Even though the iPhone 16 series is slated for release in September 2024, rumors and leaks about the iPhone 17 are already circulating. Such is the enduring craze surrounding iPhones! If you’re contemplating saving up for an iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro, you might want to hold off a bit longer. Here are 5 tantalizing iPhone 17 leaks that might just make you skip the iPhone 16, or at least give you pause for thought. So, before you make any decisions, take a look at what’s in store for the iPhone 17 series, expected to launch in September 2025.
1. Universal 120Hz Always-on Displays
For those eyeing the iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Plus, prepare for potential disappointment. Apple’s pace of hardware upgrades for iPhones has been notoriously sluggish. Moreover, when it does introduce exciting features, they tend to be exclusive to the top-tier Pro models. This year, Apple seems poised to continue the trend of sticking with 60Hz displays for the iPhone 16 series. Since the debut of the iPhone 6 models in 2014, Apple has remained committed to 60Hz displays, even a decade later. The perpetuation of this dated technology is baffling, to say the least.
While Apple introduced LTPO technology on the iPhone 13 Pro models to facilitate the ProMotion feature, and subsequently enabled a lower refresh rate for Always-on displays on the iPhone 14 Pro models, the standard models were left behind. This year, it appears that Apple will once again equip the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus with outdated 60Hz displays. If you’re considering purchasing one of these models, it may be prudent to reassess your decision and either wait another year or splurge on the flagship iPhone 16 Pro models.
Excitingly, rumors suggest that with the iPhone 17 series, Apple plans to introduce the coveted 120Hz ProMotion Always-on Display technology across its entire iPhone lineup. After a prolonged wait, it seems that this feature will finally become a reality. According to recent reports, both the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Plus will feature OLED displays with LTPO technology, heralding the arrival of ProMotion displays on the standard iPhone models.
The ProMotion display technology will enable the iPhone 17 and 17 Plus to dynamically adjust their refresh rates, reaching up to 120Hz for seamless scrolling and transitions when needed. Additionally, the display can scale down to a power-efficient 1Hz refresh rate, facilitating an Always-on display that showcases useful information such as the date & time, lock screen widgets, and more, even when the device is locked. This advancement is undeniably one of the most compelling reasons to await the arrival of next year’s iPhone 17 models.
2. Increased Size for Standard Models
Since the emergence of iPhone 16 news and leaks, speculation has been rife about Apple’s intentions to overhaul the dimensions of its flagship models. This year, it’s anticipated that the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max will boast larger display sizes. The iPhone 16 Pro is rumored to increase from 6.12 inches to 6.27 inches, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max is expected to become the largest-ever iPhone with a substantial 6.86-inch display. For context, the current iPhone 15 Pro Max features a 6.69-inch display.
In the following year, Apple is predicted to extend these size adjustments to its standard iPhone 17 models. Consequently, we can anticipate a 6.27-inch iPhone 17 and a 6.86-inch iPhone 17 Plus. Naturally, these changes will also apply to the Pro models. As a result, the entire iPhone 17 lineup will feature a taller aspect ratio of 19:6:9, resulting in devices that are taller rather than wider. Fans of larger iPhones will undoubtedly be pleased to see the iPhone 17 and 17 Plus in 2025.
However, if you were anticipating significant design changes and enhancements with the iPhone 16 series, you may be disappointed. According to Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, major design alterations are unlikely, with only the addition of a Capture button and larger displays on Pro models expected to be notable changes in the 2024 iPhone models. Therefore, if you were hoping for substantial improvements, the iPhone 16 may not be your ideal choice.
3. Seamless Edge-to-Edge Display
Picture an iPhone boasting a seamless edge-to-edge screen experience, completely free from notches. Sounds stunning, doesn’t it? Well, this vision could soon become reality with the iPhone 17 Pro models. While this feature was initially teased for the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max, it’s unfortunately not coming to fruition. However, the prospect of embedded Face ID technology beneath the iPhone’s display has been in development for some time now, with numerous mentions of this feature in the past.
Initially, display analyst Ross Young suggested that Under-Display Face ID technology would debut with the iPhone 16 Pro models. However, he later revised his stance, indicating that this feature has been postponed until the 2025 iPhone lineup.
Anticipation is now building for the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max, which are expected to be the first iPhones to feature under-display Face ID. With the Face ID components concealed beneath the display, users can look forward to an immersive edge-to-edge screen experience devoid of notches. The only visible indicator of Face ID functionality would be a circular cutout for the selfie camera. Undoubtedly, this is one of the most exciting features of the iPhone 17 Pro lineup, likely to entice consumers to hold off on purchasing the iPhone 16 Pro models this year.
4. Upgraded 24 MP Front Camera
While Apple has made significant upgrades to the rear camera systems of its iPhones over the years, the selfie camera has remained relatively unchanged. For instance, the iPhone 11 featured a dual rear camera setup with a 12MP wide and a 12MP ultrawide sensor, accompanied by a 12MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls. However, with the launch of the iPhone 15 series last year, Apple surprised many by transitioning to a 48MP wide camera sensor on the standard models, while the Pro models already boasted this sensor since the iPhone 14 Pro models.
Fortunately, it seems that Apple may address this discrepancy in 2025 with the iPhone 17 series. Rumors suggest that Apple will move away from the 12MP selfie camera found in current models and instead introduce a 24MP/6P selfie camera across the entire iPhone 17 lineup. This upgraded resolution promises to deliver high-quality selfies with finer details, even when cropped or zoomed in. Additionally, the enhanced six-element lens is expected to further improve overall image quality.
In my opinion, this anticipated upgrade could be a compelling reason to hold off on purchasing the iPhone 16 and opt for the iPhone 17 when it debuts in 2025. Personally, I would prefer to wait for the iPhone 17 with its 120Hz ProMotion display and 24MP selfie camera, rather than settling for the iPhone 16 with its outdated 60Hz display and 12MP front camera. Alternatively, I might consider investing in the iPhone 17 Pro if Apple introduces under-display Face ID technology, further enhancing the device’s appeal.
5. The iPhone Ultra
The highly anticipated iPhone Ultra has been making headlines for nearly a year. Serving as Apple’s pinnacle model, the iPhone Pro Max, launched with the iPhone 11 series, currently holds the title of the company’s highest-end offering. However, speculations suggest that Apple has intentions to introduce a new top-tier signature model: the iPhone Ultra, positioned above the iPhone Pro and Pro Max variants. Initially slated to debut alongside the iPhone 15 series, the iPhone Ultra failed to materialize.
Subsequent rumors hinted at the possibility of Apple including an Ultra model in its iPhone 16 lineup. However, for reasons unknown, this expectation has also been dashed, with early iOS 18 codes offering no indication of the iPhone 16 Ultra’s existence. Instead, the code references four models—presumably the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max.
Interestingly, Apple may surprise its loyal iPhone enthusiasts in 2025 with the introduction of the iPhone 17 series, which is rumored to feature the long-awaited iPhone Ultra model boasting top-notch specifications. Expected enhancements include a faster chip, larger display, camera upgrades, and potentially even a port-less design, eschewing both Lightning and USB-C ports. This speculation isn’t without precedent, as Apple has already implemented a similar strategy with its smartwatch lineup, introducing the high-end Apple Watch Ultra, which offers premium features at an additional cost.
For those eagerly anticipating the iPhone 16 Pro Max as Apple’s flagship offering, it may be prudent to exercise patience. The iPhone 17 series holds the promise of fulfilling the dreams of enthusiasts seeking the ultimate flagship device.
Are you considering purchasing an iPhone 16 model, or do you believe it’s worth waiting for the iPhone 17? I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments below.
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