These 5 Features Will Make the iPhone 17 the Biggest Update in Years

[bruno7]

Yeah, right. One year we make a design with both camera lenses in the vertical alignment to allow for spatial video recording. The next year we move cameras to the horizontal layout so it is easier to record spatial videos in vertical format (please do not shoot videos in vertical format).

And why thinner again? Are they doing any research at all? Do people really want even thinner phones with even thicker camera bumps? Just make a design with all the camera lenses flushed with the phone body and therefore make room for larger bateries. I think that people would prefer this to thinner phones...

I'm glad I got new 15 this year. The last ever iPhone with mute switch.

 

[UltimaKilo]

Why do these articles exist? Let the 16 have its moment.

Because there’s nothing else to write, at this time of year. The iPhone 17 is so far out, that any rumor is spotty, at best, and not worth really reporting on this much.

This could prove to be very bad for Apple's sales figures, because now everyone realizes that the iP16 is just a stopgap, and if you want to upgrade, you'll have to wait for the iP17 and save your pennies.

The average consumer doesn’t read MacRumors and people just buy a phone when theirs stops working, so it won’t make a difference. In 8 months there will be articles about the iPhone 18.

Apple should have never abandoned the “S” moniker. Not only would it have given them extra devices before the numbers get to be ridiculous, but it would lower the expectations a bit on a very mature product category.

Yeah, right. One year we make a design with both camera lenses in the vertical alignment to allow for spatial video recording. The next year we move cameras to the horizontal layout so it is easier to record spatial videos in vertical format (please do not shoot videos in vertical format).

And why thinner again? Are they doing any research at all? Do people really want even thinner phones with even thicker camera bumps? Just make a design with all the camera lenses flushed with the phone body and therefore make room for larger bateries. I think that people would prefer this to thinner phones...

I'm glad I got new 15 this year. The last ever iPhone with mute switch.

You really should read the thread before posting, because it comes off as trolling. More people than not, want a thinner and lighter iPhone. Almost nobody would prefer a 25%-35% thicker and much heavier iPhone just to have flush cameras.

Happy you’re enjoying the iPhone 15, but it’s been the most unimpressive device since the iPhone 12 and both the iPhone 16 and 17 are gearing up to be welcome upgrades to many who have a 12, 13, 14 and 15.

 

[ItchyRat2160]

Weird choice to change the design to be thinner AND change from a notoriously strong material like Titanium (which they made such a big deal about during the last iPhone launch) to a notoriously soft material like aluminium. Either Apple have been sniffing glue, or these leakers are just saying stuff. Either way, I wish this was this years iPhone and not another year away.

 

[Mac Fly (film)]

Sucks to be in the minority of people who just want a smaller premium iPhone.

The mini name was the main problem for the low sales. Would have sold much better with different marketing. “Oh, it’s not actually mini", my niece would say when she took my 12 mini for the first time. I had a similar interaction with another friend where she argued with me about how she doesn't want a "mini iPhone" when I suggested it. Both women. She would eventually hold a customer's iPhone in the bakery she was working at and inform me how surprised she was with the size considering the name. "Now I see what you mean. It is bigger than I thought it would be." 13 mini I have now has noticeably better battery life for me, so battery life is not a major issue. A slightly larger "mini" with newer battery chemistry would be further improved.

A small iPhone at around 5.6” would be perfect (13 mini was 5.4") and just market it as "iPhone" ... not iPhone mini. Then use Plus and Max or Ultra for the larger phones.

Personally, I'd streamline the lineup much further and get rid of the non-pro line of iPhones and ALL existing present and past iPhone models currently being sold. Like many car makers do.

For the pro phones I'd drop the "pro" nomenclature and numbering (15, 16, 17, 18) and give all three iPhones sizes three rear cameras (5.6", 6.2" and 6.8" ... iPhone, iPhone Plus and iPhone Max). In Settings on iPhones I'd list the model year for the phone. Along with the premium line I'd introduce a new budget SE model in two sizes (5.6" and 6.2"). Year of SE model in Settings. Totally simplify iPhone branding down to its essence.

