iPhone 17: Design, Features, Pricing, and Updates
Apple’s 2025 iPhone 17 lineup is rumored to bring significant design changes and feature upgrades. With the introduction of new models like the iPhone 17 Air, along with improved display technology and camera enhancements, Apple seems poised to redefine its flagship smartphone lineup.
Features
Slimmer Design and Model Lineup
Apple is reportedly developing an ultra-thin iPhone 17 Slim, which will be a separate addition to the lineup rather than replacing the Plus model. It is expected to feature a sleek design, possibly a 6.6-inch display, and comparisons have already been made to the MacBook Air for its lightweight and modern aesthetic.
The lineup may consist of four models: 17 Slim, Pro Max, and Air, with the Plus model being discontinued. The iPhone 17 models are also expected to see slight increases in size compared to the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max.
Advanced Technology and Camera Upgrades
Apple will likely equip all iPhone 17 models with ProMotion displays with 120Hz refresh rates to facilitate smoother scrolling and viewing experiences, and there have been reports of anti-reflective scratch-resistant displays that will provide superior durability than Ceramic Shield technology.
On the camera front, the iPhone 17 Pro Max may feature a 24MP front-facing camera equipped with six elements and an upgraded 48MP Telephoto lens, designed to significantly enhance photography and videography experiences. These innovations should greatly enhance photography and videography experiences.
Design
iPhone 17 Air
One of the main draws is believed to be the slim factor. The iPhone 17 Air prototypes measure 5-6mm thick making it the tiniest device Apple ever has released. Comparatively, the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro both measure 7.8mm and 7.8mm thick. While it may be attractive, however, the phone’s slim design can mean that there is less space for robust hardware. The battery Apple has announced plans to use has already been sized at 6mm, this is reportedly causing issues in the quest of Apple’s tech giant to create a thinner shape. If the company isn’t able to come up with a solution for the iPhone 17 Air, it’s possible that it’s possible that the 17 Air could end up being a bit thinner than the iPhone 6 in 2014. 6.9mm iPhone 6.
iPhone 17
Apple will offer four models this year: regular 17, 17 Pro and the Pro Max; however there will no longer be an 17 Plus as Apple has decided to remove this “Plus” phone due to poor sales.
Apple could unveil an updated display for their regular iPhone 17 model in 2025. Rumors indicate Apple may unveil one with dimensions between 6.3 inches (for slim models), 6.9 inches (Pro), and 7 inches (Pro Max). This would make it comparable to what would be found on an iPhone 16 Pro model. Apple plans on discontinuing Plus models by 2025 so this might make way for a single lower-cost phone with dimensions between those seen on a 6.1-inch iPhone 15 and an iPhone 15 Plus at 6.67 inches, meaning its display dimensions would fall between these two extremes of 6.9 inches (for slim models), 6.9 inches (Pro Max).
iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max
According to The Information, Apple plans on making “significant design modifications” with their 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max models. Apple may replace its titanium frame with aluminum instead – marking its return after its debut with the stainless steel iPhone X in 2017.
As well as an aluminum frame, the iPhone 17 Pro models may feature a hybrid back design with half of their back being aluminum while half being glass for wireless charging support. This partial aluminum design could increase durability against drops.
Apple is also said to be revamping the camera bump on their 17 Pro models, with possible features including a larger, rectangular camera bump made of aluminum instead of glass compared with square-shaped bumps found on current models. Leaks from China’s supply chain suggest the new module may feature an “elongated oval shape.” However, leaker Instant Digital disputes this and claims the layout of cameras will remain “triangular”, with only minor tweaks expected.
The 17 Pro Max may feature a smaller Dynamic Island due to the integration of a metalens for Face ID authentication, providing more space-efficient design. This technology could reduce the required space, enabling a more compact device.
What Will This New Tech Cost You?
| Model | Price Range |
| iPhone 17 | $799 – $899 |
| iPhone 17 Pro | $1,099 –$1,199 |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | $1,199 –$1,399 |
| iPhone 17 Air | $1,299 |
Based on leaks, Apple’s iPhone 17 should cost $799 at launch.
At first glance, this seems reasonable; however, there remains the possibility of an increased price point of $899; many will hope Apple adheres to its commitment to staying below this mark.
Rumors swirl about that the 17 Pro may launch with a price point starting at either $1,099 or even $1,199; an increase from its predecessor models’ starting prices of $999 and $999 respectively.
As for the 17 Pro Max, its starting price could remain $1,199; however, speculation suggests a possible $200 jump up to make it the most expensive iPhone to date.
Here comes Apple’s wild card: the 17 Slim/Ultra/Air. If reports hold true, this model could launch at $1,299–making it the priciest option if Pro Max doesn’t make its debut at that same price point. Considering its slim design may only attract buyers based on aesthetics alone, such a price seems excessive compared to reports suggesting standard specs; Apple appears to be counting on visual appeal to attract customers instead of functionality.
Though, none of this will matter for those drawn in by the sleek design of the Slim/Ultra/Air when it arrives in 2025; fans of minimalist aesthetics may flock to it regardless of its internal capabilities.
At first glance, many people prioritize aesthetics over functionality–it would be like purchasing a Ferrari and expecting it to haul lumber like a Ford F-150 would. Nobody does that!
