Leaked iPhone 17 designs: What to expect from new series in September
With better cameras, improved performance, bigger batteries, and a sleeker design, Apple is pushing the boundaries of what a smartphone can do.
Apple’s highly anticipated iPhone 17 series will be launched around September 10, 2025, and early leaks have already revealed some exciting updates about what consumers can expect.
This year, Apple is shaking up its usual lineup with a brand-new naming structure, offering the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and the newly rebranded iPhone 17 Ultra, which will take the place of the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
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Each model promises significant upgrades that will make the iPhone 17 lineup a game-changer in the smartphone world.
Camera
Among the most talked-about changes is the 24-megapixel selfie camera, an upgrade that will be available across all four iPhone 17 models. This marks a huge leap from previous versions and will improve both photo and video quality.
The upgraded front-facing camera will give users sharper, clearer selfies, a feature that has long been awaited by iPhone users.
It is a great step forward for Apple, as they continue to make their front-facing camera competitive with some of the best on the market.
Another exciting upgrade involves the camera setup on the back.
The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Ultra will feature a triple 48-megapixel camera system, including a new telephoto camera and periscope lenses that promise stunning zoom and enhanced photo clarity.
According to a report by the Naver blog, the iPhone 17 Ultra will offer the most advanced camera technology in Apple’s lineup, setting a new standard for smartphone photography.
Performance
Performance also leaps forward with the introduction of the A19 Pro chip, built on a 2-nanometer process, which Apple claims will provide improved efficiency and power.
The Pro and Ultra models will come with 12GB of RAM, while the other models will have 8GB of RAM, ensuring that even the base iPhone 17 model can handle multitasking and demanding apps with ease.
Whether the user will be playing graphics-heavy games, editing or working on multiple tasks simultaneously, the A19 Pro chip and the increased RAM will ensure a smooth, fast experience.
Battery and thickness
As for battery life, Apple has made notable improvements. The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Ultra will feature a 4,700mAh battery, with both models supporting 50W fast charging.
The new silicon-carbon batteries are expected to offer better energy efficiency, meaning less time plugged in and more time enjoying your device. Fast battery drainage has been an issue for previous iPhone models.
The larger battery size also contributes to the devices being slightly thicker, with the iPhone 17 Pro Max (now the Ultra) being about 5 per cent thicker than its predecessor.
However, it is rumoured that the iPhone 17 Air is expected to be the thinnest iPhone ever, measuring between 5.5mm and 6.25mm, slimmer than the iPhone 6, which is 6.9mm thick.
Better lighting
The iPhone 17 Ultra will have a 6.9-inch OLED display that uses LTPO technology for smoother scrolling and better battery efficiency.
It will have an incredibly sharp resolution and can reach a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, meaning it will be super bright, even in direct sunlight, making it easier to see the screen in any lighting condition.
The iPhone 17 Pro will have a 6.3-inch display, while the iPhone 17 Air will come in at 6.6 inches, offering a larger screen without compromising portability. Across the board, all models will feature 120Hz refresh rates for smoother scrolling and more responsive interactions.
New cooling system
In addition to hardware upgrades, Apple has reportedly integrated a vapour chamber cooling system into the Pro and Ultra models. This will help manage the heat generated by the powerful new A19 Pro chip, especially during intense gaming or heavy multitasking sessions.
The cooling system ensures that the device can maintain peak performance without overheating, a welcome upgrade for power users.
Line up name change and pricing
Apple has also restructured its iPhone lineup to differentiate the models better.
The iPhone 17 Air replaces the iPhone 17 Plus, offering a thinner design with a 6.6-inch OLED display and a single 48-megapixel camera. It is thinner, sleeker, and priced starting at $950 (Sh123,022.38), offering a more affordable option for those who do not need all the bells and whistles of the Pro or Ultra models.
On the other hand, the iPhone 17 Pro will come with a 6.3-inch display and a triple camera system, including a periscope camera for enhanced zoom functionality. Priced at $1,050 (Sh135,922.50), it is designed for those who want high-end features without stepping up to the Ultra.
Now, the iPhone 17 Ultra, Apple’s most premium model, will feature a 6.9-inch display, and with its 48MP periscope camera, 12GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage, it is set to be Apple’s flagship device for 2025.
Starting at $1,250(Sh161,687.50), the Ultra is designed for users who demand the absolute best in performance, camera quality, and display technology.
New software
Along with these exciting hardware upgrades, the iPhone 17 lineup is expected to launch with iOS 19, bringing a host of new software features to complement the powerful new hardware.
Whether it is advanced AI features, better security, or improved multitasking capabilities, iOS 19 will be optimised to work seamlessly with the hardware to deliver an outstanding user experience.
Though it is still months away from release, the iPhone 17 lineup is already shaping up to be one of Apple’s most innovative iPhone launches to date.
With better cameras, improved performance, bigger batteries, and a sleeker design, Apple is pushing the boundaries of what a smartphone can do.
The iPhone 17 Ultra promises to be a standout device, but with four distinct models catering to different needs and budgets, there is something for everyone in this new lineup.
As for pricing, the iPhone 17 is expected to start around $850 (Sh109,947.50), the iPhone 17 Air at $950 (Sh123,022.38), the iPhone 17 Pro at $1,050 (Sh135,922.50), and the iPhone 17 Ultra at $1,250 (Sh161,687.50).
These models will be available for pre-order in mid-September 2025, with shipments following shortly after.
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