Crucially, I would streamline the entire iPhone line for both customers and developers by giving ALL iPhones the same chips, RAM, graphics, microphones and speakers, and thunderbolt 4 port capabilities (the very same across budget and premium lines). The budget SE iPhones would have lesser (not as good as premium iPhones) in other tangible areas such as lesser cameras, lesser displays, marginally lesser battery life and non-titanium chassis. Both lines would have case compatibility (same physical dimensions) as well as app and OS version compatibility (all the same chips). I'd update both lines in concert biennially (every two years).

iPhone SE line would be sold in five colours. The premium iPhone line would be sold in five colours. In the gap year when there's no new iPhones, both SE and iPhone lines would gain three additional colour options. And when the actual new models were introduced every two years I'd wipe the slate clean and start over by getting rid of all existing phones and introducing the new year models. Again selling just two clean lines of iPhones and no other phones. The additional year of development would enable a more noticeable jump than yearly new models. In years to come this process would move to triennial.

"Do you want a budget or premium model?" Premium

"Which size do you prefer?" 5.6"

"Which colour would you like?" White

Buying a new iPhone was never so easy ✅

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I can't say I need a thinner iPhone or a faster chip considering I am not a gamer. Currently using a 13 Pro Max that is fast enough but I am in the market to upgrade this year. Looking forward to a better camera, and have no need to defer my upgrade based on what I am reading here.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Weird choice to change the design to be thinner AND change from a notoriously strong material like Titanium (which they made such a big deal about during the last iPhone launch) to a notoriously soft material like aluminium. Either Apple have been sniffing glue, or these leakers are just saying stuff. Either way, I wish this was this years iPhone and not another year away.

Aluminium is more environmentally friendly and maybe that fits with their message?

 

[LeMo]

since I went from an X to 15 Pro, I assume this will only get interesting for me when we discuss the 21 *Something*

until then, I will of course be clicking on linkbait where I see the cameras look like my old Nexus P ones....

 

[SmugMaverick]

I guess the iPhone 16 is gonna be a write off?

It always was, Jeff Williams has been coasting the same design for 6 years since Jony and his team left.

That's what happens when you put a bean counter in charge of design.

He honestly thought ANOTHER button was all that was needed to improve sales while EVERYONE is pushing deep AI and OS integration in Android and Chinese brands.

"But but but I don't want AI!!!!", Chinese sales and Galaxies/Pixels biggest sales year mean people obviously do.

Apple use to lead and others followed, now they're chasing because Tims headset ego project took over the company and failed.

The real game changer is more RAM + anti-reflective display if it happens.
Honestly, I don't even know why the 16PM is going to exist, it's literally 15PM with a button that people will forget after two weeks just like the action button.

100% spot on.

The 16 series is a write off and I think Apple know that, no real AI at launch, same tired camera design from 2019, same tired frame design since 2020, fat island, useless action button, pathetic 8GB RAM, awful 50+ yr old boardroom men in beige chinos colour choices again.

But but but the "capture button" and gradient icons!!! 🤣😂🤣

I honestly think the Vision Pro failure has shocked them, they thought they could sell anything and the sheep would lap it up, now china has had enough and iPhone sales have dropped in important markets.

This "Slim" needs to have 12-16GB RAM, if google can stick 16GB RAM in Pixel 9 then so can Apple ffs.

The island needs to shrink right down, camera needs moving like images suggest (Pixel has it in the perfect place) and the screen size might mean we won't lose battery due to thinness.

 

[Jashar7]

The upcoming iPhone 16 models that we're expecting to see in September are going to be quite similar to the iPhone 15 models, but rumors suggest that Apple is making big changes in 2025. We've been hearing hints of an all-new device in the iPhone lineup, and it may be the most expensive iPhone Apple has offered to date.

New 'Slim' Design

Rumors have taken to referring to the new iPhone 17 that Apple has planned as the "iPhone 17 Slim," but Apple almost certainly won't use that naming. The "slim" descriptor references the sleeker, thinner design of the device.

With the 12.9-inch M4 iPad Pro model, Apple shaved over a millimeter off of the thickness, resulting in the thinnest device Apple has made to date. That same focus on a svelte design is expected in 2025, and the upcoming iPhone is said to be "significantly thinner" than current iPhones.

We don't know specifics on just how thin Apple is going to make this iPhone, but the iPad Pro is just 5.1mm thick and could serve as a blueprint on what to expect.

