iPhone 17 Series: Leaks, Features, Variants, and UK Pricing Breakdown

Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 lineup is already creating waves in the tech community. Set for release in late 2025, the iPhone 17 series is expected to feature significant design upgrades, hardware enhancements, and even an entirely new model that aims to redefine what users can expect from an iPhone. From a slimmer body to better cameras and new chipsets, the iPhone 17 line-up is shaping up to be Apple’s most refined iteration yet.

In this blog, we will cover the expected models, key specifications, internal hardware, new features, design changes, camera upgrades, and UK pricing for each model.

Apple is expected to launch four iPhone 17 models:

1. iPhone 17 (Standard)

2. iPhone 17 Air (new slim/light variant)

3. iPhone 17 Pro

4. iPhone 17 Pro Max

The most noticeable introduction this year is the iPhone 17 Air, a lightweight, ultra-slim model. Alongside the usual Pro models, this addition points towards Apple’s effort to diversify the iPhone range further.

The design philosophy behind the iPhone 17 series appears to be focused on delivering lighter, slimmer, and more immersive devices. All models are expected to feature OLED displays with thinner bezels and a more refined camera housing.

• Display: 6.3-inch OLED

• Refresh Rate: 120Hz (without ProMotion)

• Body: Slightly thinner than the iPhone 16

• Build: Aluminium with flat edges

• Front Camera Placement: Dynamic Island retained

• Display: 6.6-inch OLED

• Thickness: Expected to be one of the thinnest iPhones ever

• Design: Ultra-lightweight with a slim form factor

• Unique Feature: Expected to feature a unique pill-shaped camera module

• Display: 6.3-inch LTPO OLED with ProMotion

• Material: Titanium or brushed aluminium

• Special Feature: Vapour chamber cooling system

• Bezels: Thinnest bezels ever on an iPhone

• Display: 6.9-inch LTPO OLED with ProMotion

• Durability: Ceramic Shield and improved water resistance

• Unique Design: Larger form factor, aimed at power users and content creators

The A18 Bionic will likely be a robust continuation of Apple’s 3nm architecture, designed to balance performance and energy efficiency.

Built on an advanced 3-nanometre (nm) node, this architecture allows Apple to pack more transistors into a smaller space. This leads to:

• Faster performance with lower latency

• Reduced energy consumption, contributing to longer battery life

• Improved thermal efficiency, making the phone run cooler under load

These models are expected to include 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM, a step up from previous base models. This ensures:

• Smooth multitasking

• Faster app launches

• Improved browser and media performance

The integrated Neural Engine in the A18 chip is designed to handle trillions of operations per second, powering features such as:

• Smart photo sorting

• On-device voice recognition

• Real-time image enhancements

• Augmented reality (AR) functions in apps like Measure and Maps

With efficient power management and adaptive algorithms (possibly supported by iOS 19), the A18 chip is expected to balance high-speed operations with power savings. This results in:

• All-day battery for moderate use

• Less heat generation during gaming or 4K video streaming

• Quieter thermal behaviour (no need for active cooling)

These capabilities make the iPhone 17 and 17 Air excellent for general users, students, and content consumers who want reliable performance without necessarily needing workstation-level power.

The A19 Pro chip represents a significant leap in Apple’s chipset evolution, leveraging a 2nm fabrication process—likely the first of its kind in a consumer smartphone.

Shrinking the fabrication process to 2nm means Apple can:

• Increase the transistor count for higher computing density

• Deliver breakthrough energy efficiency, even under intense processing

• Unlock more AI features and graphics capabilities without overheating

Apple is finally expected to boost RAM to 12GB in the Pro models, aligning them with flagship Android devices. This ensures:

• Seamless video editing in 4K and 8K

• Better support for memory-heavy tasks like rendering or AI-based design

• Future-proofing for upcoming AR/VR capabilities

To manage the extra heat from high performance, the Pro models may include a vapour chamber cooling system, which:

• Spreads heat evenly using liquid evaporation and condensation cycles

• Maintains consistent frame rates during gaming or video processing

• Prevents thermal throttling during prolonged use

The A19 Pro is not just about speed—it’s built with AI acceleration in mind. Expect significant gains in:

