6 iPhone 17 Features Rumors You Need to Know

Calling all Apple fans! We’re now just two weeks away from the iPhone 17 release date. Apple’s biggest launch of 2025 is set for September 9, accidentally revealed when the tech giant posted (before quickly deleting!) the invite for its annual event on Apple TV.

Each new generation brings performance improvements and design tweaks. And while the pattern should continue this year, we may also see some bigger changes that will bring the latest-generation iPhone in line with the Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel ranges.

We won’t know for sure what changes to expect until launch day, and some of the rumored upgrades could also be limited to the Pro models. But thanks to insider leaks, we already have a good idea of what’s coming this September. In this article, we’ll share six key features that could make the iPhone 17 Apple’s most exciting flagship phone yet!

1. ProMotion Display

Apple’s ProMotion display is currently limited to the iPhone 16 Pro models. This technology offers a maximum 120 Hz refresh rate, compared to the standard 60 Hz.

What’s great about the iPhone 17 is that it could be the first standard model to receive ProMotion technology. This would feature an adaptive display courtesy of Apple’s rumored Samsung-sourced LTPO OLED displays. Its 120 Hz refresh rate dynamically adjusts based on your on-screen content to conserve battery life and encourage smoother scrolling.

An always-on display may also feature, allowing you to quickly check your notifications without unlocking the device. Other than these changes, the iPhone 17 display should look the same as the 16, with either a 6.1 or 6.3-inch display and 2000 nits of peak brightness.

2. iPhone 17 Air

Measuring just 5.5mm at its slimmest point, the new iPhone 17 Air will be Apple’s lightest, thinnest iPhone yet. 30% thinner than the current iPhone 16 models! It will have many of the same features offered by the rest of the range, including an A19 chip (discussed in the next section!), plus a small, yet high-density battery.

However, some compromises must be made to fit the ultra-thin design, including only single rear cameras. The Air is also expected to be among the first iPhones to have Apple’s first self-designed 5G modem, while regular Qualcomm modems will feature in the other models. This will have slower 5G download speeds of 4 GB/S.

It’s also thought that the Air will replace the Plus model currently available in the iPhone lineup.

3. A19 Chips

While the 17 Air and Pro Models will likely receive 12 GB of RAM, the base 17 could stay at 8 GB. However, performance improvements should instead come from the A19, Apple’s latest A-series chipset.

Like the A19 Pro, the chip likely to feature in the Pro and Pro Max devices, the standard A19 is built on TSMC’s enhanced 3NP process. This produces a chip with even more power efficiency than previous models for a longer battery life. It also offers more power for high-intensity gaming, video rendering, and new Apple Intelligence features.

A new Wi-Fi chip that enhances wireless connectivity while reducing battery consumption could support the A19, according to analyst Jeff Pu. The Wi-Fi 7 may not seem like much of an upgrade since all iPhone 16 devices already support this spec. 

However, this chip is the first designed by Apple, helping to reduce its reliance on external suppliers like Broadcom and Qualcomm.

4. Sharper Selfie Camera

A variety of rumors suggest a redesigned camera module for the iPhone 17. From pill-shaped to horizontal camera bars, the latest leaks point to a three-lens camera setup, on a panel that stretches across the device’s width. 

This panel will likely include the same 48 MP Fusion Main and 12 MP Ultra-Wide lenses as the iPhone 16. It could also be the last iPhone to feature the Camera Control button, Apple’s touch-sensitive button that acts like a camera shutter.

But the biggest change for the iPhone 17’s camera system is set for the selfie lens. If all the rumors are true, Apple plans to double the specs, taking the Front-facing camera from 12 to 24 MP. This would support better low-light photography, plus higher-resolution selfies and improved FaceTime quality.

5. New Colors

While the Pro models may swap their titanium frame for a new aluminum material, leaked CAD renders show minimal design changes for the iPhone 17. Thanks to a new “Metalens” technology, the iconic Dynamic Island notch that displays notifications at the top of the iPhone screen may also become smaller this year.

However, along with the classic Black and White color options, it is expected to feature four new shades:

• Light Blue

• Purple

• Green

• Steel Gray

Though not yet confirmed, this list of potential colors comes from two leaked images displaying iPhone 17 camera covers. The Pro models could also receive new Dark Blue and Orange options, with the Apple logo relocated to fit the redesigned camera module.

6. Higher Price Tag?

Apple’s first price hike in 5 years could apply to the entire iPhone 17 series. Some rumors point to this year’s iPhone models keeping the 16’s $799 starting price, but government-imposed tariffs make higher costs almost inevitable.

These tariffs could impact smartphones manufactured outside the US, with production costs, unfortunately, passed down to the end consumer. The deadline is delayed, meaning Apple has a short window to make deals to lower the tariffs before the iPhone 17’s official launch.

However, if recent reports are true, the standard model may be spared from these price hikes. Instead, only users who purchase the iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max may need to pay an extra $50 compared to last year.

Should You Get Excited About the iPhone 17?

Apple fans will have to wait until September 9’s iPhone Event to really get excited about the iPhone 17’s new features. Pre-orders will likely start from September 12, with official online and retail sales on September 19. But should you invest in the iPhone 17 or stick to an older model?

Even with new colors and a potential 120 Hz ProMotion display, the iPhone 17 will have minimal design upgrades, making it pretty similar to the iPhone 16. If you already own the current model or an older iPhone, check which deals Apple and other retailers are offering to make the most of trade-in discounts before deciding whether to upgrade. 

If you’re looking for a complete switch-up, it may be worth waiting for the iPhone 18. Next year’s release is Apple’s 20th anniversary iPhone, which looks set for a radical redesign!

However, an upgraded performance courtesy of the A19 and small camera improvements makes the iPhone 17 an excellent choice, especially if you’re in the market for a new flagship smartphone.

If you’re still undecided, keep an eye on Ghostek Insider for more iPhone 17 information and to see which rumors are true on release day!