As for size, the iPhone 17 Slim is expected to fall somewhere between the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 Pro and the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Pro. Separate rumors have targeted 6.55 inches, 6.6 inches, and 6.65 inches as the display size that Apple has settled on, which would make it smaller than the iPhone 15 Pro Max (and the rumored iPhone 16 Pro Max).

Though Apple has used titanium for the higher-end iPhone models since last year, the iPhone 17 Slim is rumored to have an aluminum chassis. The first rumors that surfaced about the device actually indicated that it would replace the "Plus" iPhone in Apple's lineup, but later information points toward a new high-end iPhone that's even more expensive than the Pro Max.

Based on the rumors we've heard so far, it sounds like the iPhone 17 Slim will be akin to the 2017 iPhone X. The iPhone X marked a major jump forward in technology, and it was sold alongside the standard iPhone 8 models.

It's sounding like we're going to get an iPhone 17, an iPhone 17 Pro, an iPhone 17 Pro Max, and this new high-end iPhone 17 Slim, with Apple eliminating the Plus model entirely. The iPhone 17 Slim could be more expensive than the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which Apple currently starts at $1,199.

Relocated Cameras

Along with a thinner and lighter design, the high-end iPhone 17 could feature the first major rear camera overhaul. Rumors suggest that the cameras could be relocated from the top-left corner of the iPhone to the top center, which could result in a design similar to the Google Pixel.

The Pixel 8 Pro has a raised band across the back of the device that houses a trio of cameras, a laser detect auto focus sensor, and a flash.

Apple is still testing designs for the iPhone 17, but the relocated camera bump is a possibility.

Display Improvements

ProMotion display technology that allows for variable refresh rates from 1Hz to 120Hz is expected for all iPhone models in 2025, including the high-end model, but the bigger news is that Apple is rumored to be using a new display coating.

The new coating is said to have improved anti-reflective properties and better scratch resistance than the current Ceramic Shield coating. It's been described as a "super-hard anti-reflective layer" in leaks.

Apple has used Ceramic Shield since 2020. It's a ceramic-glass hybrid material developed in partnership with Corning. Corning has since made improvements in its protective glass products, and the company's Gorilla Armor material reduces reflectance by up to 75 percent while also boosting drop protection and scratch resistance. Corning has had a longtime relationship with Apple, and while Gorilla Armor was developed for Samsung, Corning could make a similar product for Apple.

Better Selfie Cam and Dynamic Island Changes

A slimmed down Dynamic Island that takes up less screen space is expected for the new iPhone 17. There have been rumors for years about under-display Face ID technology, and we could see the first hints of it in 2025.

There will be a smaller hole and pill-shaped cutout for the front-facing camera, but it doesn't sound like Apple is going to reach its all-display design goals just yet.

As part of the Dynamic Island redesign, Apple is rumored to be adopting a 24-megapixel front-facing camera, which would be an upgrade over the current 12-megapixel selfie camera. It will feature a six-element lens for improved image quality, and the boost in resolution will capture more detail and allow for more cropping in without sacrificing quality.

Faster Chips

It sounds like iPhone 17 series won't get TSMC's next-generation 2-nanometer chips, but we are expecting A19 chip technology that's likely built on an upgraded 3-nanometer process. Apple typically upgrades iPhones with faster and more efficient chip technology each year, and we're expecting the best chip available in 2025 to be included in the iPhone 17 Slim.

TSMC is working on 2nm chips, but mass production isn't expected until the end of 2025, which would be too late for the iPhone 17 models. If work speeds up, that could change. Compared to 3nm chip technology, 2nm fabrication process could bring a 10 to 15 percent speed improvement at the same power or a 25 to 30 percent power reduction at the same speed.

Chips built on an upgraded 3-nanometer process won't have the same gains as chips built on the 2-nanometer process, but we can still count on modest boosts to CPU and GPU speeds. With Apple's heavy focus on AI, the dedicated Neural Engine for machine learning tasks is also likely to see improvement.

TSMC is working on its N3P process, with mass production set to begin in late 2024. Compared to earlier versions of 3nm chips, the N3P chips offer increased performance efficiency and increased transistor density.

Up to 12GB RAM has been rumored for the high-end iPhone 17 models, and that jump would make sense in the more expensive iPhone 17 Slim. Currently, RAM maxes out at 8GB.

