Apple is set to shake up its 2025 smartphone lineup with the long-rumored iPhone 17 series, but it’s the brand-new iPhone 17 Air making headlines around the globe. Leaked prototypes and insider reports confirm a radical design change, new display sizes, and the end of the “Plus” model as we know it.
The iPhone 17 release date is expected in September 2025, with Apple finalizing engineering validation tests and preparing for mass production. The launch will include four models: the base iPhone 17, the ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air, the high-end iPhone 17 Pro, and the flagship iPhone 17 Pro Max. There will be no iPhone 17 Plus, as Apple quietly removes the underperforming model from its lineup.
iPhone 17 design overhaul sparks global buzz
Apple is preparing its biggest visual update since the iPhone X. The iPhone 17 Air will become the thinnest iPhone ever produced, with a body measuring under 6mm and weighing only 145 grams. Leaked dummy models show a centered rear camera bump and a sleek aluminum-glass hybrid build. This follows Apple’s strategy of drawing parallels with its MacBook Air and iPad Air—lighter, thinner, but still powerful.
The base iPhone 17 will get a larger 6.3-inch display, while the Air will feature a 6.6-inch screen. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will retain their 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays, respectively. Every iPhone 17 model will now include ProMotion display tech with a 120Hz refresh rate—no longer exclusive to the Pro models. This smooth scrolling feature is powered by LTPO OLED technology, and it may also enable always-on display functionality.
Apple is rumored to introduce slimmer bezels across the lineup, and the Dynamic Island might shrink slightly on some models. However, sources are still split on whether the change will apply to every model or remain a Pro feature.
The iPhone 17 Air’s USB-C port has reportedly been repositioned closer to the device’s back to accommodate internal space limitations. The device will also sport fewer speaker grille holes, supporting a simplified design. Color options may include light blue, gold, black, and silver.
iPhone 17 specs: New chip, more RAM, and camera revamp
The iPhone 17 specs suggest this year’s lineup could be the most powerful yet. The iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air are expected to feature Apple’s new A19 chip, built on a refined 3nm process. The Pro and Pro Max will include the A19 Pro chip, delivering improved performance and efficiency.
The iPhone 17 Air might land somewhere in the middle, carrying the A19 Pro chip but with one fewer GPU core than the full Pro versions. RAM upgrades are also expected. The Air, Pro, and Pro Max could pack 12GB RAM, while the base iPhone 17 sticks to 8GB.
A major shift is coming in modem technology. The iPhone 17 Air will likely debut with Apple’s own 5G modem chip—ditching Qualcomm—for enhanced integration. While it won’t support mmWave 5G, it will deliver 4Gbps download speeds over sub-6GHz frequencies. All models will also include Apple-designed Wi-Fi 7 chips and support for Bluetooth 5.3.
Battery performance could get a practical boost too. All iPhone 17 models are rumored to feature easier-to-remove battery adhesives, simplifying repair processes. Charging speeds will remain at 35W wired and could increase to 25W wirelessly if paired with a Qi 2.2-supported charger.
Camera upgrades bring flagship power to thinner Air
The iPhone 17 camera lineup has also been revamped. All four models will feature a new 24-megapixel front camera with a six-element lens for sharper selfies. The iPhone 17 Air will include a single-lens 48-megapixel rear camera. Meanwhile, the base iPhone 17 will continue to offer dual lenses: Wide and Ultra Wide.
On the Pro side, things escalate. The iPhone 17 Pro Max could be the first iPhone to offer three 48-megapixel cameras—Wide, Ultra Wide, and Telephoto—with support for 8K video recording. The camera module will also see a redesign, with a wider, horizontal aluminum bump housing the lenses. Some Pro models may even introduce a mechanical aperture feature, allowing users to manually adjust light levels like on a DSLR.
Apple might also integrate dual video recording in the Pro models, enabling front and rear camera footage to be captured simultaneously. It’s a long-requested feature from content creators that finally seems to be making its way to the native Camera app.
Apple is also experimenting with relocating the Apple logo to accommodate MagSafe adjustments, based on leaked case designs. These new layouts hint at design symmetry and better weight distribution in the hand.
iPhone 17 UK and US release dates and pricing surprises
The iPhone 17 UK release date and iPhone 17 US release date are both set for September 2025. While Apple has yet to officially announce pricing, leaks suggest the iPhone 17 Air will be priced at $899—slotting it between the $799 base model and the $999 iPhone 17 Pro.
This strategic positioning places the Air as the spiritual successor to the Plus model but with vastly different branding and specs. Apple seems to be aiming for a more modern identity while providing consumers with a mid-range iPhone that still feels premium.
There are also whispers of a slight price bump across all models, driven by global tariff hikes and higher component costs. Apple is expected to offset the increase by leaning heavily on marketing its bold design changes and internal upgrades.
Apple’s elimination of the SIM tray may expand beyond the US this year. The iPhone 17 Air will definitely drop the physical SIM slot due to its thin design, which could accelerate the global shift toward eSIM-only devices.
With all of these shifts, Apple may be signaling the start of a new iPhone era. But the question remains: will fans embrace the ultra-thin future or cling to their classic frames?
And if this is only what Apple’s planning for 2025, insiders claim 2026 could bring the company’s first foldable iPhone—and even a model with no visible camera at all.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.