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iPhone 17 release date expectations, price estimates, and upgrades

By Sebastian Pier

Updated: Jan 16, 2025, 2:18 AM

What we know so far

The iPhone 17 could easily turn out to be the most important series of Apple phones in a long time.

I realize the iPhone 17 unveiling is a year ahead in time, but if you get the picture clear enough months ahead, you'll be able to make an informed decision, like:

Should I wait for the iPhone 17, or just get the iPhone 16? Or, in contrast, should I just switch to Android, because the iPhone 17 line is not great at all?

John Ternus, the head of the hardware engineering group, describes the iPhone 17 as "the most ambitious in the product's history". Whoah, I wouldn't go so far, but that's what Apple VIPs are saying.

With the iPhone 17, we are supposed to get a whole galaxy of cutting-edge technology, neat features, and excellent Apple experience.

Overall, the iPhone 17 should get pretty thin bezels, bright and big displays, and graet haptics as usual.

Apple's 2025 phone should arrive with pretty respectable cameras (especially for video), with a hardware/software update here and there, but the periscope cameras are reserved for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models.

Looking ahead to the Fall of 2025, the iPhone 17 should feature an upgraded front-facing camera with a 24MP image sensor and six plastic lens elements, an improvement from the 12MP camera with five elements found on previous generations.

This is great news, because an enhanced selfie snapper will make the iPhone 17 even more appealing to those who love taking photos of themselves.

The iPhone 17 will pack the mind-blowing 4K video recording at 120 fps in Dolby Vision its predecessor premiered. That's the highest resolution and frame rate combination ever available on an iPhone, so it will be pretty interesting to see how the iPhone 17 will best that.

The thing I'm most curious about is what software goodies will enhance the iPhone 17's cameras. Will it rely heavily on AI? Most probably!

Of course, iOS 19 is reserved for the iPhone 17. This means big time AI.

For real, this time.

That's because the Apple Intelligence set of features that arrived in 2024 with iOS 18 and the iPhone 16 won't be in full motion until 2026. I expect things to be sorted out and perfected further with iOS 19 and the 17 models.

So, how big the screen on the iPhone 17 is going to be? What will the price be? What kinds of software features and camera setups to expect on the iPhone 17? Will the vanilla model have a big battery? Is it going to look sleek?

Scroll down and find out!

Apple's current iPhone 16, as intriguing as it may seem right now, may not be everyone's weapon of choice.

Why I'm skipping iPhone 16 to wait for iPhone 17: Most exciting iPhone upgrade since 2017

So, if for whatever reason you feel like it just doesn't quite cut it for you – and there isn't a shortage of reasons to think so – you're looking at the iPhone 17. Be sure to bookmark this page. We'll update it regularly with credible leaks, rumors and insider information that will roll out (first) gradually (then suddenly) in the months to come.

Let's see what 2025 will bring in terms of iPhone goodness!

iPhone 17 release date

I expect the iPhone 17 to drop in the first half of September, 2025.

Things are moving according to plan, with Apple increasingly relying on India for iPhone manufacturing, with early production of the base iPhone 17 model now taking place in the country. This marks the first time Apple has used an Indian factory for the initial manufacturing phase, which typically occurs between May and October. Previously, this stage was only conducted in China.

As always, the official unveiling will be followed by a short period of pre-ordering madness; after these (give or take) ten days, the iPhone 17 devices will hit the shelves.

Device family	Announcement	Market release
Apple iPhone 17	September, 2025*	September, 2025*
Apple iPhone 16	9 September, 2024	20 September, 2024
Apple iPhone 15	Sept 12, 2023	Sept 22, 2023
Apple iPhone 14	Sept 7, 2022	Sept 16, 2022

* - probable dates

Given that it's only 2024, predicting things that are a year away is kind of hard; not that it should stop us from thinking logically.

This is the type of prediction that even Nostradamus couldn't make with a 100% success rate – not because he sucks at predictions, but because it's actually impossible to pin a precise date for the arrival of the iPhone 17 in the context of the ever-changing tech industry.

