We’re less than two months away from the official launch of the next-generation iPhones. If the rumors are true, there won’t be any drastic changes coming to this year’s models. Still, the iPhone 17 lineup could be bigger than you think.
While it might not come with a revolutionary new feature like a folding display, several smaller but meaningful changes are shaping up to make the iPhone 17 release more significant than most people realize. From a new ultra-thin “Air” model to updated displays and more color options, here’s why the iPhone 17 could be the biggest upgrade in years.
The iPhone 17 Air
One of the most intriguing rumors hints at a brand-new model in the lineup: the so-called iPhone 17 Air. According to multiple reports, this model will feature a 6.6-inch display, sitting in between the base and Pro Max models in size, and may replace the current iPhone Plus.
But it’s not just a new size. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to be the thinnest iPhone ever released by Apple, at just 5.5 mm thick. Apple presumably wants to reach a new group of customers who prioritize a fresh design and an ultra-thin, lightweight phone.
Of course, such lightness is likely to come with some compromises. That’s because, according to rumors, the iPhone 17 Air will have a single rear camera and lower battery capacity than the rest of the lineup. Still, it will be exciting to see a new iPhone form-factor after all these years.
Refreshed Pro designs
While the base iPhone 17 model will look a lot like the current iPhone 16, the new Pro models are rumored to feature a refreshed design. It’s not a huge deal, as the phones will keep the same screen sizes and form-factor, but the back of the iPhone 17 Pro models will look different.
Because Apple will once again increase the size of some camera lenses and sensors, the company will make some changes to the camera bump. Now, instead of placing the rear cameras in a square-shaped bump, the camera area will be rectangular and will take up the entire back of the phone from one side to the other.
Because of how large the new camera bump is, the Apple logo is expected to be moved a bit lower along with the MagSafe magnets. If true, this will be the biggest change to the design of the Pro models since the iPhone 12 Pro.
Better displays
Display improvements are also on the way, and they go beyond brightness and resolution. Apple is reportedly working on a new anti-reflective coating that would significantly reduce glare in bright environments, making the iPhone 17 Pro models easier to use outdoors.
Although the iPhone 17 and 17 Air are unlikely to get the new anti-reflective coating on the screen, they will get other display upgrades. For the first time, non-Pro models are expected to feature ProMotion displays—or at least a variation of the technology.
With ProMotion, introduced on the iPhone 13 Pro, the screen refresh rate can go up to 120Hz, making animations look much more fluid. It’s unclear whether the iPhone 17 and 17 Air will have 120Hz or 90Hz displays, but multiple sources agree that the era of the 60Hz iPhones is coming to an end.
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Faster wireless charging
Apple is also planning to increase the charging speed on the new iPhones. More specifically, the iPhone 17 lineup is expected to feature the upgraded Qi 2.2 wireless charging standard, which enables speeds of up to 25W when using compatible accessories. Current iPhone models are limited to charging at up to 15W with Qi wireless chargers, though Apple’s latest MagSafe chargers, when used with the right power adapter, can deliver speeds up to 25W.
8K video
Yes, that’s right. The iPhone 17 is rumored to feature 8K video recording capabilities. Apple has reportedly been experimenting with this capability internally since last year, and at least this year’s Pro models may be able to record videos in 8K resolution for the first time.
Shooting 8K video opens up a range of new possibilities for filmmakers and creators. For example, users can record in 8K and then crop the video to 4K for digital zoom without losing quality. And according to other leaks, the iPhone 17 models will also offer video recording with two different lenses simultaneously.
Vapor chamber cooling
Speaking of thermal management, multiple leaks have pointed to Apple testing vapor chamber cooling systems for the iPhone 17 Pro. There are already some Android phones on the market with similar technology, as it helps the device sustain performance for longer periods when running intensive tasks such as 3D games.
Combined with the new A19 Pro chip, the new cooling system should help Apple further boost the performance of the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max. This comes as good news not only for gamers, but also for those running AI-based tasks.
More colorful lineup
As reported exclusively by Macworld, Apple has been working on new colors for all iPhone 17 models. When it comes to the base model, customers can expect a new “Steel Gray” in addition to the classic black and white, as well as light purple, green, and blue versions.
When it comes to the iPhone 17 Air, the new ultra-thin phone will have less saturated colors to reinforce its lightness. This includes a very light blue, and a light gold similar to the current Desert Titanium color option for the iPhone 16 Pro.
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What about the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max? You can expect them in black, white, gray (similar to Natural Titanium), a new dark blue, and for the first time, an orange version (which may look like copper).
There’s nothing better than choosing a different color to reinforce the feeling of having a new phone.
These might not seem like huge upgrades, but they can be very useful (and fun), especially if you’re coming from an older iPhone.
Apple’s Awe Dropping event is set for September 9, 2025. Want to know what to expect? We’re anticipating new hardware releases including the iPhone 17 (running iOS 26), Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3 and SE 3rd-gen (running watchOS 26), and potentially new AirPods. Find out how, when, and where to watch the Apple September Event, and keep tuned to our Event Guide for all the latest coverage. If you just can’t wait, here’s our satirical take on the Apple September Event keynote script – and don’t miss the Macworld Podcast iPhone event preview.
Author: Filipe Esposito, Contributor
Filipe Espósito is a Brazilian journalist who has been covering tech for over 10 years, and has become known for publishing exclusive reports on Apple's plans – such as the launch of the first titanium Apple Watch. He has worked for 9to5Mac and also co-hosts the tech podcast “A Fonte” in Brazil.