iPhone 17 Series: Leaks, Rumours and Probable Release Date

A Major Redesign

One of the most anticipated updates in the Apple iPhone 17 series is the introduction of the iPhone 17 Air. Apple is reportedly dropping the underwhelming "Plus" variant in favour of a sleeker, thinner, and more premium device that redefines design expectations for iPhones. 

According to notable analysts such as Mark Gurman and Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone 17 Air will be Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever, with a remarkable thickness of between 5.5mm and 6mm. To put that in perspective, the iPhone 16 Pro has an 8.25mm body, making the Air a significant leap in engineering and design.

This model is expected to sit in a perfect spot—positioned between the standard iPhone 17 and the Pro models, both in terms of size and price. It will likely feature a 6.6-inch LTPO OLED display, giving it a comfortable middle ground compared to the 6.3-inch iPhone 17 and the 6.9-inch Pro Max. 

What truly sets the Air apart is its rumoured centred, horizontal camera bump, a departure from the vertical stack seen on current non-Pro models. It adds a futuristic look while accommodating the internal adjustments needed for such a thin chassis.

In terms of aesthetics, the Apple iPhone 17 Air could come in a set of refined and minimalist colours, including silver, black, gold, and light blue—mirroring Apple’s Air lineup across other product categories like MacBooks and iPads.
Camera Upgrades 

Apple appears poised to elevate camera performance across all iPhone 17 models. The front-facing selfie camera on every model is expected to get a huge upgrade, from 12 MP to 24 MP, providing sharper images, better video call quality, and more detail in selfies. On the back, things get even more exciting.

The standard iPhone 17 is expected to continue with a dual-lens setup, offering a wide and ultra-wide combination. The iPhone 17 Air, however, will go with a single 48 MP wide camera, which marks a notable upgrade for a non-Pro model and aligns with Apple’s strategy to make high-quality photography more accessible. 

On the Pro and Pro Max, Apple is reportedly going all-in with three 48 MP sensors: wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto. This would be the first time an Apple iPhone features this level of parity across all three lenses, and the leap from a 12MP telephoto lens to a 48MP one is especially significant. Additionally, the introduction of a mechanical aperture system on Pro models may allow photographers to manually adjust depth of field, mimicking DSLR-style photography.

Another standout feature in the pipeline is dual-video recording, which lets users capture footage simultaneously from both the front and rear cameras. Ideal for content creators and vloggers, this feature brings professional-level storytelling tools into the hands of everyday users.
A19 Chips and More RAM 

Apple is expected to standardise high performance across the entire iPhone 17 range with its next-gen A19 chip, with the Pro and Pro Max getting the A19 Pro variant. These chips are said to be based on TSMC’s 3NP architecture, offering increased speed, reduced power consumption, and enhanced AI capabilities. 

To handle more resource-intensive apps and Apple’s latest AI features, all Apple iPhone 17 models will reportedly come equipped with 12GB of RAM. The increase will allow smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and better performance in high-demand tasks like gaming, video editing, and machine learning.

One of the most exciting leaks is that Apple will finally bring ProMotion displays to every model in the iPhone 17 lineup. Previously exclusive to the Pro models, this 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate technology enables ultra-smooth scrolling, fluid animations, and better responsiveness.

Apple’s move to LTPO OLED panels across the board makes this possible, as these panels are more energy-efficient and capable of variable refresh rates from 1Hz to 120Hz. While always-on display functionality might still remain a Pro-only perk, standard and Air users will still enjoy the benefits of a faster, more visually engaging interface.
Design 

Design is getting a refresh as well. The Pro and Pro Max models are rumoured to abandon their titanium frames for a more durable and lighter half-glass, half-aluminium body. This not only improves drop protection but also maintains MagSafe compatibility. The most striking change is the horizontal camera bar, which now spans the width of the device—similar to the Pixel design language. 

Colour-wise, Apple is stepping out of its comfort zone. Along with the usual silver, black, and dark blue, a bold orange variant may join the lineup. A liquid glass-inspired white option could also debut, featuring a finish that subtly changes colour based on lighting conditions. These aesthetic choices indicate Apple’s willingness to experiment with more expressive designs.

Improved Audio and Display Protection
The audio experience is rumoured to get an upgrade too. Longer earpiece cutouts and possibly enhanced speaker tuning should improve call clarity and media playback. Coupled with new software optimisations in AirPods, Apple is aiming to deliver a superior audio ecosystem.

Display durability is also a key area of improvement. Apple might debut scratch-resistant, antireflective glass on the Pro models—significantly tougher than the current Ceramic Shield. This would not only enhance durability but also reduce glare, making screen content easier to view in bright environments.
Vapor Chamber Cooling and Battery Upgrades

To keep everything running smoothly, especially under high-performance loads, vapour chamber cooling systems could be introduced in the Apple iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. These systems efficiently dissipate heat, preventing thermal throttling during demanding tasks like gaming or extended video recording. 

Battery life is getting better, too. The iPhone 17 Pro Max may house the largest battery ever in an iPhone, while the Pro variant will also benefit from increased capacity due to its slightly thicker frame, rumoured to be 8.725 mm. Charging speeds will reportedly stay at 35W wired and 25W wireless, but improvements in thermal management and battery chemistry could extend real-world usage time considerably.

In a Nutshell
The iPhone 17 series is shaping up to be Apple’s most exciting release in years. With a completely new Air model, universal ProMotion displays, camera and performance upgrades, and a striking design refresh, Apple is signalling a bold step forward. Whether you are a casual user or a power-hungry pro, the Apple iPhone 17 lineup will likely offer something worth waiting for, reports UNB.