The new iPhone 16 series will be available in-store and on every retail website from September 20. Pre-bookings for the new Apple smartphones have already started. The iPhone 16 lineup includes 4 devices: iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max. This series is the first series to be equipped with iOS 18 and will support Apple Intelligence. Even before this iPhone hits the global market, rumors are spreading about the next in-line, the iPhone 17. But will it bring any major changes? Based on rumors, the iPhone 17 is expected to come with major upgrades compared to the iPhone 16. For starters, the iPhone 17 series is speculated to remove the Plus model. Does this mean you should wait for the iPhone 17? Let’s find out in detail.

iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17

Apple fully unveiled the iPhone 16 series on September 9 this year. Now, when we compare these two devices, it is important to remember that Apple has not said a word about the iPhone 17. This discussion is entirely based on rumors and online leaks. One of the big reasons why I think waiting for the iPhone 17 is worth it is the processor.

Design and Aesthetics: One of the most talked-about changes for the iPhone 16 series was its design. The iPhone 16 base model has a new look, which is a change from the last few years. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus have a vertical camera, housed in a capsule module on the back panel. But Apple has not changed the look of the Pro models for the iPhone 16 series as well. Based on rumors, the iPhone 17 Pro models are also going to look similar.

In the latest leak, a tipster @MajinBuOfficial has shared a possible image of the iPhone 17 Pro model, which seems to follow the same three-camera system. It also suggests that Apple will continue to play the colour game with the iPhone 17. The iPhone 17 Pro may sport some new colours: Titanium Blue Metallic, Titanium Purple, and Titanium Green.

Apart from this, the iPhone 17 series is also expected to see a new variant replacing the Plus – the iPhone 17 Air or Slim. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the new model called the iPhone 17 Slim is likely to launch in the second half of 2025. The model is said to focus on aesthetics and physical appeal over powerful hardware specifications. The ultra-slim form factor is likely to be a major selling point, attracting consumers who prefer sleek and stylish devices.

Display: Next year’s iPhone 17 is rumoured to get a 6.27-inch size like the 16 Pro model, while the iPhone 17 Air variant could feature a significant redesign, potentially with updated dimensions that would differentiate it from previous models.

For comparison, the iPhone 16 has a 6.1-inch display, while the iPhone 16 Plus has a larger 6.7-inch screen. The Pro model has a 6.3-inch display and the Pro Max has a larger 6.9-inch screen.

Processor: I think that’s a big reason to wait for the iPhone 17. Right now, the iPhone 16 series has the powerful A18 chip, which is Apple’s newest chip ever. But the processor is also expected to be upgraded with the arrival of the iPhone 17. The 2025 Pro models are expected to be the first iPhones to include Apple’s custom-designed Wi-Fi 7 chip.

The A18 chipset is designed to work with Apple’s AI– Apple Intelligence. Earlier, during WWDC 2024, Apple had hinted that Apple Intelligence would come in-built in the iPhone 16 series. However, it turned out that Apple Intelligence is catching up and will come in the iOS 18.1 update scheduled in October. This means that AI features including Genmoji, writing tools, Siri overhaul, ChatGPT and all other features have been delayed. Not only this, the company might push the update till 2025.

It seems that those who buy the iPhone 16 will have to keep their devices updated to stay up to date. But there is a catch here. Since the iPhone 17 series is expected to arrive in September 2025, we can assume that it will come with all the Apple Intelligence features.

Additionally, the iPhone 17 Air is said to feature improved performance thanks to the A19 chipset, as well as an Apple-designed 5G modem.

Camera: The iPhone 17 may see a big change in the camera system as opposed to the iPhone 16 series. It’s going from 12-megapixels to 24-megapixels and there will surely be new software features to take advantage of that boost.

The rear camera on the new iPhone 17 Air will be all-new. Taking a bold step in design, Apple is said to replace the familiar top-left corner multi-camera array with a single, high-powered camera placed at the top-centre of the iPhone’s rear.

Overall, the iPhone 17 series is likely to have many changes over the current iPhone 16 series. It is speculated that the iPhone 17 will have an Apple intelligence update, updated camera system, new design and an all-new model. But, it is also true that anyone who buys an iPhone 16 model will get a great offer through Apple trade-in next year. So, if you are looking for an instant update, the iPhone 16 series promises to deliver an enhanced experience with iOS 18 and the upcoming Apple intelligence.