Apple is expected to officially launch the new iPhone lineup in about four weeks, with the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max being the top-tier models – and at least one may see a price increase. Over recent months, leaks about the iPhone 17 have been plentiful, some confirmed by reputable sources, others denied. Here’s the latest roundup.

Major design changes

The most noticeable change is on the back: the familiar square camera cluster on the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will be replaced with a module spanning the entire width of the phone. This may accompany camera improvements, though such upgrades could also be achieved with the old design. The Apple logo will also shift position.

Rumors suggest the iPhone 17 Pro Max will be thicker, possibly housing a larger battery for extended use. Both Pro models may switch from titanium to aluminum frames, with titanium reserved for the rumored ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, reportedly just 5.5mm thick, requiring extra durability.

Display upgrades

On the front, the Pro models may feature anti-reflective displays. Meanwhile, standard iPhones may jump from 60Hz to 120Hz refresh rates for smoother visuals. Some leaks hint that ProMotion (adaptive 120Hz) will remain exclusive to the Pro series and possibly the Air model, allowing features like Always-On Display.

Leaked images show four distinct display sizes across the iPhone 17 range, with the 17 Air’s screen slightly larger than the Pro’s, sitting between Pro and Pro Max. This means each model will have unique dimensions, unlike the iPhone 15 lineup.

New colors

The Pro models are expected in four colors: black, white, dark blue, and a toned-down bright orange resembling copper. Aluminum frames may make the colors more vibrant, similar to current iPhone 16 options.

Camera upgrades

For the first time, all three rear cameras – main, ultra-wide, and telephoto – are expected to have 48MP sensors for more consistent image quality. Additional rumored features include a second Camera Control button, multi-camera video recording, 8x optical zoom, and a new professional camera app.

A19 Pro chip

Both Pro models will likely feature the new A19 Pro chip, promising improved performance and efficiency, potentially extending battery life or enabling more power-hungry features. The iPhone 17 Air may also use the A19 Pro but with a reduced GPU. Standard iPhone 17 models are expected to get the A19 chip.

Pricing

Leaks suggest a $50 price increase across the lineup. If true, the iPhone 17 Pro may start at $1,049 or $1,149, depending on whether Apple adds the $100 premium for the 256GB model. Analysts say the base storage could increase from 128GB to 256GB.

Price hikes may be driven by import taxes in markets like China and India, although models made in India may avoid such tariffs. Tim Cook has noted that most iPhones imported into the US now come from India, potentially keeping the increase modest.

Release date

The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are expected to launch Friday, September 19, at 7 a.m. local time in initial markets, making Australia and New Zealand the first to get them. While delays for one model are possible, as with the iPhone 12 Pro Max, it seems unlikely this year.

Hai Phong