I know that 2025 seems way too ahead in time. However, time flies and you'll have your hands all over the iPhone 17 faster than you can say Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.

To do so – to get the iPhone 17, I mean – you'll need money. How much money, exactly?

Let's speculate even harder!

iPhone 17 price

So far, some price hikes are expected to slam the iPhone 17, but that pales in comparison to the rumored cost of the iPhone 17 Slim/Ultra/Air.

Here, take a look:

Apple iPhone model	Starting price, regardless of storage
iPhone 17	$799-$899*
iPhone 17 Slim/Ultra/Air	$1,299*
iPhone 16 (and iPhone 15)	$799
iPhone 16 Plus (and iPhone 15 Plus)	$899

* - anticipated prices

As you can see from the table above (it represents the most recent leaks on the matter), the iPhone 17 will start at $799.

This doesn't sound that bad, but my gut feeling tells there could be a price hike. So, $899? Not out of the question, but let's hope for the $799.

iPhone 17 deals to expect:

Apple: I don't expect the Cupertino giant to suddenly put the kibosh on its iPhone Upgrade program. This is how you can get a new iPhone every 12 months (with AppleCare+ coverage) by simply making 12 payments to Apple and trading in your existing iPhone for the next model. For example, prices historically have started at $39.50/mo for a 128 GB iPhone. You can either sign up online, in the Apple Store app, or in any Apple Store. This is neat.
Verizon: If nothing changes drastically, the standard iPhone 17 model is anticipated to be potentially available for free with select Unlimited plans and a trade-in of any phone, regardless of its condition, which is a great offer, hands down.
T-Mobile: Similarly, T-Mobile customers may receive discounts in the $600-$700 range off any iPhone 17 model when choosing the Magenta MAX plan, if that's a thing in 2025. Additionally, given that the telco's strategy doesn't change, a buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deal could allow you to get up to $700 off a second iPhone 17 when adding a line to almost any T-Mobile plan.
AT&T: AT&T is likely to offer a range of attractive deals for the iPhone 17. Similar to previous offers, the standard iPhone 17 could be free when paired with an eligible AT&T plan and a trade-in of a phone in any condition.

Keep in mind that it's all predictions and wishful thinking at this point, so these offers might or might not materialize.

iPhone 17 camera

When it comes to mobile photography, I'm on team Android (don't assume that equates to a Samsung Galaxy, though!). However, I can't bend the truth and deny that iPhones take amazing photos – most of all, I like the consistency of the iPhone-made photos.

What to expect: 48MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 24MP selfie

Why I won't be surprised if the iPhone 17 camera setup is the one from its predecessor.

What does that mean? Well, a 48MP main snapper, a 12MP ultra-wide unit and a 12MP selfie camera on the front – it's just that the ultra-wide camera landed on the 16 and 16 Plus upgraded with a faster f/2.2 aperture and with autofocus capabilities for macro mode.

The iPhone 17's selfie camera will get an upgraded 24MP sensor.

However, the fact that I won't be surprised, doesn't mean that the iPhone 17's cameras should stay the same. 12MP for the ultra-wide in 2025 is a downright violation of any moral codes of the tech industry, if they even exist. So, I'm waiting for the rumors to pour in.

Also, I won't scoff at a new sensor for the main camera. A bigger one, I mean. It's cool to capture 2X zoom photos by simply cropping in the camera sensor, so a bigger sensor will be a major benefit for the vanilla iPhone 17. That's what the iPhone 16/16 Plus offer: a 2X toggle that will use sensor cropping to deliver lossless zoom. The digital zoom goes up to 10x, if you're taking shots of objects in the distance.

Of course, there's no reason to expect that the iPhone 17 will go back to the diagonal alignment of its rear cameras, found on the 14 and 15 series. As you've probably seen already, the iPhone 16 ditched it and replaced it with a vertical layout.