Read More

For more on what to expect from the iPhone 17 lineup in 2025, make sure to check out our iPhone 17 roundup. Our roundups receive regular updates with all of the latest rumors, making them a great resource f... Click here to read rest of article

Article Link: These 5 Features Will Make the iPhone 17 the Biggest Update in Years

The upcoming iPhone 16 models that we're expecting to see in September are going to be quite similar to the iPhone 15 models, but rumors suggest that Apple is making big changes in 2025. We've been hearing hints of an all-new device in the iPhone lineup, and it may be the most expensive iPhone Apple has offered to date.

New 'Slim' Design

Rumors have taken to referring to the new iPhone 17 that Apple has planned as the "iPhone 17 Slim," but Apple almost certainly won't use that naming. The "slim" descriptor references the sleeker, thinner design of the device.

With the 12.9-inch M4 iPad Pro model, Apple shaved over a millimeter off of the thickness, resulting in the thinnest device Apple has made to date. That same focus on a svelte design is expected in 2025, and the upcoming iPhone is said to be "significantly thinner" than current iPhones.

We don't know specifics on just how thin Apple is going to make this iPhone, but the iPad Pro is just 5.1mm thick and could serve as a blueprint on what to expect.

As for size, the iPhone 17 Slim is expected to fall somewhere between the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 Pro and the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Pro. Separate rumors have targeted 6.55 inches, 6.6 inches, and 6.65 inches as the display size that Apple has settled on, which would make it smaller than the iPhone 15 Pro Max (and the rumored iPhone 16 Pro Max).

Though Apple has used titanium for the higher-end iPhone models since last year, the iPhone 17 Slim is rumored to have an aluminum chassis. The first rumors that surfaced about the device actually indicated that it would replace the "Plus" iPhone in Apple's lineup, but later information points toward a new high-end iPhone that's even more expensive than the Pro Max.

Based on the rumors we've heard so far, it sounds like the iPhone 17 Slim will be akin to the 2017 iPhone X. The iPhone X marked a major jump forward in technology, and it was sold alongside the standard iPhone 8 models.

It's sounding like we're going to get an iPhone 17, an iPhone 17 Pro, an iPhone 17 Pro Max, and this new high-end iPhone 17 Slim, with Apple eliminating the Plus model entirely. The iPhone 17 Slim could be more expensive than the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which Apple currently starts at $1,199.

Relocated Cameras

Along with a thinner and lighter design, the high-end iPhone 17 could feature the first major rear camera overhaul. Rumors suggest that the cameras could be relocated from the top-left corner of the iPhone to the top center, which could result in a design similar to the Google Pixel.

The Pixel 8 Pro has a raised band across the back of the device that houses a trio of cameras, a laser detect auto focus sensor, and a flash.

Apple is still testing designs for the iPhone 17, but the relocated camera bump is a possibility.

Display Improvements

ProMotion display technology that allows for variable refresh rates from 1Hz to 120Hz is expected for all iPhone models in 2025, including the high-end model, but the bigger news is that Apple is rumored to be using a new display coating.

The new coating is said to have improved anti-reflective properties and better scratch resistance than the current Ceramic Shield coating. It's been described as a "super-hard anti-reflective layer" in leaks.

Apple has used Ceramic Shield since 2020. It's a ceramic-glass hybrid material developed in partnership with Corning. Corning has since made improvements in its protective glass products, and the company's Gorilla Armor material reduces reflectance by up to 75 percent while also boosting drop protection and scratch resistance. Corning has had a longtime relationship with Apple, and while Gorilla Armor was developed for Samsung, Corning could make a similar product for Apple.

Better Selfie Cam and Dynamic Island Changes

A slimmed down Dynamic Island that takes up less screen space is expected for the new iPhone 17. There have been rumors for years about under-display Face ID technology, and we could see the first hints of it in 2025.

There will be a smaller hole and pill-shaped cutout for the front-facing camera, but it doesn't sound like Apple is going to reach its all-display design goals just yet.

As part of the Dynamic Island redesign, Apple is rumored to be adopting a 24-megapixel front-facing camera, which would be an upgrade over the current 12-megapixel selfie camera. It will feature a six-element lens for improved image quality, and the boost in resolution will capture more detail and allow for more cropping in without sacrificing quality.

