iPhone 17 Rumor Mill: Price Hikes, Slim Design, and Durability Tests

The rumor mill is churning with details about the upcoming iPhone 17 lineup, and fans are buzzing with anticipation. From potential price increases to a radical new "Air" model, here's a comprehensive roundup of the latest leaks and speculation surrounding Apple's next generation of smartphones.

Release Date Speculation: While an official date is still under wraps, Apple has historically announced new iPhones in early September, suggesting the iPhone 17 will follow suit. However, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests a possible early 2026 arrival for the iPhone 17E. Some reports even suggest that starting with the iPhone 18, Apple might shift release schedules to launch lower-cost iPhones in the first half of the year and Pro models later.

Price Concerns and Tariff Impact: Prepare your wallets! Experts anticipate the iPhone 17 will likely cost more, irrespective of tariffs. President Trump has previously threatened a 25% tariff on iPhones manufactured outside the US. While Apple has navigated previous tariff hikes, the situation remains fluid. The Wall Street Journal reports that Apple plans to attribute price increases to enhanced features and design rather than tariffs. CNET's Patrick Holland notes an iPhone Pro price hasn't increased since 2017, further implying a price correction is due.

New Colors and Camera Redesign: Leaks point to a possible sky blue color option for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. The iPhone 17 Pro's camera design has also been subject to many rumored changes. The most notable is the possibility of a horizontal camera bar spanning the width of the phone. The front camera is also expected to be upgraded to 24 megapixels.

Leaked Specs and Key Upgrades:

Display: Rumors suggest all iPhone 17 models could feature a 120Hz ProMotion display perhaps with an always-on display on baseline models, a welcome upgrade from the iPhone 16 with its 60Hz display. However, an antireflective display like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra may not be available due to production scaling issues.

Memory: All iPhone 17 models may upgrade to 12GB of RAM to support enhanced AI features and Apple Intelligence integration.

Frame: While initial rumors hinted at a shift to aluminum, the latest reports suggest the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max are all expected to have aluminum frames.

Battery: The slim iPhone 17 Air might utilize a silicon-anode battery to help preserve battery life despite its reduced thickness. The iPhone 17 is expected to have Apple's A19 chip, and the Pro versions could have the A19 Pro chip which should improve battery life.

iPhone 17 Air: A Slim and Durable Contender? The iPhone 17 Air, a focal point of the upcoming series, is rumored to boast a thickness of just 6mm. A video circulating online shows the prototype's resistance to bending, hinting a durable build despite its slim profile. Leaked specs include a 6.6-inch OLED display with 120Hz ProMotion, the A19 chip, and a 24-megapixel front camera.

The Ever-Present Caveats: Before you get too excited, remember that these are still rumors. Apple has yet to confirm any of these details, and designs can change before the final product is released. Therefore, take all insider information with a grain of salt.

What are your thoughts on the rumored features and potential price hikes? Do you think the slim design of the iPhone 17 Air is worth the potential compromises in battery life? Share your opinions and predictions in the comments below!

• Apple
• iPhone 17
• Ming-Chi Kuo

Related issues news

When is the iPhone 17 releasing?

Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 lineup, expected to launch in September 2025, is anticipated to include four distinct models: iPhone 17: The standard model, likely featuring a 6.3-inch display, an upgrade from the previous 6.1-inch size.

How much is the new iPhone 17?

Based on this evidence and the iPhone 16's current price of $799, we could expect the new iPhone to cost somewhere between $850 and $950.