The next major iPhone upgrade is coming. In fall 2025, Apple will introduce the iPhone 17 series, and as always, there are numerous rumors and leaks about the new models. This year, there will be four versions: the iPhone 17, the iPhone 17 Air, the iPhone 17 Pro, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The new devices are expected to be not only more powerful but also feature some significant design changes. The improvements to the display, camera, and performance are particularly exciting. So, if you're thinking about upgrading your iPhone, you should take a close look at the eight most important new features.
Apple continually adapts to the market and continues to develop its devices. While the iPhone 16 already brought some improvements, Apple is now taking it a step further with the iPhone 17. The introduction of a completely new iPhone 17 Air, in particular, could breathe new life into the model lineup. There are also some long-overdue upgrades: ProMotion for all models, better cooling, more performance, and a new design for the Pro models. Anyone currently using an older iPhone will be pleased with the improvements, as Apple seems to be focusing on a particularly strong overall package this time around.
The eight most important upgrades of the iPhone 17
120 Hz ProMotion for all models
Until now, standard iPhone models had to make do with a 60 Hz refresh rate. Many users found this outdated—and Apple is responding. The iPhone 17 will reportedly feature ProMotion across all models, meaning the display can dynamically increase to up to 120 Hz depending on usage. This ensures smoother scrolling, faster animations, and an overall better user experience. This should be a major upgrade for most users, especially those who spend a lot of time gaming or watching videos on their smartphone.
48-megapixel telephoto lens for better zoom shots
The iPhone camera improves with each generation, but until now, the telephoto lens on the Pro models only had 12 megapixels. That will change with the next generation. Now, all three rear cameras on the Pro models will be equipped with 48 megapixels. This means not only better zoom quality but also more detail in night shots and greater digital zoom capabilities. While some Android devices already offer extreme zoom levels, Apple is taking a more quality-enhancing approach rather than exaggerated zoom levels. Users can therefore expect sharper images overall.
iPhone 17 Air – the new slim model
Apple will discontinue the current Plus model and replace it with the iPhone 17 Air. It's expected to be exceptionally thin and light, with a body just 5.5 mm thick. By comparison, the current iPhone 16 Pro is 8.25 mm thick, meaning the iPhone 17 Air would be more than a third thinner. This model is intended to be a more affordable alternative to the Pro models, while still offering a modern design and solid performance.
Improved cooling for longer battery life and better performance
An often underestimated problem with smartphones is heat generation. Especially during intensive use, the iPhone can get warm, which negatively impacts performance and battery life. Apple now uses a vapor cooling chamber in the iPhone 17. This system ensures that heat is dissipated more efficiently, allowing the device to perform longer, conserve battery life, and enable faster charging times. This is a welcome innovation for gamers and power users.
A19 chip – More power for AI and performance
Like every year, Apple is also releasing a new processor. The A19 chip will be available in two versions:
- A19 for iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air
- A19 Pro for iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max
This new chip not only brings increased speed but also improvements to the Neural Engine, which is particularly important for artificial intelligence and image processing. Additionally, all four models reportedly receive 12 GB of RAM.
Always-on display for all models
Until now, only the Pro models had an always-on display, which is particularly useful for widgets, notifications, and standby mode. With the iPhone 17, this feature is finally being extended to all models. This allows users to see their widgets, time, and battery status without having to actively turn on the display. This feature helps save battery life and makes the iPhone more practical for everyday use.
New design for the Pro models
The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are undergoing a visual overhaul. Instead of the traditional left-aligned camera, there will now be a metal camera bump that stretches across the entire width of the device. This new design is intended to differentiate the Pro models more clearly from standard iPhones and offer a more modern look. It would be the first major change to the iPhone design since the iPhone X.
24-megapixel front camera for better selfies
While the main cameras have continued to improve, the front camera has remained at 12 megapixels. That changes with the iPhone 17 – all models will get a 24-megapixel front camera. This means more details, better low-light performance, and higher-quality selfies. This should be a noticeable improvement, especially for social media users and video callers.
Upgrade or wait?
With these improvements, the iPhone 17 will be one of the most exciting model series in years. Particularly interesting are the introduction of the iPhone 17 Air, the improved cameras, and the ProMotion technology across all models. Those using an older iPhone (e.g., iPhone 13 or earlier) will notice a significant difference. For iPhone 15 or 16 users, it depends on how important the new features are. Apple will announce the final details in September 2025 – until then, it will remain exciting. Looking for new accessories? Visit our Amazon Storefront – there you'll find a variety of products from leading manufacturers, including products for HomeKit and more! (Photo by Unsplash / Amanz)
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