iPhone 17 Rumours: Major Redesign, New Cameras, and a Slim “Air” Model
There’s nothing more reliable in tech than the annual unveiling of a new iPhone. And with Apple’s iPhone 17 event just two weeks away, leaks and rumours have already given us a pretty clear picture of what to expect. If those whispers are accurate, the iPhone 17 lineup could deliver one of the most noticeable design overhauls in recent years, along with a few exciting upgrades under the hood. According to multiple online sources, Apple will officially launch the iPhone 17 series on Friday, September 19, with pre-orders likely opening a week earlier. That gives fans just over a month to prepare. But judging by what’s being tipped, these new iPhones could very well be worth the wait.
A New Look: Redesigned Camera Block and Sleek Finish
The most striking change appears to be aesthetic. Rumours suggest the iPhone 17 will sport a completely redesigned camera block that spans the entire width of the phone’s rear, a look reminiscent of the upcoming Google Pixel 9. This wide camera strip could also introduce a two-tone finish, with a glossy upper portion contrasting against a matte rear body, giving the phone a fresh, modern appearance.
iPhone 17 Air: Style Over Substance?
Perhaps the boldest new addition is a romoured iPhone 17 Air model. Said to replace the Plus version, the Air is expected to be incredibly thin, around just 5.5mm thick making it the slimmest iPhone ever. This puts it in direct competition with ultra-slim Android devices like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge.
However, this design choice may come with trade-offs. The thinner frame likely means a smaller battery and only one rear camera. While it’s expected to feature a 6.7-inch display, the Air might prioritize style and portability over power and versatility.
Finally, 120Hz Comes to All Models
Some may say that Apple has possibly been behind Android rivals when it comes to display refresh rates on its iPhones. However, that might finally change this year. Reports suggest that all four iPhone 17 models, including the base and Air variants will feature 120Hz screens, offering smoother scrolling and more responsive visuals. That said, not all 120Hz panels are created equal. Sources note that while the Pro models will likely support variable refresh rates (and thus always-on displays), the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air may not. These models might be limited to a fixed 120Hz, which could impact battery life and display flexibility.
Major Camera Upgrades Across the Board
Apple seems poised to bring meaningful camera upgrades to every iPhone 17 model. The front-facing camera is reportedly getting a boost from 12MP to 24MP, significantly enhancing selfie and video call quality. On the back, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are expected to gain a new 48MP telephoto lens, up from the 12MP version on the current generation. Some rumours even hint at 8K video recording, as well as the introduction of a mechanical aperture on at least one model, allowing for more control over depth of field.
And while it’s not confirmed, whispers of an 8x optical zoom for the Pro models and a dedicated Camera Control button for all versions suggest Apple is getting increasingly serious about mobile photography.
Under the Hood: A Faster, Smarter iPhone
No iPhone launch would be complete without a performance bump, and the iPhone 17 line is no exception. The Pro and Pro Max are expected to be powered by a new A19 Pro chip, while the base and Air models will feature the standard A19 chip, both offering improvements over the A18 generation.
In addition, RAM is getting a boost. The iPhone 17 Pro, Pro Max, and possibly even the Air model is expected to feature 12GB of RAM, up from 8GB helping with multitasking and future-proofing the devices.
Final Thoughts:
If even half of these rumours are accurate, the iPhone 17 could be one of the most interesting releases in years. With a sleek redesign, long-awaited display upgrades, and powerful camera improvements, Apple appears ready to shake things up in 2025.
Let’s see what September brings.
Or if a new phone is not on the wish list, then maybe one of our pre-loved devices will be for you?
