Excitement is bubbling up as leaks about the iPhone 17 have poured in for over a year. This time, whispers include a revamped selfie camera, faster MagSafe charging, and even a new color option, perhaps in purple or green. Most notably, there’s speculation that Apple might shift its iPhone launch schedule from an annual to biannual rollout.
However, the iPhone 16 faced criticism, especially regarding its display. Priced at $829, it still features a 60Hz refresh rate, while many competitors offer high-refresh options, boasting 90Hz or 120Hz for an ultra-smooth experience. Given that Pro models have embraced higher refresh rates for years, it’s frustrating for buyers to see lower-priced versions lag behind.
The upcoming iPhone launch holds considerable significance for Apple. It comes at a time when the company grapples with a US Department of Justice antitrust lawsuit, criticism over its position in AI with Apple Intelligence, and potential tariffs on the iPhone from President Trump if manufacturing isn’t relocated to the U.S. Thus, the iPhone 17’s debut could set the tone for Apple’s trajectory.
What to Expect from the iPhone 17’s 6.3-inch Display
Since the iPhone 12, the standard iPhone has featured a 6.1-inch screen. Interestingly, the iPhone 16 Pro showcases a larger 6.3-inch display, and leaks suggest the iPhone 17 will follow suit. According to supply-chain analyst Ross Young, this increase could enhance the viewing experience, despite being disappointing for fans of smaller phones.
If the increase in screen size results from slimmer bezels, similar to the iPhone 16 Pro, users can expect the iPhone 17’s overall size to be comparable to that of its predecessor. More screen real estate means an enhanced experience for everything from gaming to streaming.
Game-Changing Refresh Rate with the iPhone 17
The move towards high-refresh rates began in 2018 with the Razer Phone, aimed predominantly at gamers seeking fluidity in their gameplay. Fast forward to today, and most smartphones now feature at least a 90Hz display. Still, the iPhone has lingered at the 60Hz mark in its base models, despite advancements in its Pro versions.
The iPhone 17 is rumored to finally embrace a high-refresh-rate display. Citing a report from 9to5Mac, Young hinted that the new model might include an LTPO screen that supports adaptive refresh rates, ranging from 1 to 120Hz. This enhancement could potentially allow for an always-on display, a feature that first appeared in the Pro models of the iPhone 14 series but has been missing from standard versions since.
Moreover, improved refresh rates could significantly elevate user engagement, enhancing everything from scrolling through feeds to smoother gameplay, making the iPhone 17 a formidable competitor in the current smartphone market.
Another possible enhancement is the advancement of the Ceramic Shield. The latest iPhone 16 Pro models featured an upgraded version of this protective glass, which is composed of nano ceramic crystals embedded in a glass matrix. Users have reported it being remarkably resilient against scratches compared to its predecessors.
There are talks that the iPhone 17 could receive an even more robust scratch-resistant display. A post from Weibo user Instant Digital hints that the new screen may incorporate an antireflective coating akin to that of the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Although MacRumors noted that this feature could face production challenges, if implemented, it would elevate the durability of the iPhone 17 significantly.