iPhone 17: Release Date, Leaks, Specs, Price & Comparisons

Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 17 line-up in September 2025, following its typical fall launch cycle. In fact, analyst reports and supply-chain leaks indicate Apple has finished engineering verification of the iPhone 17 series, pointing to a mid-September unveiling.

The base model often referred to in leaks as the “iPhone 17 Air” will debut alongside higher-end Pro models. These phones are widely expected to ship with iOS 19, which Apple aims to release to the public in September 2025.

Leaked Features & Specifications

Rumours suggest the base iPhone 17 will be an incremental upgrade over the iPhone 16. Major leaked specs include:

• Display: A slightly larger 6.3‑inch OLED screen (vs 6.1″ on iPhone 16) with the first-ever 120 Hz refresh rate on a non‑Pro iPhone. Samsung’s new M14 OLED panel is rumoured for better brightness and efficiency. Apple may also shrink the bezels significantly (using its new BRS tech) for a more edge‑to‑edge look.
• Processor: Contrary to some expectations, reliable leaks indicate the base iPhone 17 will use the same A18 Bionic chip as the iPhone 16, built on TSMC’s second-generation 3 nm process. Higher‑end models will get the newer A19 chips, but Apple analyst Jeff Pu says the lowest-end model sticks with A18 to save cost.
• Memory: The base iPhone 17 is expected to come with 8 GB of RAM, the same as iPhone 16. Higher models (Air/Pro) may have 12 GB RAM, but the entry model looks like it will remain at 8 GB. (For context, the iPhone 15 base had 6 GB RAM.)

• Cameras: The rear camera system is likely unchanged from 2024’s base model (48 MP main + 12 MP ultra‑wide, with a 2× telephoto enabled by sensor-shift). The big camera news is on the front: a 24 MP selfie camera is rumoured, double the iPhone 16’s 12 MP sensor. The camera bump is said to move from the left edge to the centre of the back, a new look for Apple’s standard model.
• Battery: Early reports hint at a modest increase in battery capacity – roughly 3,600 mAh for the new base model (up from 3,561 mAh in iPhone 16). Apple may use a stacked battery design for better efficiency and heat management. Charging speeds (up to ~20–25 W wired, 25 W MagSafe wireless) are expected to remain about the same.
• Design & Build: The iPhone 17 “Air” is rumoured to be ultra-thin (around 5–6 mm) with a smoother spliced frame for more rounded edges. Leaked dummy units show a stark black finish and a bold centre camera island. Colour options may change too – reports mention a new lavender/purple hue (more saturated than previous pastels) alongside black, silver, and light blue. As for materials, the base model should retain an aluminium frame and glass back (the Pro models reportedly return from titanium to aluminium).
• Notable Features: Apple is expected to keep new iPhone staples like MagSafe wireless charging and the Action Button (introduced on iPhone 16). The “Camera Control” button (for quick zoom/controls) may also carry over. Of course the big software change is iOS 19 on board, so the iPhone 17 will support all of iOS 19’s new features (see below).

Overall, leaks paint the iPhone 17 base as a modest upgrade over the iPhone 16. The chassis and core camera system are almost the same – both are 6.1″‑6.3″ OLED iPhones with dual rear cameras – but Apple is giving the new model a smoother frame, a faster 120 Hz screen, and a sharper 24 MP front camera. In short, think of the iPhone 17 as a “what the iPhone 16 should have been” – same look and pricing (roughly), but with the display and camera enhancements non‑Pro users have been wanting.

Operating System: iOS 19 and Software Changes

The iPhone 17 will run iOS 19, Apple’s next major software release. Apple Insider expects iOS 19 to debut in September 2025 (right after the iPhone 17 reveal), with a developer beta in June. Major rumoured iOS 19 changes focus on user interface redesign and Apple’s AI initiative, Apple Intelligence. Leaks suggest iOS 19 may bring a big visual overhaul: more “glassy” elements, rounder (less squircle-y) icons, and other UI tweaks inspired by VisionOS. Widgets and personalization will likely get a boost – expect more powerful widgets, better Control Centre organization, and deeper Focus‑mode integration.

The AI-powered features of iOS will also expand. For example, the App Intents system (which ties Siri and third‑party apps together) may finally arrive in full under iOS 19, allowing Siri to pull data across apps more flexibly. Apple has hinted at a major Siri overhaul (rumoured since iOS 18) that could be pushed to iOS 19. We may also see new “Apple Intelligence” AI helpers – for instance, rumours mention an AI “coach” in the Health app to analyse your health data on-device.