This isn't some sort of paying homage to the iPhone 12 (the last iPhone with a vertical camera alignment): instead, it's because of Apple's Vision Pro headset. Diagonally positioned cameras like the ones on previous iPhone cameras can't record spatial video, while vertical cameras can.

iPhone 17 storage

What to expect:

128 GB
256 GB
512 GB

Keep in mind that the figures above could change in time. Apple might ditch the 128 GB version for the vanilla iPhone 17 and we could jump straight to 256 GB

Also, there's another reason for the 128 GB starting storage point to be finally got rid of in 2025. It's because of the power- and storage-hungry AI.

Apple may set 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage as the new baseline for all iPhone models, starting with the iPhone 16 series. This increase in storage is because of the expected on-device AI capabilities, which require substantial data, thus boosting storage demands. Similarly, AI processing is driving the need for more RAM, prompting this anticipated upgrade.

To refresh your memories, the iPhone 15 (and 15 Plus) featured only 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage in their base models.

iPhone 17 design

The end of 2024 brought along some pretty wild design rumors. The iPhone 17 could like something like a... Pixel phone, of all things! There was this leaked iPhone 17 frame image that revealed a horizontal Pixel-like camera island.

The start of 2025 brought another portion of design rumors. Apple is reportedly introducing a new splicing process for the iPhone 17, creating a smoother transition between the back and the frame. This technique involves a sloped design where the rear shell meets the main body, replacing the current sharper edges for a more seamless and ergonomic feel. The change, though subtle, could enhance both the phone's aesthetics and its comfort in hand.

Until we hear more claims to corroborate this wild rumor, let's take it with a bucket of salt.

Personally, I expect the iPhone 17 to be virtually indistinguishable from every other "standard" iPhone from the last years. It's going to be stylish and it will pack some extra buttons on its sides, if the iPhone 16 passes its legacy onto it.

When it comes to the iPhone lineup, I've learned not to expect major changes – and with every year that passes, Apple just proves me right. I don't expect even minor changes in its general look.

That's why I hope that we finally get to see a different iPhone in 2025 – even if it's an ugly one. At this point, I don't care, as long as it's not the same iPhone we've been getting for years now.

Sorry, but a new button here or there (yes, I'm talking about the otherwise promising Action button) is not what I have in mind when I think of "a design change".

If you're after the iPhone because it's sleek and stylish, I'm afraid adding another button won't do any good for keeping things stylish. Unless you're into some cool steampunk aesthetics.

The Camera Control button that debuted on the iPhone 16 series does more than just the usual "click". Just as rumors foretold, it offers also zoom and focus controls. Sources were right to tell this button is not just a standard mechanical one; it’s touch-sensitive as well. Users will be able to swipe to adjust zoom levels, with a half-press focusing the shot.

While a light press handles focusing and brings up several dedicated-camera-like functionalities, a firm press would capture the image or start recording.

Additionally, users might be able to swipe left or right on the button to zoom in or out. Unlike many smartphones that use volume keys for zooming, Apple’s approach could allow users to keep their finger on the Capture button, potentially enhancing convenience.

My guess is that the Capture button will find its way to the 17 series.

However, the iPhone 17 might have less buttons overall, compared to its predecessor.

As you know, Apple introduced the Action Button in 2023, replacing the traditional mute switch. The iPhone 16 includes the additional "Camera Control" button that we talked about above, which allows users to take photos and zoom by sliding along the button. This brings the iPhone 16 to five physical buttons.

However, Apple is reportedly planning a change for the iPhone 17, combining the Action Button and volume controls on one side, while keeping the Camera Control on the other. This move would reduce the number of buttons to three. The merged button may function as both an Action Button and volume control, with sliding actions adjusting volume and pressing it possibly launching apps or muting the phone.

Apart from that, the iPhone 17 is to inherit the super-thin bezels that debuted on the 2024 iPhones.

That's thanks to the so-called BRS (Border Reduction Structure) technology to minimize the display bezels. The iPhone 16 Pro Max arrives with ultra-thin 1.15mm bezels: now that's impressive!