Faster Chips

It sounds like iPhone 17 series won't get TSMC's next-generation 2-nanometer chips, but we are expecting A19 chip technology that's likely built on an upgraded 3-nanometer process. Apple typically upgrades iPhones with faster and more efficient chip technology each year, and we're expecting the best chip available in 2025 to be included in the iPhone 17 Slim.

TSMC is working on 2nm chips, but mass production isn't expected until the end of 2025, which would be too late for the iPhone 17 models. If work speeds up, that could change. Compared to 3nm chip technology, 2nm fabrication process could bring a 10 to 15 percent speed improvement at the same power or a 25 to 30 percent power reduction at the same speed.

Chips built on an upgraded 3-nanometer process won't have the same gains as chips built on the 2-nanometer process, but we can still count on modest boosts to CPU and GPU speeds. With Apple's heavy focus on AI, the dedicated Neural Engine for machine learning tasks is also likely to see improvement.

TSMC is working on its N3P process, with mass production set to begin in late 2024. Compared to earlier versions of 3nm chips, the N3P chips offer increased performance efficiency and increased transistor density.

Up to 12GB RAM has been rumored for the high-end iPhone 17 models, and that jump would make sense in the more expensive iPhone 17 Slim. Currently, RAM maxes out at 8GB.

Read More

For more on what to expect from the iPhone 17 lineup in 2025, make sure to check out our iPhone 17 roundup. Our roundups receive regular updates with all of the latest rumors, making them a great resource f... Click here to read rest of article

Article Link: These 5 Features Will Make the iPhone 17 the Biggest Update in Years

I don’t understand why are we so focused on display and chips like they aren’t already ridiculously good, fix the batteries and the heating management it’s like we are trying to pass over the main problem to try to fix something that is already good i really don’t understand this.

 

[AndiG]

But what no one knows yet about the slimmer iPhone 17:

• Will it bend?
• How will it fare against a fully foldable Pixel phone with the same camera layout after it's been bent like a yoga master?

No matter how these questions unfold, a lighter and thinner iPhone will surely be a welcome change. But let's be real—it won't be the sole reason to upgrade. What will be truly exciting is seeing Apple's progress in AI with the iPhone 17. We'll finally see how it stacks up in the AI arena against the Pixel phone. So, while we ponder its bendability, let's get ready for some serious AI showdown!

 

[kiranmk2]

Display Improvements

ProMotion display technology that allows for variable refresh rates from 1Hz to 120Hz is expected for all iPhone models in 2025, including the high-end model...

Who says it will be 1-120 Hz? All we know is that the iPhone is rumoured to have an LTPO OLED display. Apple could easily limit the non-Pro models to 1-60 Hz (to support always-on display and standby mode).

 

[Populus]

I really hope we get a smaller version of the slim model in the future (iPhone 18?), between 5.8” and 6”. That size, along with the reduced weight of a slimmer model, would make it the perfect smartphone for me.

Regarding the OLED display I can’t seem to get used to, I hope we can still swap the display for an LCD counterpart (like @JPack suggested) on this slimmer models… although I’ll miss on the new anti-reflective coating.

 

[Populus]

Who says it will be 1-120 Hz? All we know is that the iPhone is rumoured to have an LTPO OLED display. Apple could easily limit the non-Pro models to 1-60 Hz (to support always-on display and standby mode).

Well, I see them limiting it to 90Hz a more feasible possibility.

 

[bondr006]

16 not even out yet and everyone getting all bat

about some vaporware supposedly coming out over a year from now. Y'all need to get a life...Yes, I'm talking about you

 

[ZeroInspo]

I know a lot of people are over the 'thinness' thing from Apple but you have to got to see how incredible the new iPad Pros are. I kinda fell out of love with the iPad over the years and just accepted it as just another tablet but the new Pros are absolutely bonkers with how thin they are and the weight that goes with them. It really does change the game and makes them worth the upgrade even though they are expensive.

If Apple can bring that same profile to the iPhone then yes, it would blow minds and make the iPhone 17 the can't miss redesign people will clamor for including myself. That's why with all the hubbub about this has me thinking about putting off upgrading this year and holding on to my 15PM. It's becoming more apparent by the day that the 16 is simply a stopgap until the real update comes around next year. I'm sure the 16's will be nice and all but all the signs are pointing to the 17 series being the one to get.

