iPhone 17 Launch in 2025: Could It be Apple's Major iPhone Upgrade in Years?

Apple’s next iPhone, dubbed iPhone 17, is shaping to be a radical upgrade to the company’s most-selling device. Expected in September 2025, the iPhone 17 could feature not only better hardware, like a new chip and more capable cameras but it may also be set for a cosmetic overhaul. Rumours are rife that the iPhone 17 series will use a new camera island design on all models, include the company’s slimmest model by far, and let go of the 60Hz displays for good.

Here is a dive into what might make the iPhone 17 a game-changer for Apple.

Thinnest iPhone model

Apple is widely rumoured to be working on an iPhone model with a thin profile. It may be called iPhone 17 Air or iPhone 17 Slim According to reports, this model could even be Apple’s thinnest iPhone to date. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman even said Apple was considering removing ports from this model, but abandoned that plan due to hardware limitations. While ports are likely going to be still there on the iPhone 17 Air, it could set the stage for Apple’s future devices, such as the foldable iPhone that the company has reportedly been working on for years.

Major performance jump

The iPhone 17 series may see a significant boost to its overall performance with the new A19 chip, reportedly built on TSMC’s 2nm process. It will additionally offer better energy efficiency than the current A18 and A18 Pro chips. Apple’s next chip could also focus on AI and on-device machine learning for smarter Siri, expanded Apple Intelligence functionality, and enhanced computational photography.

Better cameras

While Apple has improved iPhone cameras over the years, it has used more or less the same sensors in recent generations. The iPhone 17 series could see an upgrade in camera sensors, including the jump from the existing 12MP TrueDepth camera to a more capable 24MP sensor. The rear system on the Pro models may include a new “tetraprism” periscope lens, which could deliver sharper long-distance shots. Apple is also expected to improve low-light photography and wider dynamic range on the upcoming iPhone models.

ProMotion Display

For the first time, Apple’s entire iPhone lineup may have a common display refresh rate technology. Apple is expected to standardise the 120Hz display on all models, unlike the existing and previous lineups where only Pro models offered the feature. However, the non-Pro models may switch to MicroLED panels instead of OLED to save costs.

If the rumours materialise, the iPhone 17 could be a landmark release for Apple, putting concerns around lagging innovation in its most-selling product category to rest. Coupled with Apple Intelligence, the iPhone 17 series may arrive as a serious competitor to Samsung and Google’s upcoming flagship phones.

Read more: Apple’s Foldable iPhone Now Expected in 2026 at Ultra-Premium Price