Reducing the size of the top and side bezels is more or less easily achievable, but the bottom bezel surely got some Apple engineers to scratch their heads longer than what's generally accepted. That's because the bottom bezel poses a challenge due to heat generation issues. The new BRS technology seems to address this by allowing the bottom bezel to be as thin as possible. It achieves this by rolling the copper wires at the bottom upward.

As far as colors go, nothing is certain so far. If we use the current iPhone 16 hue palette, this means that the 17 might come in:

Black
White
Pink
Teal
Ultramarine

iPhone 17 display

It's all fun and games, but if Apple releases a premium phone in 2025 with a 60Hz refresh rate screen, things could spiral out of control. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating here and people won't revolt and loot on the streets because of their phone's display, but a 120Hz refresh rate is due already.

This is less that what competitors offer. I'll let Apple keep the other display specs unchanged from the iPhone 16: an OLED panel, 2556 x 1179 resolution, and the Dynamic Island cutout. Peak brightness remains at 2000 nits.

We'll also most likely see improved durability, because Apple introduced a 2nd-gen Ceramic Shield for the iPhone 17's predecessor.

Apart from that, the vanilla iPhone 17 will probably grow slightly in size with its rumored 6.27-inch display. On the 15 series, it was a 6.12-inch one (as on the iPhone 16).

However, if 90Hz and 120Hz don't arrive for the vanilla iPhone 17, it would be a tech tragedy.

Recent rumors claim that Apple is reportedly planning to equip all four iPhone 17 models with low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) displays, including the standard iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Slim, along with the Pro models. LTPO technology allows for variable refresh rates, enhancing power efficiency, and is the foundation for features like the always-on display in the iPhone 16 Pro.

ProMotion, previously exclusive to the Pro models, may now be extended across the entire iPhone 17 lineup. Rumors first surfaced earlier this year, with reliable tipster Ross Young predicting that all models in the iPhone 17 would get a 120Hz refresh rate. Subsequent reports have supported this, suggesting both ProMotion and Always-On displays will be available across all models.

A recent claim says that the iPhone 17 series will feature LTPO displays, but BOE, despite advancements in OLED technology, has lost out on supplying them due to reliability issues. LG Display and Samsung will handle the bulk of the iPhone 17's display orders. BOE’s past struggles with Apple, including design alterations and failure to meet specifications, have prevented it from securing iPhone contracts.

At the very end of 2024, a leak from the Far East claimed that indeed the iPhone 17 will arrive with a higher refresh rate, but didn't point out a specific number. It's not clear if we're talking about 90Hz or 120Hz, but anything is better than the iPhone 16's 60Hz display. Let's hope it's 120Hz.

iPhone 17 battery

We're still strictly in the rumors' territory; nothing is off (and on) the table, so we can speculate a bit.

Truth to be spoken, I don't expect Apple to drastically raise the mAh numbers on the iPhone 17 models. A minimal boost here and there, but nothing to write home about.

My own personal prediction is that the iPhone 17 will come with a ~3,600 mAh capacity battery.

We're certainly not heading toward the 6,000 mAh capacity battery area. For that, I suggest checking out the OnePlus 13.

Currently, there are rumors that Apple’s new battery adhesive, introduced with the 2024 iPhones, will be implemented across all four iPhone 17 models next year. This innovative adhesive allows Apple to use electrically induced adhesive peel technology, enabling the battery to be easily removed by applying a small electric current. The current weakens the adhesive's bond, allowing the battery to detach with minimal effort.

Once removed, a new layer of adhesive will be applied to secure the replacement battery. This technology eliminates the need for heat guns, crowbars, or force when replacing an iPhone battery. By testing this adhesive on the current non-Pro iPhone models, Apple can gather feedback from Genius Bar technicians, helping ensure smooth implementation across the iPhone 17 lineup.

It could be the case that the iPhone 17 will benefit from the stacked battery tech that first showed up in 2023. This is the reason its owners are expected to enjoy better battery life than the iPhone 14 crowd.