You hold them differently. A thinner iPhone will be a very slippery and uncomfortable iPhone to hold. Also I have an m4, coming from a 2018 Pro, and the upgrade is hardly noticeable to me, thinness included.

 

[ZeroInspo]

It always was, Jeff Williams has been coasting the same design for 6 years since Jony and his team left.

That's what happens when you put a bean counter in charge of design.

He honestly thought ANOTHER button was all that was needed to improve sales while EVERYONE is pushing deep AI and OS integration in Android and Chinese brands.

"But but but I don't want AI!!!!", Chinese sales and Galaxies/Pixels biggest sales year mean people obviously do.

Apple use to lead and others followed, now they're chasing because Tims headset ego project took over the company and failed.



100% spot on.

The 16 series is a write off and I think Apple know that, no real AI at launch, same tired camera design from 2019, same tired frame design since 2020, fat island, useless action button, pathetic 8GB RAM, awful 50+ yr old boardroom men in beige chinos colour choices again.

But but but the "capture button" and gradient icons!!! 🤣😂🤣

I honestly think the Vision Pro failure has shocked them, they thought they could sell anything and the sheep would lap it up, now china has had enough and iPhone sales have dropped in important markets.

This "Slim" needs to have 12-16GB RAM, if google can stick 16GB RAM in Pixel 9 then so can Apple ffs.

The island needs to shrink right down, camera needs moving like images suggest (Pixel has it in the perfect place) and the screen size might mean we won't lose battery due to thinness.

Man just buy a Pixel if you like them so much.

 

[czoli]

The upcoming iPhone 16 models that we're expecting to see in September are going to be quite similar to the iPhone 15 models, but rumors suggest that Apple is making big changes in 2025. We've been hearing hints of an all-new device in the iPhone lineup, and it may be the most expensive iPhone Apple has offered to date.

New 'Slim' Design

Rumors have taken to referring to the new iPhone 17 that Apple has planned as the "iPhone 17 Slim," but Apple almost certainly won't use that naming. The "slim" descriptor references the sleeker, thinner design of the device.

With the 12.9-inch M4 iPad Pro model, Apple shaved over a millimeter off of the thickness, resulting in the thinnest device Apple has made to date. That same focus on a svelte design is expected in 2025, and the upcoming iPhone is said to be "significantly thinner" than current iPhones.

We don't know specifics on just how thin Apple is going to make this iPhone, but the iPad Pro is just 5.1mm thick and could serve as a blueprint on what to expect.

As for size, the iPhone 17 Slim is expected to fall somewhere between the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 Pro and the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Pro. Separate rumors have targeted 6.55 inches, 6.6 inches, and 6.65 inches as the display size that Apple has settled on, which would make it smaller than the iPhone 15 Pro Max (and the rumored iPhone 16 Pro Max).

Though Apple has used titanium for the higher-end iPhone models since last year, the iPhone 17 Slim is rumored to have an aluminum chassis. The first rumors that surfaced about the device actually indicated that it would replace the "Plus" iPhone in Apple's lineup, but later information points toward a new high-end iPhone that's even more expensive than the Pro Max.

Based on the rumors we've heard so far, it sounds like the iPhone 17 Slim will be akin to the 2017 iPhone X. The iPhone X marked a major jump forward in technology, and it was sold alongside the standard iPhone 8 models.

It's sounding like we're going to get an iPhone 17, an iPhone 17 Pro, an iPhone 17 Pro Max, and this new high-end iPhone 17 Slim, with Apple eliminating the Plus model entirely. The iPhone 17 Slim could be more expensive than the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which Apple currently starts at $1,199.

Relocated Cameras

Along with a thinner and lighter design, the high-end iPhone 17 could feature the first major rear camera overhaul. Rumors suggest that the cameras could be relocated from the top-left corner of the iPhone to the top center, which could result in a design similar to the Google Pixel.

The Pixel 8 Pro has a raised band across the back of the device that houses a trio of cameras, a laser detect auto focus sensor, and a flash.

Apple is still testing designs for the iPhone 17, but the relocated camera bump is a possibility.

Display Improvements

ProMotion display technology that allows for variable refresh rates from 1Hz to 120Hz is expected for all iPhone models in 2025, including the high-end model, but the bigger news is that Apple is rumored to be using a new display coating.

