Essential Information about the iPhone
Apple is set to release its latest iPhone series, the iPhone 17, this fall. The lineup includes four models: the iPhone 17, 17 Air, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max, each offering distinct upgrades and features.
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The Pro models, iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, will be powered by Apple's most advanced silicon yet, the A19 Pro chip. The base iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Air will feature the standard A19 and a modified variant of the A19 chip, respectively. All models will utilise TSMC's advanced third-generation 3nm process for improved efficiency and performance.
Enhanced Memory and Display
The Pro models will boast 12GB RAM, a 50% increase over the previous Pro models, enabling better multitasking and supporting advanced AI features. The base models will have 8GB RAM. The iPhone 17 Air will sport a larger 6.6-inch OLED display with ProMotion and Dynamic Island, making it notably ultra-thin at approximately 5.5mm, potentially the thinnest iPhone ever.
Camera Upgrades and Design Innovation
All models will feature upgraded front-facing cameras from 12MP to 24MP, improving selfie quality. The rear cameras, particularly the telephoto lens on Pro models, will be bumped to 48MP, making all three rear lenses 48MP on the Pro variants. The entire lineup will have slimmer bezels, with the Pro models adopting smaller bezels to increase screen-to-body ratio.
Wireless and Connectivity Enhancements
The iPhone 17 Air will be among the first to feature Apple's custom-designed 5G modem, limited to sub-6GHz 5G speeds (up to 4 Gb/s), while Qualcomm modems remain in other models. All iPhone 17 models will include Apple’s new Wi-Fi chip supporting Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3, promising faster, more efficient wireless connectivity and lower latency.
Battery and Cooling Improvements
The ultra-thin Air model may have a reduced battery capacity, compensated partially by a high-density silicon-anode battery and possibly a dedicated battery case accessory. Pro models are rumoured to include a vapor chamber cooling system to manage thermal performance alongside hardware upgrades.
Additional Features
Pro models will get an anti-reflective and more scratch-resistant display. New colour options and a repositioned Apple logo are expected, with colours like pastel purple and sky blue on some models.
Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the official launch of the iPhone 17 series. This comprehensive upgrade focuses on better performance, improved camera systems, enhanced wireless capabilities, and design innovation, especially notable in the thinness of the iPhone 17 Air.
[1] AppleInsider. (2025). Apple to debut iPhone 17 series with four models, upgraded ProMotion displays, and more. [online] Available at: https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/05/01/apple-to-debut-iphone-17-series-with-four-models-upgraded-promotion-displays-and-more
[2] MacRumors. (2025). iPhone 17 Pro Max to Feature 48-Megapixel Telephoto Camera, Vapor Chamber Cooling System. [online] Available at: https://www.macrumors.com/2025/04/15/iphone-17-pro-max-48-megapixel-telephoto-camera-vapor-chamber-cooling/
[3] 9to5Mac. (2025). iPhone 17 Air to be thinner than any iPhone ever, with no physical SIM tray. [online] Available at: https://9to5mac.com/2025/03/20/iphone-17-air-thinner-no-physical-sim-tray/
[4] The Verge. (2025). iPhone 17 Air may have smaller bezels, according to leaked renders. [online] Available at: https://www.theverge.com/2025/02/15/22959485/iphone-17-air-smaller-bezels-leaked-renders
The Pro models, iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, will be powered by Apple's most advanced silicon yet, the A19 Pro chip, and will boast 12GB RAM, a 50% increase over the previous Pro models. The iPhone 17 Air, one of the models in the series, will feature smartphones with enhanced wireless capabilities, including Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3, as well as gadgets sporting a larger 6.6-inch OLED display and cameras upgraded from 12MP to 24MP for improved selfie quality.
