iPhone 17 Release Date, New Features, & What’s Coming Next

The iPhone 17 will be available in four different models: the iPhone 17 Pro, the iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the new iPhone 17 “Slim” or “Air.” Since Apple is ending the “Plus” line, the iPhone 17 Plus will not be available. Instead of replacing the iPhone 17 Plus, the iPhone 17 will debut as a new product in the lineup. According to contradictory rumors today, we can expect a thinner iPhone 17 with a display of about 6.6 inches and a chassis that is six inches thick or less.

iPhone 17 Release Date: When Will It Launch?

As always, Apple tends to unveil new iPhone models in September. While an official date hasn’t been confirmed yet, it’s safe to assume that the iPhone 17 will follow this tradition. Expect an announcement during the first or second week of September 2025, with pre-orders likely opening shortly after the event. The official launch will likely take place the following week, hitting store shelves and being shipped worldwide.

The 2024 iPhone 16 models will be followed by the iPhone 17 models, which will likely be released in September 2025.

iPhone 17 New Features: What to Expect

While Apple has not officially revealed details about the iPhone 17 yet, multiple leaks, analyst reports, and industry trends give us a good idea of what to expect in terms of new features and improvements.

1. Design Overhaul: A Lighter, Thinner Model

Apple is expected to continue its trend of refining the design, with rumors suggesting that the iPhone 17 could be lighter and thinner than its predecessors. Apple has been using titanium and other premium materials for a more durable yet lightweight experience. The iPhone 17 might push this even further, creating a more streamlined, comfortable feel.

Expect smaller bezels and potentially a notch-less display, which would eliminate the Face ID sensors at the top of the device, paving the way for a completely edge-to-edge OLED display. This would likely improve both the aesthetics and user experience by providing more screen real estate.

2. Enhanced Display Technology: 120Hz ProMotion for All Models

Apple’s ProMotion display technology, which was previously exclusive to the iPhone 13 Pro models and beyond, could become standard across all variants of the iPhone 17. This means every iPhone 17 model could feature the buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate for an incredibly responsive experience, especially in apps and while gaming.

Additionally, Apple is rumored to improve brightness levels, making the iPhone 17’s display even more vibrant and readable in direct sunlight. Enhanced color accuracy and HDR support are also likely.

3. Camera System Upgrades

The camera system on the iPhone has seen massive upgrades over the years, and the iPhone 17 is expected to continue that trend. Rumors suggest a periscope zoom lens could be introduced, significantly improving the iPhone’s zoom capabilities. This could give users the ability to zoom in on distant subjects with far better clarity and minimal quality loss.

Additionally, expect better low-light performance and enhanced AI-powered computational photography, including improvements to Portrait Mode, Night Mode, and Smart HDR. Video enthusiasts can likely expect improved cinematic video modes and perhaps even 8K video recording.

4. Apple Silicon Chip: A New Level of Performance

The iPhone 17 will likely feature a next-generation version of Apple’s A-series chips, likely called the A18 Bionic. With each new iteration, these chips become more power-efficient, faster, and better at handling advanced tasks like AI processing and 3D rendering.

The A18 Bionic chip is expected to be built on a 3nm process, which would make it more power-efficient than the previous generation. This could lead to improved battery life and performance, particularly for intensive apps like gaming and video editing.

5. Longer Battery Life

Battery life is always a key concern for smartphone users, and Apple knows this. For the iPhone 17, expect longer battery life due to a combination of more efficient chips, better power management, and possibly a larger battery capacity. Enhanced energy-efficient components and software optimizations could give users even more screen-on time throughout the day.

6. USB-C Charging

While the iPhone 16 continues to use Lightning charging, many analysts speculate that Apple may adopt USB-C charging for the iPhone 17, following the trend of EU regulations pushing for universal charging ports. USB-C would allow faster charging and data transfer speeds, and it could mean that Apple users will no longer need to carry multiple charging cables for different devices.

7. iOS 18: A Glimpse into the Future

With every new iPhone, Apple also releases a new version of iOS. The iPhone 17 will run iOS 18, which is expected to bring several new features and enhancements. Leaks suggest that iOS 18 will focus on improved privacy, more customizable widgets, and a better focus mode for users trying to limit distractions.

Expect improvements to Siri and integration with even more third-party devices and apps. There might also be new AR capabilities, enhanced widgets, and more robust health-tracking features.

What’s Coming Next After the iPhone 17

The main back camera of the iPhone 18 Pro, which will likely be released in 2026, may include a variable aperture. The iPhone would function more like a DSLR camera with a variable aperture lens, giving users more manual control over the quantity of light that enters the lens.

In addition to providing greater control over depth of field for crisper subject focus and more even blurring of the background, a variable aperture lens would be better equipped to adapt to various lighting conditions.

While the iPhone 17 is likely to pack in numerous advancements, it’s important to look at what might come after the iPhone 17, especially in the form of iPhone 18 and beyond. Some areas Apple could explore in the future include:

• Foldable iPhones: Apple may enter the foldable phone market with the iPhone 18 or later. Rumors have circulated about Apple working on a foldable iPhone with a flexible OLED display, although this is still speculative.
• AR/VR Integration: Apple has shown significant interest in Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies. In future iPhones, we may see deeper integration of AR features that work seamlessly with Apple’s AR glasses or headsets.
• Biometric Enhancements: Apple might improve Face ID with more advanced sensors or integrate under-display fingerprint recognition for added security.
• Satellite Connectivity: The iPhone 17 might introduce the ability to connect to satellites for emergency situations, allowing users to send text messages or make calls when there’s no cell service, much like the iPhone 14’s satellite SOS feature.

Pricing 

The iPhone 17 Air will be less expensive than the iPhone 17 Pro variants, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The starting price for the iPhone 17 Pro is $999.