The iPhone 17 series is rumored to bring some exciting changes to the lineup. Expected to launch in September 2025, the next generation of iPhones could include several major updates, ranging from the long-awaited ProMotion display on all models to a brand new design and improved cameras. But there’s more – Apple may also introduce a new model, the iPhone 17 Air, to replace the Plus model.

The iPhone 17 Air could be the thinnest iPhone ever, even thinner than the iPhone 6, which was just 6.9mm thick. Some reports suggest that the 17 Air will measure around 6.25mm, which is a big deal as modern iPhones are becoming thicker to accommodate larger batteries, better cameras, and Face ID.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the iPhone 17 Air will be about 2mm thinner than the existing iPhone 16 Pro, which measures 8.25mm. To make this possible, Apple is rumored to be using its own custom-designed 5G modem chip. The chip is reportedly smaller than Qualcomm’s, saving much-needed space inside the device. Apple has also optimized the internal layout, ensuring that the 17 Air doesn’t sacrifice battery life, camera quality or display performance. Analyst Jeff Pu estimates the thickness of the iPhone 17 Air to be around 6mm, while information suggests it could be between 5mm and 6mm.

For years, Apple’s ProMotion technology, which offers a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, has been exclusive to Pro models. But this feature may come to the entire iPhone lineup in 2025. This means that the standard iPhone 17 models will also benefit from smoother scrolling and better touch response. Additionally, the Pro also supports variable refresh rates ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz. This helps save battery life when high refresh rates are not required. Additionally, the iPhone 17 series is expected to feature a new anti-reflective display layer, as we have also seen on the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

The iPhone 17 Pro models are rumored to be powered by Apple’s next-generation A19 Pro chip. Estimated to be manufactured using TSMC’s advanced 3nm process, this chip will likely offer faster performance and better energy efficiency. Apple may also introduce its own Wi-Fi 7 chip instead of the Broadcom chips used in earlier models. When it comes to RAM, there is some debate. Higher-end models like the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are expected to feature 12GB of RAM, which is a significant upgrade from the 8GB in the iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro. The standard iPhone 17 and 17 Air will likely come with 8GB of RAM, the same as the standard iPhone 16.

All iPhone 17 models are expected to include a new 24MP front-facing camera, which is a big jump from the existing 12MP selfie cameras. On the back, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is rumored to have a triple-camera setup with three 48MP sensors. It includes a primary camera, an ultra-wide camera, and a telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 17 and 17 Air will likely stick to a single 48MP rear camera.

One extraordinary rumor is that at least one iPhone 17 variant will include a mechanical aperture. This feature will allow users to adjust the aperture size, giving them more creative control over their photos.

The iPhone 17 series may also introduce a new design. Reports suggest that the iPhone 17 Air models will have a centered camera bump, moving the rear camera from the top-left corner to the middle of the device. This can give the phone a unique look while maintaining functionality.