Tomorrow marks the much-anticipated launch of the iPhone 17 lineup, and tech enthusiasts are already buzzing with excitement. As we gear up for the reveal, we’re diving into the most credible rumors surrounding Apple’s next flagship phones, including the intriguing prospect of a super-thin iPhone 17 Air. Here’s how we speculate these devices will compare.
The iPhone 16 series set a high bar with its notable upgrades, especially the introduction of the Camera Control key. While the iPhone 16 and Plus models gained new ultrawide cameras and larger batteries, the Pro variants received substantial enhancements including upgraded cameras, pro video recording modes, and sleeker designs. The iPhone 17 series is expected to build on this trend, so let’s break down the comparisons.
iPhone 17 Lineup Price Comparison
Apple’s iPhone 17 launch event is set for September 9, under the catchy tagline “Awe dropping.” Historically, iPhones go on sale the following Friday, which should land us on September 12, although Apple could surprise us. Speculations around pricing are rife, primarily due to tariffs that could influence costs. Analysts predict a potential $50 price increase across the board, except for the base model. Here’s what the anticipated pricing may look like:
- iPhone 17: $829 – The base model might see a slight bump, yet it could remain more stable compared to its siblings.
- iPhone 17 Air: $979 – Positioned higher in the lineup, this model could push almost into four figures.
- iPhone 17 Pro: $1,049 – A modest increase expected for this powerful variant.
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: $1,249 – Similar to its counterpart with a suspected price hike.
iPhone 17 Lineup’s Design and Display Changes
- iPhone 17: Camera Bump Redesign – A shift from the traditional square camera bump to a new vertical pill-shaped design with two cameras.
- iPhone 17 Air: Thinner, Single-Camera – Expected to replace the iPhone 16 Plus, featuring a more streamlined look with a horizontal camera bump.
- iPhone 17 Pro: Larger Horizontal Camera Bump – Similar in configuration to last year’s model but with an extending horizontal design.
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: Same Larger Horizontal Camera Bump – Design changes here mirror the smaller Pro variant.
Rumors suggest a significant shift in camera arrangement, moving towards a pill-shaped bar across the device’s width. Notable leaker Majin Bu has shared leaked images that showcase the new configurations for each model. Additionally, early case designs hint at the wider camera bumps seen in these latest iterations.
According to a Bloomberg report, aside from the camera adjustments, overall appearance may closely resemble the iPhone 16 lineup with dimensions likely staying unchanged. We can expect a 6.1-inch display for the iPhone 17, along with slightly larger screens for the Pro and Pro Max models.
An exciting rumor also indicates that all models could feature a refreshed maximum refresh rate of 120Hz, closing the gap previously reserved for Pro models.
Comparing iPhone 17 Camera Features
- iPhone 17: No Changes – Rumors indicate the continuation of the 48-megapixel main camera and 12-megapixel ultrawide from its predecessor.
- iPhone 17 Air: Single Camera – This model is expected to feature the 48-megapixel main camera found in the iPhone 16E.
- iPhone 17 Pro: Improved Zoom Camera – Speculations suggest up to an 8x zoom capability, significantly enhancing photography options.
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: Improved Zoom Camera – Expected to follow suit with enhanced zoom technology, utilizing the same primary camera setup.
The feature distinctions between the models remain anticipated, with the iPhone 17 standard sustaining its dual-camera system, as the Pro and Pro Max may include advanced ultrawide and telephoto options. A potential highlight is in the front-facing cameras, rumored to be upgraded to 24 megapixels.
All iPhone 17 Model Specs Compared
- iPhone 17: Same CPU, Possibly New Modem – Expected to pack the A18 chip while possibly integrating the new C1 modem from the iPhone 16E.
- iPhone 17 Air: New CPU, Possibly New Modem – This model could introduce the next-gen A19 chip.
- iPhone 17 Pro: New CPU, Possibly New Modem – Featuring the anticipated A19 chip for enhanced performance.
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: New CPU, Bigger Battery – Anticipated to carry an A19 chip and a battery expansion.
As per the usual progression in features, it’s expected that the Pro and Air models will showcase the latest chipset advancements, whereas the standard iPhone 17 will retain the A18. Discussions around battery longevity remain, with potential increases in the Pro Max model’s capacity.
All indications suggest the new lineup will launch with iOS 26, aligning with the updated features due for release this year.