Latest insights into the expected iPhone 17
Despite being around eight months until the anticipated release, there are already some plausible whispers about the upcoming iPhones that provide insight into the devices. It seems that Apple will introduce substantial design alterations next year, and there might even be a highly reduced version.
The likelihood of Apple unveiling their new iPhones in September 2025, which is approximately eight months away, is quite high. Typically, manufacturers and suppliers are already engaged in the development process by this point to ensure a smooth market entrance. Mass production usually begins in the summertime, often by June.
Monopolies and collaborations make it challenging for Apple to maintain a secret. Leaks are inevitable, whether through hidden photos, stolen blueprints, or disgruntled personnel. The development phase is rumored to be well underway, as there are already some credible rumors that shed light on the iPhone 17 series.
Ultra-Slim iPhone 17 "Air"
Speculations have been circulating since last summer that Apple is planning an exceptionally minimal variant, nicknamed iPhone 17 "Air" or "Slim," based on its anticipated slimness. According to various sources, it will sport a massive 6.6-inch display, marking a departure from the 6.1, 6.3, 6.7, and 6.9-inch screens of current iPhones.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo proclaimed on Medium in July that the ultra-thin iPhone would prioritize aesthetics over technology. For example, the device is rumored to sport only a single camera on the back.
Recent prototype reports suggest that the "Air" could be as thin as five to six millimeters, making it considerably slimmer than the 7.8 mm thick iPhone 16. Engineers have reportedly struggled to incorporate a battery of sufficient capacity without compromising the device's svelteness.
Obsessive Skinniness
The pursuit of slimness might necessitate sacrifices, such as eliminating the second camera on the back (ultra-wide) and the second speaker in the earpiece. As of now, engineers have yet to find a suitable method to accommodate a SIM card slot, which is crucial for the Chinese market due to the limited prevalence of eSIMs.
The expensive first proprietary 5G modem is rumored to be a contributing factor to the "Air's" exorbitant price. According to Bloomberg writer Mark Gurman, it will be slimmer and consume less energy than current Qualcomm modems. However, the switch comes with a significant financial cost for Apple, estimated to be several billion US dollars, which could affect the iPhone 17 "Air's" retail price, expected to hover around 1300 dollars.
Integrated Facial Recognition
The exorbitant price could also be attributed to another factor. 9to5Mac speculates that Apple may integrate Face ID sensors into the display for the first time, bypassing the infamous notch. Corresponding patents and rumors suggest that one of the new iPhones could boast a significantly reduced "Dynamic Island."
Whether such a device would justify the 1300-dollar price tag for consumers is a matter of debate. Digitimes reports that the "Air" has reached the product introduction phase (NPI), which involves engineers from Apple and manufacturers (Foxconn) planning the production processes. Normally, this is followed by an initial test production without significant design changes.
Slightly Less Radical, Yet Notable, Changes
The upcoming iPhone 17 models are expected to feature some noticeable alterations, such as horizontally-arranged rear cameras for the Pro devices. Leaker Digital Chat Station published a rendering on Weibo, showing striking similarities between the iPhone 17 Pro's camera module and Google's Pixel 9 smartphone's. According to "9to5Mac," Digital Chat Station has a respectable track record, including the prediction of the iPhone 16 Pro's telephoto lens.
However, this rumor should be taken with caution until it garners more traction. "9to5Mac" cites another leaker whose sources dispute the design change. They suggest that the camera unit's layout will alter, but the lenses will still be organized in a triangular pattern.
Discontinuation of the Plus Model
According to "The Information," the Plus model could become obsolete. They report that the Pros might adopt a titanium frame instead of aluminum, with the metal protecting the cameras also arranged horizontally. They describe the module as rectangular, with only the area below the cameras remaining glass, as usual.
There is currently no significant news regarding the standard model beyond the expectation that the Plus variant may be discontinued. Ming-Chi Kuo attributes this to the variant's lack of popularity, with only five to ten percent of newly sold iPhones being Plus devices. He suggests that the variant is no longer necessary.
Despite the rumors of an ultra-thin iPhone 17 "Air" with a single camera, other leaks suggest that the camera layout for the Pro models might change, with horizontally-arranged rear cameras. (Other leaks indicate different camera arrangements for the Pro models.)
While the iPhone 17 models are expected to have notable alterations, some predict that Apple may discontinue the Plus model due to its lack of popularity. (The Plus model might not have a place in the iPhone 17 lineup.)
