iPhone 17 cheat sheet: The biggest rumors
- Four new models are expected — a standard iPhone 17, two iPhone 17 Pro models and a new iPhone 17 Air
- Prices are in flux due to Trump administration tariff policies
- The iPhone 17 is tipped to get a fast-refreshing display
- The iPhone 17 display could expand to match the Pro model’s 6.3-inch panel
- The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max could get a 48MP telephoto lens
- The Pro models may also sport a redesigned camera array
- The iPhone 17 Air is expected to be an ultra-thin iPhone model
We’re now just about a month away from Apple’s next iPhone showcase. This year’s event could bring the thinnest iPhone ever to the lineup, along with refreshed Apple Watch models — including a new Ultra version after a two-year gap — and possibly the long-anticipated AirPods Pro 3.
The iPhone family is expected to expand with the iPhone Air, rumored to measure just 5.55 mm thick. For comparison, the slimmest iPhone so far was 2014’s iPhone 6 at 6.9 mm, while newer models like the iPhone 16 Pro are much bulkier at 8.25 mm. This ultra-thin design would help Apple directly compete with Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge. Still, the sleek profile may come with trade-offs — reports suggest it’ll ship with just a single 48 MP camera and a smaller battery, making it more style-driven than power-focused.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max could bring both design and performance updates. Apple might swap titanium for aluminum frames, and the rear camera layout is rumored to stretch across the back in a wide “camera island.” The setup should still include three cameras, but the telephoto lens may jump to 48 MP, boosting zoom and crop capabilities. Other possible upgrades include an anti-glare coating similar to what’s seen on iPads.
The standard iPhone 17 isn’t being left behind either. At least one supply chain leak suggests it will finally gain a 120Hz ProMotion display, a feature previously reserved for the Pro models since 2021.
All iPhone 17 models will launch with iOS 26, Apple’s most ambitious visual overhaul in years. The update debuts the new Liquid Glass interface, and Apple will likely spotlight the iPhones’ displays as the best way to experience it. Naming changes don’t appear to be on the horizon, but Apple is known for surprise moves.
Beyond iPhones, the event should also feature the Apple Watch Series 11 and the long-awaited Watch Ultra 3. The Ultra may bring 5G connectivity, a faster chip, and even satellite texting, making it a valuable tool for adventurers. The standard Series 11 is expected to build on the Series 10’s thinner body and larger screen, possibly adding 5G and more processing power.
Finally, there’s a strong chance we’ll see the AirPods Pro 3. It’s been three years since the last update, and the new model is rumored to include biometric sensors like in-ear heart rate tracking and temperature monitoring. There’s even speculation about live translation support, though it’s unclear if that will be unique to this generation.
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