In 2023, Apple surprised everyone by revealing the iPhone 15's battery performance was better than predicted. Initially, they said it would keep 80% of its original capacity after 500 charge cycles, but later improved that estimate across the entire iPhone family. Sure, it doesn’t match the blazing 210W charging speeds seen in Chinese phones like vivo or Xiaomi, but it’s got some tricks worth mentioning.

Since 2023, the battery utilizes a "stacked" method, borrowing from the way electric vehicle batteries are made. It’s more uniform and stable compared to the older "winding" method, which takes up more space. Though winding batteries are cheaper and more durable, stacked batteries provide better energy density and stability, which helps in delivering longer battery life.

iPhone 17 features and software

It will run on iOS 19 and the hopes are high;
Apple Intelligence will be in full bloom for the iPhone 17;

Ah, 2025 is the year that Apple will finally catch up in terms of AI with the rest of the brands; the iPhone will be so AI-powerful, that it will be able to do AI tricks and gimmicks that other brands have been doing for years.

OK, joking aside, but even Apple fans and insiders have been repeating for almost a year now that Apple is "way behind" the competition in the AI race.

Yes, during the June 2024 WWDC, Apple did present iOS 18 and promised to heavily emphasize AI for the iPhone. In what's best described as a typical Apple move, the Cupertino giant announced its Apple Intelligence (yeah, that's the humble term they're using for their upcoming set of artificial intelligence features) to be available for only a handful of iPhones.

These are:

They didn't mention the 2025 iPhone 17 series back when they announced the AI-focused iOS 18, but I'm sure they won't ditch their project just like that.

What's more, I think that Apple's Apple Intelligence feature pack will bloom with the iPhone 17 series, not with the iPhone 16.

Why? Well, because we won't even get to see the whole Apple Intelligence magic despit the iPhone 16's official unveiling.

Recent rumors indicate that Apple is gearing up to introduce Apple Intelligence through a series of software updates, with the initial release potentially arriving in the Fall of 2024, following the launch of the iPhone 16 series and the official release of iOS 18. However, the Apple Intelligence updates are expected to roll out gradually, extending into the first half of 2025.

By 2025, the revamped Siri, equipped with its new features, is anticipated to be publicly available as part of the upcoming iOS 18.4 release, which is currently under development.

The new, enhanced Siri will be experienced only on devices equipped with the A17 Pro chip or newer. This updated Siri will be able to execute complex, multi-step commands within your apps.

How generous of Apple to let only iPhone 15 Pro (and above) users to meet the new Siri.

Meanwhile, the Oppo competitor is taking a slightly different approach:

Oppo details AI pivot that brings innovative features to all phones

iOS 19: what to expect?

While iOS 19 is obviously long below the horizon at the moment, we should see more of the same… but slightly different… but still the same! Yes? No?

With iOS 18, we're about to get some new features that include free-form app icon placement, deep app icon customization (allowing for resizing icons and adding a colorful tint), customizable lock screen shortcuts, and a redesigned Control Center.

With iOS 19, these areas could receive a further boost and users could get even more control over the way the iPhone looks.

iPhone 17 hardware

What to expect:

CPU: Apple A19 chip
RAM: 8 GB
Battery: ~3,600mAh
Storage: 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB
Camera setup: 48MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 24MP selfie

Cameras, batteries, storage, and RAM figures are delightful topics to chit-chat about, but what do we talk about, when we talk about an upcoming iPhone?

Why, the chipset, of course!

Chipsets, also known as SoCs, are crucial – they're essentially the heart (and brain) of your phone.

A System-on-Chip (SoC) integrates most or all components of a computer or electronic system onto a single chip. It typically includes a central processing unit (CPU), memory interfaces (for RAM and ROM), input/output interfaces, and often additional features like a graphics processing unit (GPU), communications modules (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth), and more.

So, given that Apple's A18 chip lands on the iPhone 16 series (the 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max received the boosted A18 Pro model), we could get A19 and A19 Pro on the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro.

Now, the big question is: what is the A19 going to be like? Will it be a 3nm SoC – like the A17 Pro and the A18/18 Pro – or will it be a 2nm SoC?

