Apple is preparing to unveil its iPhone 17 lineup at its September 2025 event, and excitement is already building. While the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will no doubt attract plenty of attention, the standard iPhone 17 is shaping up to be one of the most compelling upgrades Apple has offered in years. Thanks to reliable leaks and rumors, we now have a fairly complete picture of what the next-generation iPhone will look like, how it will perform, and what kind of improvements users can expect.
In this deep dive, let’s break down everything we know about the iPhone 17 — from its new display and upgraded cameras to performance, battery life, charging speeds, design refinements, and pricing.
Bigger, Better Display
For the first time since the iPhone XS era, Apple is increasing the screen size of its standard model. The iPhone 17 will feature a 6.3-inch display, up from the 6.1-inch panel used on the iPhone 16 and several generations before it. This makes the new iPhone the same size as today’s iPhone 16 Pro.
The panel itself is also getting a serious upgrade. The iPhone 17 will use an LTPO OLED display, delivering higher brightness levels and improved energy efficiency. Even more importantly, Apple is finally bringing 120Hz ProMotion technology to the standard iPhone. For years, this buttery-smooth refresh rate was locked behind the Pro models, but in 2025, everyday users will finally get to enjoy it.
The Dynamic Island returns as well, providing quick access to notifications, calls, and apps in a more fluid and interactive way. Between the larger screen, thinner bezels, and ProMotion, the iPhone 17’s display should be one of its standout features.
Dual 48MP Cameras
Cameras are always a central focus for Apple, and the iPhone 17 looks set to deliver meaningful upgrades. In 2024, the iPhone 16 introduced a 48MP main wide-angle sensor paired with a 12MP ultrawide camera. With the iPhone 17, Apple is reportedly upgrading both rear lenses to 48MP, bringing higher resolution and improved detail across the board.
That means ultrawide shots will no longer lag behind in sharpness and clarity. Whether shooting landscapes, group photos, or capturing 4K video, the iPhone 17’s dual-camera system should deliver much more consistent results. Video recording is still expected to top out at 4K 60fps on the standard model, but thanks to upgraded sensors, footage should look better than ever.
On the front, Apple is finally moving away from the long-serving 12MP selfie camera. The iPhone 17 is set to debut a 24MP front-facing camera, doubling the resolution and promising sharper selfies, clearer video calls, and improved low-light performance.
A19 Chip and Performance Boost
Under the hood, the iPhone 17 will be powered by Apple’s new A19 chip, built on an enhanced 3nm process. This should deliver significant efficiency and performance gains compared to the A18 chip found in the iPhone 16. Early reports suggest that users can expect around a 25% improvement in overall performance and power efficiency.
As usual, Apple is sticking with 8GB of RAM for the standard iPhone, though the Pro models may push beyond that. Storage options will reportedly range from 128GB up to 1TB, giving buyers plenty of flexibility depending on their needs.
The combination of the A19 chip, optimized iOS, and new display technology means the iPhone 17 should feel faster, smoother, and more responsive across day-to-day use, gaming, and productivity.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life has long been a key factor for iPhone buyers, and the iPhone 17 is expected to see improvements here as well. The new model will reportedly include a 3,700mAh battery, slightly larger than its predecessor. When combined with the more efficient A19 chip and LTPO display, users should notice longer screen-on times compared to the iPhone 16.
Charging speeds are also getting an upgrade. For the first time, the iPhone 17 will support Qi2.2 wireless charging, allowing for up to 25W wireless speeds without needing Apple’s proprietary MagSafe puck. This means third-party chargers and power banks will work faster and more efficiently with Apple’s ecosystem.
Wired charging through USB-C is also expected to reach 27–30W, putting the standard iPhone much closer to the Pro lineup in terms of charging convenience.
Design and Durability
Design-wise, the iPhone 17 won’t look dramatically different from the iPhone 16. Apple made its big design refresh last year with the vertical dual-camera layout, and the new model is expected to carry that forward. However, the slight increase in screen size means the iPhone 17 will be slightly larger than the iPhone 16, so older cases will not be compatible.
The bezels around the display are expected to shrink further, giving the device a sleeker and more modern look. Durability should also improve thanks to Apple’s latest version of Ceramic Shield glass, along with the usual aluminum frame.
Connectivity
In terms of connectivity, the iPhone 17 is set to build on the foundation laid by the iPhone 16. It will include an updated version of Apple’s C1 modem chip, supporting 5G connectivity (though mmWave support will remain limited to select regions like the U.S.).
Other connectivity improvements include:
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Wi-Fi 7 support for faster and more stable wireless connections.
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Bluetooth 5.4 for improved audio and accessory performance.
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USB-C with data transfer likely capped at USB 2.0 speeds on the standard model.
As always, Face ID will remain the primary biometric system, integrated into the Dynamic Island cutout.
Release Date and Pricing
Apple has confirmed that its next event will take place on September 9, 2025, at 10 a.m. Pacific Time. The iPhone 17 lineup will be announced there, with pre-orders expected to open on September 12. The official release date is likely set for September 19, 2025, continuing Apple’s usual Friday launch cycle.
Pricing for the iPhone 17 is expected to remain consistent with the iPhone 16, starting at $799 for the base model. Given the upgrades to the display, cameras, and charging capabilities, this looks like strong value compared to previous years.
Final Thoughts
The iPhone 17 may not reinvent the iPhone, but it represents one of the most meaningful upgrades to the standard model in years. A bigger and smoother display, dual 48MP rear cameras, a new 24MP selfie camera, the efficient A19 chip, improved charging speeds, and a slightly larger battery all add up to a device that feels much closer to the Pro models than ever before.
At $799, the iPhone 17 offers strong value for buyers who don’t need Pro-exclusive features like telephoto zoom or ProRes video. For most people, this is shaping up to be the sweet spot in Apple’s lineup.
With its official launch just around the corner, the iPhone 17 looks ready to set a new standard for Apple’s “regular” iPhone — one that balances premium features with an approachable price point.
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