The new coating is said to have improved anti-reflective properties and better scratch resistance than the current Ceramic Shield coating. It's been described as a "super-hard anti-reflective layer" in leaks.

Apple has used Ceramic Shield since 2020. It's a ceramic-glass hybrid material developed in partnership with Corning. Corning has since made improvements in its protective glass products, and the company's Gorilla Armor material reduces reflectance by up to 75 percent while also boosting drop protection and scratch resistance. Corning has had a longtime relationship with Apple, and while Gorilla Armor was developed for Samsung, Corning could make a similar product for Apple.

Better Selfie Cam and Dynamic Island Changes

A slimmed down Dynamic Island that takes up less screen space is expected for the new iPhone 17. There have been rumors for years about under-display Face ID technology, and we could see the first hints of it in 2025.

There will be a smaller hole and pill-shaped cutout for the front-facing camera, but it doesn't sound like Apple is going to reach its all-display design goals just yet.

As part of the Dynamic Island redesign, Apple is rumored to be adopting a 24-megapixel front-facing camera, which would be an upgrade over the current 12-megapixel selfie camera. It will feature a six-element lens for improved image quality, and the boost in resolution will capture more detail and allow for more cropping in without sacrificing quality.

Faster Chips

It sounds like iPhone 17 series won't get TSMC's next-generation 2-nanometer chips, but we are expecting A19 chip technology that's likely built on an upgraded 3-nanometer process. Apple typically upgrades iPhones with faster and more efficient chip technology each year, and we're expecting the best chip available in 2025 to be included in the iPhone 17 Slim.

TSMC is working on 2nm chips, but mass production isn't expected until the end of 2025, which would be too late for the iPhone 17 models. If work speeds up, that could change. Compared to 3nm chip technology, 2nm fabrication process could bring a 10 to 15 percent speed improvement at the same power or a 25 to 30 percent power reduction at the same speed.

Chips built on an upgraded 3-nanometer process won't have the same gains as chips built on the 2-nanometer process, but we can still count on modest boosts to CPU and GPU speeds. With Apple's heavy focus on AI, the dedicated Neural Engine for machine learning tasks is also likely to see improvement.

TSMC is working on its N3P process, with mass production set to begin in late 2024. Compared to earlier versions of 3nm chips, the N3P chips offer increased performance efficiency and increased transistor density.

Up to 12GB RAM has been rumored for the high-end iPhone 17 models, and that jump would make sense in the more expensive iPhone 17 Slim. Currently, RAM maxes out at 8GB.

Read More

For more on what to expect from the iPhone 17 lineup in 2025, make sure to check out our iPhone 17 roundup. Our roundups receive regular updates with all of the latest rumors, making them a great resource f... Click here to read rest of article

Article Link: These 5 Features Will Make the iPhone 17 the Biggest Update in Years

If they provide 16GB of RAM for the PRO/PRO MAX then it would finally be a revolution.

 

[gadgetmonster]

Very happy to hear about a larger redesign with something lighter. I’m waiting until 17 at least to upgrade.

 

[sebastianatol]

Please Tim Apple, just give us an iPhone Mini!
- 5.6" Display with Dynamic Island
- Single 48 MP Cam
- Scaled down iPhone 15 design
- A18
- 499$
- Updated every 3 years

 

[Reason077]

Nah, the biggest update is when they give us underscreen Touch ID.

Nobody really cares about Touch ID. Can’t see it coming back to iPhones, even if they could make an under-screen sensor.

P.S. There’s no way Apple will call it iPhone Slim. If anything, they’ll call it iPhone Air.

Yep.

 

[robgreene]

Sounds like another iterative update.

 

[Reason077]

Please Tim Apple, just give us an iPhone Mini!

The last Mini was a sales flop. Apple would still be making mini models if enough people had actually bought them.

 

[iMac The Knife]

Meh, same old same old from Tim Apple.

 

[iMac The Knife]

I haven't bothered to read through all the comments yet, but I guarantee the Mini Clan is out in full force. For the love of all that is good and decent, the Mini is dead and gone and it is never coming back. Just stop already!

 

[iMac The Knife]

I guess the iPhone 16 is gonna be a write off?

I mean to be fair, I think a lot of people thought the iPhone 16 was going to be a write off already.