OK, let's TTT – talk things through.

In the realm of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology for mobile phones, "nm" (nanometer) denotes the size of components like transistors on the chip. A nanometer is one billionth of a meter, underscoring the minuscule scale of these elements. Smaller nanometer technology enables more chips by allowing more transistors to fit into a compact space. Basically, the smaller the "nm" number of a SoC, the more power efficient and powerful your phone gets.

It was almost exactly a year ago, when we first heard of the A19 chip for the iPhone 17 – back then, the information had it that this could be the first 2nm SoC for a mass-produced phone. This sounded great at the time (and still does), as you can imagine. Apple's plans to build a 2nm SoC came two months before the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 was officially launched at the end of October 2023!

However, in mid-April 2024, there came a cold shower of rumors that claimed Apple won't make it to the 2nm level for the iPhone 17 and the A19 chip. In September 2024, the same thing was stated again:

iPhone 17 will not be getting the processor upgrade we were hoping for

Meanwhile, Samsung is trying to beat Apple at their own game. For the Galaxy S26 Ultra (Nostradamus ain't got nothing on me; here I am, talking about a phone that's to come out in 2026!), the Korean giant is dreaming of packing a 2nm Exynos 2600 chipset.

If Apple doesn't manage to squeeze out a 2nm chip for the iPhone 17 lineup, this will mean that Samsung and its Galaxy S26 Ultra (expected in the very beginning of 2026) will be the first phone with a 2nm chip inside.

However, that's not an easy job to do for Samsung, given that the Galaxy S24 Ultra utilized a 4nm chip and the Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to pack a 3nm chip. Jumping down (up, really) the nm figures on consecutive years might be a challenge for the engineers…

The iPhone 17 will feature custom-designed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips, supporting the Wi-Fi 7 standard to improve performance, energy efficiency, and integration within Apple's ecosystem. This move reduces reliance on third-party suppliers like Broadcom. Additionally, Apple's development of its own 5G modem, "Centauri", promises enhanced connectivity, security, and cost-efficiency, making the iPhone 17 a more powerful and seamless device.

Should I wait for the iPhone 17?

You should wait for the iPhone 17 if you're deep in the Apple ecosystem and you can't stand the idea of using a phone for more than a year. If you're after a phone with a 2nm chip – if Apple manages to get it ready for 2025, though – 17 is your lucky number. If you want to see Apple Intelligence in full swing – you guessed it – the iPhone 17 is the one for you. If you're using iPhone 14 or older, I think the 17 might be the correct model for you.

You should not wait for the iPhone 17 if you're a die-hard Android fan (that was obvious). If you have the iPhone 15 Pro, for example, it would be probably best not to switch to the vanilla iPhone 17, but check out its bigger siblings.

Latest rumors about iPhone 17:

Apple's latest patent suggests that a pristine display is coming soon to iPhone

Freshly rumored iPhone 17 design update will require Apple to adopt a new manufacturing technique

Apple's decision to delay use of TSMC's 2nm node until 2026 based on wafer prices

iPhone 17 Slim concept video shows us what the super svelte model might look like

Base model iPhone 17 to reportedly get the display upgrade we’ve all been waiting for

Apple reveals the U.S. wireless firms that support RCS on the iPhone 's Messages app

Report lists which iPhone models will receive iOS 19 next year

I like the Pixel 9 look so much that I might just get the iPhone 17

Despite renders, iPhone 17 Pro Max will not copy Pixel rear camera bar says leaker

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Sebastian, a veteran of a tech writer with over 15 years of experience in media and marketing, blends his lifelong fascination with writing and technology to provide valuable insights into the realm of mobile devices. Embracing the evolution from PCs to smartphones, he harbors a special appreciation for the Google Pixel line due to their superior camera capabilities. Known for his engaging storytelling style, sprinkled with rich literary and film references, Sebastian critically explores the impact of technology on society, while also perpetually seeking out the next great tech deal, making him a distinct and relatable voice in the tech world.