For readers curious about Apple’s AI plans, check our iOS 19 preview post for more. And Android developers can read about Google’s answer – Google Gemini AI in Android Studio – in our Gemini AI article. (In Android news, Google is also deeply integrating Gemini into development tools.)

Price Predictions

Apple’s pricing for the iPhone 17 base model is not yet confirmed, but analysts expect little or no change to the $799 starting price of the iPhone 16. For example, PhoneArena notes the base iPhone 16 debuted at $799 (for 128 GB), and early estimates place the iPhone 17 starting around $799–$899 for its entry storage tier. (Some speculation even suggests Apple might drop a 128 GB base option and begin at 256 GB, which could push the 128 GB price point closer to $899.)

Storage variants will likely mirror recent models: 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB configurations. At launch, prices could be roughly iPhone 17 (128 GB) ≈ $799, 256 GB ≈ $899, 512 GB ≈ $999, although exact figures aren’t official yet. (For comparison, the iPhone 15 base started at $699 for 128 GB, and the iPhone 16 base at $799.

Note that Apple is reportedly weighing price hikes for the 2025 lineup due to global tariffs and inflation. Wall Street Journal sources say Apple might nudge prices higher and justify it with new features. But a dramatic jump seems unlikely for the base model – analysts generally expect it to stay near $799. We’ll update as pricing leaks.

iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 15 (Base Models)

Below is a head‑to‑head comparison of the key specs for the base iPhone 17 (rumored), iPhone 16 (2024), and iPhone 15 (2023) models. This helps highlight what’s truly new:

The table shows the iPhone 17 base is largely a refinement over the 16. It keeps the same dual‑camera system and screen size (only slightly larger), but gains a 120 Hz OLED display and a higher-resolution front camera. The chip and RAM remain the same as the 16’s, indicating modest performance bumps. In contrast, the jump from iPhone 15 to 16 was bigger: A18 chip vs A16, new Camera and Action buttons, and a higher‐capacity battery.

Design & Render Leaks

Finally, what do these leaks look like? A few dummy models and rumors have surfaced:

• iPhone 17 Air Dummy Videos/Images: Leakers (e.g. Majin Bu) posted hands‑on videos of a black iPhone 17 Air dummy. It shows an extremely thin profile and the large center camera bump. This bump houses both rear lenses and a flash in a single oval housing.
• “Pixel-Like” Horizontal Bar: Some CAD and mold leaks hint the camera module might actually be a horizontal bar across the top, reminiscent of Google’s Pixel phones. (It’s unclear if this is for the base or Air model, but it’s generating buzz.)
• Smoother Frame: Render leaks suggest Apple’s new splicing process will make the metal frame blend smoothly into the back glass with a sloped edge. Early 3D-printed cases based on leaked CAD confirm the basic shape and camera layout.

FAQ’s

When will the iPhone 17 be released?

Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 17 in September 2025, following its usual fall launch schedule. The exact date is not confirmed yet but typically falls around the second week of September.

What’s new in the iPhone 17 compared to iPhone 16?

The iPhone 17 base model features a larger 6.3-inch OLED display, a 120Hz refresh rate, a sharper 24MP front camera, and a new centered rear camera layout. It’s also expected to be thinner with smoother edges and upgraded to iOS 19.

Will iPhone 17 have the A19 chip?

Most sources suggest the base iPhone 17 will use the A18 Bionic chip, while only the Pro models will get the A19 series. However, it will still support iOS 19 and many AI features.

Does the iPhone 17 support USB-C charging?

Yes. Apple transitioned to USB-C ports with the iPhone 15 series, and all iPhone 17 models are expected to continue with USB-C for charging and data transfer.

How much will the iPhone 17 cost?

The iPhone 17 is expected to start around $799–$899 USD, similar to the iPhone 16’s base model. Storage variants may begin at 128GB or 256GB depending on Apple’s pricing strategy.

Is the iPhone 17 good for upgrades from iPhone 15?

Yes. If you own an iPhone 13 or 15, the iPhone 17 offers significant improvements in display quality, camera features, and overall performance. However, if you already own an iPhone 16, the upgrade may be minor.

Will iPhone 17 have iOS 19 pre-installed?

Absolutely. All iPhone 17 models will come pre-loaded with iOS 19, Apple’s latest operating system featuring new AI tools, redesigned Control Center, and updated widgets.