17 Surprising Rumors About the iPhone 17
- The iPhone 17 Air might just be Apple's sleekest phone yet.
- Brace yourself: a 48MP telephoto lens could make your next Instagram post sharper than ever.
- The A19 chip is coming, and it's about to make your old iPhone feel like a dinosaur.
- Want to know what Apple's cooking up for next year? Read on.
The iPhone 17 is still a year away, but the rumor mill is already churning with some jaw-dropping possibilities. Apple is known for keeping things under wraps, but some well-sourced rumors are giving us a tantalizing glimpse into what could be the next big leap for the iconic device. Could it be the thinnest iPhone yet? Will it feature tech that has only been seen on the most futuristic foldable phones? With a mix of advanced technology and unexpected changes, the iPhone 17 could redefine what a smartphone is capable of.
Apple may not be talking, but that hasn’t stopped leaks from insiders, analysts, and tech experts from revealing some surprising—and sometimes outrageous—potential features for the iPhone 17 lineup. Whether it’s groundbreaking battery tech, stunning new display innovations, or a slimmed-down design that could steal the spotlight, these rumors will make any tech enthusiast sit up and pay attention. Here are 17 of the most exciting, fascinating, and downright unbelievable rumors about the iPhone 17.
Photo via Mashable // After years of thicker iPhones, the iPhone might be about to lose some weight.
1. The iPhone 17 Air: A Slim Marvel
Apple is rumored to be working on a super-thin model dubbed the iPhone 17 Air. While it won’t be a flagship, it’s said to be a feat of engineering—so slim it could rival foldable phones. But with such a small profile, can Apple keep the battery life up to par? The jury’s out, but this might just be Apple’s sleekest design ever.
2. 120Hz Displays for Everyone
Expect the entire iPhone 17 lineup to feature ProMotion 120Hz displays, according to industry insider Ross Young. This means buttery-smooth scrolling and even better graphics, bringing every model up to the level of the current Pro lineup.
3. Under-Panel Face ID for the Pro Models
Face ID could go completely under the screen in the iPhone 17 Pro, as Ross Young has suggested. This would leave just a tiny hole for the selfie camera, moving toward a full-screen experience without the divisive Dynamic Island.
4. A 48MP Telephoto Lens for the Pro Max
The iPhone 17 Pro Max may get a telephoto lens upgrade to a whopping 48 megapixels, according to MacRumors. This would make it the most powerful zoom lens on an iPhone yet, perfect for serious photographers who want every detail.
Photo via YouTube // A look at what Apple's upcoming slim iPhone 17 (17 Air) might look like.
5. Super-Slim Batteries Inspired by Huawei
Apple might be taking inspiration from Huawei’s ultra-thin battery tech, which could allow the iPhone 17 Air to stay incredibly slim without compromising on power. Huawei’s Mate XT foldable phone uses batteries just 1.9mm thick, and Apple might go even thinner.
6. A24MP Selfie Camera Across the Board
Ming-Chi Kuo predicts a massive upgrade for the front-facing camera: a 24MP sensor. If selfies are your thing, this will make your Instagram shots sharper than ever, and possibly give Apple’s competition a reason to worry.
7. Thinner, Tougher Glass
Rumors from Chinese social media suggest Apple’s working on ultra-hard glass for the iPhone 17. Could it be tougher than the current Ceramic Shield? According to some insiders, yes—and with less reflection for even clearer outdoor use.
8. A New A19 Chip on 2nm Technology
Every iPhone needs a performance boost, and the iPhone 17 could debut Apple’s first-ever 2nm chip, the A19. Expect a significant leap in efficiency and speed, making this the fastest iPhone ever.
Photo via Consomac // Forget the A18 and A18 Pro, Apple's A19 and A19 Pro chips might be just around the corner...
9. Dropping the Plus Model
Apple may finally retire the Plus-sized model. Instead, the iPhone 17 Air will fill that gap, offering an ultra-thin, large-screen alternative for those who want something light in their pockets.
10. Fast Charging Like Never Before
According to Huawei’s latest tech reveals, fast charging is about to hit another level. Could Apple take cues from Huawei’s 66W wired charging speeds and 50W wireless charging? The iPhone 17 could see a major boost in power-up time.
11. Even More Battery Density
Apple might be using a new battery tech with higher energy density in the iPhone 17 Pro Max, a feature already hinted at for the iPhone 16 Pro. This could pack more power into less space, perfect for long-lasting performance in a slim body.
12. LTPO Displays Everywhere
The iPhone 17 might feature low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) displays across all models. This technology allows Apple to adjust the refresh rate dynamically, conserving battery life while keeping performance top-notch.
13. 2TB Storage on Pro Models
Rumors hint that the iPhone 17 Pro could push storage limits with a mind-blowing 2TB option. That’s a lot of space for your 48MP photos, videos, and whatever else you can think of.
14. USB-C for Faster Charging
Following the EU’s mandate, Apple is expected to fully embrace USB-C across the iPhone 17 lineup. This could mean faster charging, more universal accessories, and better data transfer speeds.
Photo via Apple Inc. // Apple's new iPhones all ship with a USB-C port.
15. Under-Screen Touch ID
Could Touch ID be making a comeback? Some rumors suggest that Apple may integrate Touch ID under the screen for extra security options, though Face ID remains the focus for the higher-end models.
16. Solid-State Buttons
The iPhone 17 Pro could ditch traditional buttons for solid-state ones, similar to the iPhone SE’s Home button. This would add durability and improve water resistance, making the iPhone 17 even more robust.
17. Slimmer Than Ever: iPhone 17 Air
If the iPhone 17 Air really is coming, it might be Apple’s thinnest iPhone yet, breaking the 6.9mm barrier set by the iPhone 6. With foldable competitors slimming down fast, Apple could go for an ultra-light and incredibly slim design.
Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup is shaping up to be an exciting blend of familiar and futuristic. The possibility of an ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air will grab attention, but the real story might lie in the performance gains powered by the A19 chip and the ProMotion displays. With a focus on both design and functionality, the iPhone 17 promises to deliver not just on looks, but also on raw power.
Still, with all this speculation, it’s crucial to remember that Apple is known for surprising us. Some of these rumors might not come to fruition, but the excitement surrounding new battery technologies and advanced displays suggests that we’re in for something special. For those still rocking an older model, 2025 might just be the year to upgrade.
Whether you’re excited about the sleekness of the iPhone 17 Air or the incredible camera improvements in the Pro Max, it’s clear that Apple is pushing the envelope in ways that could make next year’s launch one of the most anticipated yet. Hold tight, because the iPhone 17 could redefine what we expect from smartphones.
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