iPhone 17: Thinner Design, Camera Upgrades, and More
Alright, so let's talk about what I'm hearing about the iPhone 17. It sounds like Apple's planning some pretty significant changes for their 2025 lineup, and I think some of these updates could really shake things up.
For starters, it looks like the "Plus" model is getting the boot. Instead, we might see an all-new, super-thin "Air" version. They're talking about it being only 5.5mm thick! It would be the thinnest iPhone ever. I imagine the appeal will be all about that sleek design, not necessarily about packing the most powerful specs. It's an interesting move. I wonder how this will resonate with users, as some might value aesthetics more than raw power.
Now, let's move on to the display. We might see a size increase for the standard iPhone 17, bringing it to 6.27 inches. On the other hand, the ultra-thin "Air" version is said to be a little bigger, at 6.6 inches. I can see that being a sweet spot for people who want a larger screen without going full "Pro Max."
Speaking of design, the camera layout is supposedly getting a facelift. While the standard iPhone 17 will likely stick to the familiar vertical setup, the "Air" and "Pro" models might be sporting a rectangular camera bar, kind of like what you see on Google's Pixel phones. It sounds like a bold move from Apple. I have to see it in person, before getting in to conclusions.
One thing that has me excited is the possibility of ProMotion coming to all iPhone 17 models. This would mean a 120Hz refresh rate for everyone, making scrolling and animations much smoother. It's a feature that I think once you experience it, it's hard to go back. Besides, the "Air" model could use the 1Hz energy saving refresh rate from the always-on display.
There's also talk of some interesting changes to the materials used. The Pro models might be switching to aluminum frames, while the "Air" could be the only one with a titanium chassis. I wonder how this will impact the overall feel and durability of the phones. It's also said the Pro models will feature a new scratch resistant anti-reflective display layer.
Under the hood, the Pro models are rumored to be getting an Apple-designed Wi-Fi 7 chip. This could mean faster Wi-Fi speeds and more reliable connectivity, which is always a plus.
Camera enhancements are also on the horizon. The iPhone 17 Pro models might boast a new 48-megapixel Telephoto lens, completing a system of 48MP lenses! And the new "Air" model will allegedly have a 48-megapixel single-lens rear camera.
The front-facing camera is supposedly getting an upgrade across the board, going from 12MP to 24MP. This should result in better image quality for selfies and video calls, which I think many of us can appreciate.
Other rumored improvements include increased RAM for the Pro and "Air" models, a redesigned Dynamic Island, faster processors, improved thermal performance, new video recording features, faster wireless charging, and even some new color options. This is all pretty big!
Source: Mac Rumors