device significantly thinner. This is made possible by Novatek's TDDI OLED (Touch and Display Driver Integration) panel, which integrates the touch sensor and the display driver in one layer.

While DigiTimes suggests that Apple could adopt this technology for the iPhone 17 Air/Slim, it is possible that the company will first test it on other devices like the Apple Watch or iPads before rolling it out on the iPhone.

Performance

All iPhone 17 models are expected to feature Apple's A19 chip, although only the Pro and Pro Max variants are expected to get the more powerful A19 Pro.

Previously, Ice Universe said that the Pro and (alleged) Air/Slim models may feature the A19 Pro variant. However, Jeff Pu now reports (via MacRumors) that the latter will feature the standard A19 chip, manufactured using TSMC's advanced 3nm process and offering high efficiency and performance gains.

According to a report from Chinese website CTEE, Apple plans to introduce 2nm chips for its iPhone 17 series in 2025, with these advanced chips expected to be used exclusively in the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models.

These chips could be manufactured by TSMC, although the Taiwanese company is currently facing production problems due to the low yield of the new 2nm process technology. However, despite these issues, Apple has reportedly secured all of TSMC's 2nm capacity.

Test production is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2024, allowing TSMC to remain competitive in the chip manufacturing market against rivals such as Samsung and Intel.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

A rumor from GSMArena suggested that all iPhone 17 models would come with 12GB of RAM, but analysts Ming-Chi Kuo clarified that only the iPhone 17 Pro Max will have 12GB, while the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Plus/iPhone 17 Air/Slim, iPhone 17 Pro and the upcoming iPhone SE will stick with 8GB of RAM.

Despite Apple's efforts to develop its own 5G modem, the iPhone 17 series will likely continue to rely on Qualcomm for cellular connectivity. Wi-Fi 7 support is also expected.

Cameras

On the camera front, the iPhone 17 Air is expected (via MacRumors) to feature a single 48-megapixel rear camera.

In January, Ming-chi Kuo suggested a significant upgrade to the front camera, with all models having a 24-megapixel sensor compared to the current 12-megapixel selfie camera.

In recent research (via MacRumors), analyst Jeff Pu has supported Kuo's speculation. Pu's note to investment bank Haitong also included a table specifying a 24-megapixel front camera with a 6P lens for the series.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Although the launch is still a year away and plans could change, the consensus in reports suggests that the 24-megapixel selfie camera feature is highly likely to arrive.

In another Medium post, Kuo also said that the iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to feature a 48-megapixel wide-angle camera, a 48-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera, and a 48-megapixel tetraprism telephoto camera, making it the first iPhone with three 48 megapixel cameras will make.

Chinese leaker Ice Universe also claims that the Pro versions of the iPhone 17 will have three 48-megapixel cameras covering wide, telephoto and ultra-wide angles.

Battery and charging

According to leaker Majin Bu, Apple will introduce innovative electrically induced battery removal technology across the iPhone 17 lineup, including the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.

According to reports, this technology is based on the adhesive mechanism of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, which allowed users to remove the battery simply by applying a low-voltage electrical current.

The adhesive becomes softer when connected to a 9V battery, USB-C charger or other power sources, making battery maintenance and replacement more user-friendly.

Majin Bu also shared pictures Notes on adhesive variants for different iPhone 17 models. However, his track record when it comes to Apple leaks is mixed, so while the expansion seems logical, it has yet to be confirmed by other sources.

software

The iPhone 17 series will launch with iOS 19 and is packed with new features and improvements.

Apple Intelligence will play an increasingly important role and will require more RAM to support its advanced features.

The iPhone 17 Air, expected to come with 8GB of RAM, is expected to be well-equipped to handle these new software requirements and provide users with a smooth and responsive experience.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

That's everything we currently know about the iPhone 17 series. While we wait for more news, check out what the all-new iPhone 16 series has to offer and where you can buy it.