The upcoming iPhone 17 is generating a lot of buzz among tech enthusiasts and Apple fans, with leaks and rumours surfacing online. Apple is said to be introducing some of the biggest updates yet to the iPhone—ranging from camera and design improvements to performance upgrades across the lineup. The new series will include four models: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the new iPhone 17 Air. While Apple remains tight-lipped about the highly anticipated smartphone, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that the tech giant is planning a “major shake-up” in 2027 to mark the 20th anniversary of the iPhone. Meanwhile, reports suggest that the iPhone 17 Pro may not receive any major changes.
iPhone 19 Pro May Fulfil Apple’s Long-Awaited All-Glass Dream
Gurman claims that there will be a Pro model with an “extensive” glass design for 2027. Should it happen, it would fulfill Jony Ive’s vision of an iPhone that would “appear like a single sheet of glass.” This idea began surfacing with the iPhone X. Also in the works is a foldable iPhone, but the glass-centric iPhone 19 Pro is at the forefront of this revolutionary design, the report claims.
The ultra-thin design of the iPhone 17 Air signals Apple’s transition toward thinner devices. The iPhone 19 Pro could pair this with a smooth glass build, potentially raising concerns about durability and repair.
While bold design is a hallmark of Apple, details beyond the use of glass remain unclear—fueling speculation about what the final product might look like.
iPhone 17 Pro: Subtle Tweaks, Not A Design Revolution
Playing down the hype around the iPhone 17 Pro, Gurman claimed it won’t feature a “particularly bold new look.” While the front is expected to look “quite similar” to the iPhone 16 Pro, the rear camera setup will be “meaningfully different,” possibly featuring a redesigned camera bar that blends seamlessly with the phone’s body colour.
Earlier, there were rumours that there will be a smaller Dynamic Island or a two-tone back (dark-black camera on silver). But it appears that it won’t come to fruition as Gurman has dismissed such reports as inaccurate. In contrast to the major overhaul expected in 2027, the iPhone 17 Pro focuses on incremental improvements rather than a dramatic leap forward.
New Tariffs, Higher iPhone Cost?
Gurman says that new tariffs planned by the Trump administration — 54% for China, 26% for India, and 46% for Vietnam — have recently caused Apple’s stock to drop by nearly 10%. This could put pressure on Apple to raise the $999 price of the iPhone Pro, which hasn’t changed since 2017.
He suggests a few ways Apple could handle this – asking suppliers to lower their prices, using some of its profits to cover the costs, making small price changes for a while, or moving more of its production out of China.He suggests solutions: pressuring suppliers to lower prices, exploiting the 45% profit margin, making short-term price adjustments, or diversifying supply chains beyond China.
Gurman says Apple might stock up on products before the April 9 tariffs start, which would let them delay any changes until the new iPhones come out in September. But if prices go up, it could take attention away from the new features. He also adds that Tim Cook might try to get tariff exemptions like he did during Trump’s first term.
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iPhone 17 Series: 10 Big Changes To Expect
1. ProMotion: In a first, all models in the iPhone 17 series will reportedly feature a 120Hz ProMotion display, a feature previously reserved for Pro models. ProMotion offers enhanced animations, better responsiveness, and smoother scrolling. Additionally, the LTPO OLED technology enables an always-on display feature.
2. A New Camera Design: The camera layout will also get some prominent changes, according to reports. Apple is rumoured to ditch the traditional square bump in favour of a new rectangular camera module for the iPhone 17 Air and 17 Pro models. While the iPhone 17 Air could sport a single rear camera, the Pro models are expected to feature a longer, oval-shaped camera island.
3. Big Camera Upgrade: If rumours are to be believed, the iPhone 17 Pro Max will get a huge improvement in the camera department with a 48-megapixel telephoto camera replacing the current 12-megapixel sensor. Moreover, all models are expected to receive a new 24 MP front camera with a six-element lens for enhanced pictures and video calls. What could be a significant upgrade for a non-Pro iPhone is the rumoured single 48-megapixel camera on the back of the iPhone 17 Air.
4. iPhone 17 Air, The Thinnest iPhone Ever? The iPhone 17 Air, which is expected to be the brand’s slimmest iPhone yet, could be the showstopper. Going by the rumours, it could be only 5.5 mm to 6.25 mm thick, making it the slimmest iPhone ever, even thinner than the iPhone 6 at 6.9 mm. Furthermore, a rumoured 6.6-inch display will position it between the Pro and Pro Max models.
5. Wi-Fi 7 And Bluetooth 5.3: The entire iPhone 17 lineup will reportedly get Wi-Fi 7. So, expect lower latency, faster speeds and better connectivity. Bluetooth 5.3 is expected to improve wireless connectivity for devices like AirPods and smart home gadgets. Meanwhile, Apple is reportedly designing a custom Wi-Fi chip to further optimise efficiency.
6. Tougher, Anti-Reflective Display: Apple is reportedly developing a more durable display with a new anti-reflective coating. This upgrade is expected to make the screen more resistant to scratches and drops while also cutting down glare for better visibility in bright light.
Apple’s Own Modem Chip For iPhone 17 Air: As per recent leaks, the iPhone 17 Air could use Apple’s 5G modem chip instead of Qualcomm’s modem. This chip is said to offer speeds of up to 4 Gbps, although it doesn’t support mmWave 5G. Apple has yet to confirm whether it will stick with the C1 modem or introduce an upgraded version.
Will Apple Drop Physical SIM Tray?: Apple ditched the physical SIM tray in the US with the iPhone 14, and it seems more regions might be next. With its ultra-thin design, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to go all-in on eSIM. However, it’s still unclear if this shift will extend to markets like India.
Powering Up: Next-Gen A19 Chipset?: The upcoming smartphones are expected to be equipped with Apple’s new A19 chip, manufactured using an improved 3nm process. The Pro models benefit from the A19 Pro chip, which offers improved performance and efficiency.
Easier Battery Replacements: Reports suggest that replacing the battery in all upcoming iPhone 17 models could become easier. The entire lineup is expected to adopt the new adhesive technology, currently available on the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus. This could simplify battery replacements, lower repair costs, and enhance sustainability.
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