Everything We Know About the iPhone 17 Release Date

September 2024’s iPhone 16 launch was certainly something to be excited about. It came with a 30% faster A18 chip, an upgraded vertical camera lens setup, and even a brand new device: the affordable, yet high-performance iPhone 16e that replaced the iPhone SE.

But, as with any new flagship phone launch, news and predictions on what’s up next have built over the past few months —  including about a proposed release date for the iPhone 17.

While there isn’t enough to confirm the specifics, we do have a few key details on Apple’s new iPhone range. What can you expect from the iPhone 17? And is it worth the upgrade? Keep reading to find out when you can enjoy everything the latest iPhone 17 has to offer.

What is the Release Date for the iPhone 17?

Apple introduced the iPhone 16 series on September 9, 2024, at the “It’s Glowtime” event. The range became available for pre-order on September 13 and officially launched on September 20.

The iPhone 17 is expected to follow the same schedule as previous years. Its predicted release date is September 2025, when the base iPhone, two Pro models, and iPhone 17 Air could launch. The ultra-thin Air model is likely to replace the Plus, while the Pro and Pro Max will stay around for another year.

Is the iPhone Release Date Changing?

Although Apple’s launch events have been held in September for the past 15 years, this could change significantly for future iPhones.

The iPhone 18 series may be introduced with a staggered release date: the standard model and 18e will launch during spring 2026, just 6 months after the iPhone 18. The Pro models, the 18 Air, and the rumored folding iPhone could debut later in the year.

This shake-up would be designed to encourage more regular upgrades and boost sales, while also making room for the production of the iPhone Fold. Apple is also following in the footsteps of Samsung and Google, who have already moved the launches of their Galaxy and Pixel devices.

If these rumors are true, we could be seeing a significant change in release dates across the entire flagship phone calendar. For now, we can expect the iPhone 17 in the fall this year.

What Can We Expect From the iPhone 17? Rumored Features 

The iPhone 17 full technical specs aren’t yet confirmed. However, here’s what we know so far about the new series, including upgrades from the current iPhones.

Display

The iPhone 17 screen could grow from 6.1 inches to 6.3 inches. But this isn’t the most significant display upgrade the latest iPhone will offer. 

One of the standard iPhone’s biggest drawbacks compared to Galaxy S and Pixel devices is the lack of variable refresh rate. This feature provides a smooth performance, prevents lag, and ensures easy scrolling.

The 17 is likely to follow in the footsteps of the 16 Pro models by replacing its fixed 60Hz refresh rate with one that goes up to 120Hz. It could also have the same ProMotion display for better-quality images and graphics.

In terms of design, Apple isn’t giving much away. However, we’d expect to see the same Action and Camera Control buttons that were so impressive on the 16 series. 

Camera

The iPhone 16 didn’t have many camera upgrades when it came to physical hardware. These were reserved for the Pro models, which included a 48MP Ultrawide lens. 

However, this upgraded lens could become a feature of the standard iPhone 17, while the 17 Pro Max is rumored to benefit from 48MP sensors on all three rear cameras. 

Another possible update is to the 12MP TrueDepth front camera, which could be replaced with a 24MP sensor for capturing higher-quality selfies and FaceTime calls.

Performance and Software

Each new Apple A chipset brings impressive performance improvements — and the A19 is expected to be no exception. 

While the A18 processor worked 30% faster than the previous A116 Bionic, A19 chips are rumored to be smaller. They’ll feature a 2-nanometer process that boosts power efficiency, offering a longer battery life and better Apple Intelligence performance.

Speaking of Apple’s AI system, there could be some new features to look forward to in the form of a software update. This will arrive in October 2025, alongside the visual intelligence language model that analyzes images. Similar to Google Lens, this feature uses the Camera app to view the world around you, identifying everything from dog breeds to products you’d like to buy.

The iPhone 17 is also likely to run on iOS 19, as with all models that support Apple’s latest operating system.

Price

The iPhone 16 series kept the same prices as the previous generation, starting from $799. There’s nothing to suggest that Apple won’t do the same for the iPhone 17, although changes in tariffs and material costs could see a small price hike.

For now, the predicted iPhone 17 prices are:

• iPhone 17: $799

• iPhone 17 Pro: $999

• iPhone 17 Pro Max: $1,999
  

Should You Upgrade to the iPhone 17?

If the new schedule is accurate, there should only be a few months between the iPhone 17 and 18 release dates. That leaves little time for Apple to make significant updates to the latter device, including a new A20 chipset for a more powerful performance.

But again, these are just rumors. So, if you’re in the market for a new flagship phone right now, the iPhone 17 series looks set to be a great choice. There’s no need to hold out until the iPhone 18 launch!

However, the iPhone 16 range remains one of the best smartphone lineups on the market —  particularly the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Pro models with their impressive camera systems. This means you’re unlikely to miss out if you already own a 16 device and aren’t looking to upgrade this year.