• On-device machine learning (for things like personalised app suggestions)

• Real-time photo and video processing (e.g., auto-captioning or intelligent cropping)

• Enhanced AR tools for Apple’s growing mixed reality ecosystem

The Pro models are likely to run Apple’s professional-grade apps more smoothly, such as:

• Final Cut Pro for iOS

• Logic Pro

• Adobe Creative Cloud

• 3D object manipulation and scanning apps

The iPhone 17 series will follow Apple’s trend of offering multiple storage options. The standard and Air models will likely offer:

• 128GB

• 256GB

• 512GB

The Pro and Pro Max models may include:

• 256GB

• 512GB

• 1TB

In terms of colours, some new options being rumoured include:

• Sky Blue

• Lilac/Lavender

• Graphite Black

• Starlight Silver

These additions are expected to replace or complement the standard Midnight and Product(RED) offerings.

One of the most exciting changes is in the camera department. Apple seems to be upgrading both the rear and front-facing cameras across all models.

• Resolution: 24MP (upgrade from 12MP in earlier generations)

• Features: Improved low-light capture, better Portrait Mode, and video quality for FaceTime and selfies

• Dual Camera Setup

• Primary: 48MP wide

• Secondary: 48MP ultra-wide

• Single 48MP rear camera

• Designed for casual users who want a sleek phone without multiple lenses

• Triple Camera Setup

  • 48MP wide

  • 48MP ultra-wide

  • 48MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom

• Additional: LiDAR scanner for AR and depth enhancements

• Triple Camera Setup + Periscope Lens

• 10x periscope optical zoom (rumoured)

• Superior low-light and 8K video capture capabilities

• Dual Recording Mode: Simultaneous use of front and rear cameras

• Night Mode: Available on all lenses

• Smart HDR and improved image processing

All models in the iPhone 17 series are expected to support USB-C as part of Apple’s shift away from Lightning ports, aligning with regulatory compliance and improved universal compatibility.

• Wired Charging: Up to 35W for Pro and Pro Max, 25W for Standard and Air

• Wireless Charging: MagSafe-supported, 15W across all models

• Reverse Wireless Charging: Expected in Pro and Pro Max

• Battery Removal Mechanism: Apple may introduce an electric trigger system to separate battery glue, making authorised replacements easier without the need for heat.

Battery capacities are yet to be confirmed, but the new Adaptive Power Mode in iOS 18/19 will manage performance efficiently, especially for the slim iPhone 17 Air model.

• USB-C port: Across all models

• Wi-Fi 7: In Pro models for faster internet

• Bluetooth 5.4

• 5G: Full mmWave and Sub-6 GHz support

• Face ID: Standard across all devices

• In-screen Touch ID: Still not expected in 2025 models

• A programmable Action Button (currently only on iPhone 15 Pro) is expected to be part of all Pro models in the iPhone 17 series. This replaces the classic mute switch and can be customised to perform tasks like launching the camera, flashlight, voice memos, etc.

The iPhone 17 series will ship with iOS 18 or iOS 19, depending on the launch schedule and how Apple brands the update. Features expected include:

• Enhanced AI-powered Siri

• Adaptive Power Mode for smarter battery management

• Improved Lock Screen Customisation

• Better Control Centre

• Privacy features like App Activity Transparency

The integration of AI is expected to take centre stage with this generation, providing on-device suggestions, smarter photo sorting, and improved typing predictions.

The iPhone 17 series is expected to run faster, stay cooler, and deliver improved app handling. The A18 and A19 Pro chips will ensure:

• Smooth multitasking

• Enhanced gaming experiences

• Fluid performance for demanding apps (video editing, AR)

• Seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem including Vision Pro and MacBooks

The Pro models, in particular, are being designed for professional creators, while the Air and Standard models cater to day-to-day users and students.

While official pricing will be revealed at launch, here is a speculative estimate based on prior models and currency adjustment:

Higher storage tiers (512GB and 1TB) could add £150–£300 to the base cost.

Based on previous launch patterns, Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 17 series in September 2025, with pre-orders starting a week later and shipping in late September.

The iPhone 17 series seems to be one of Apple’s most ambitious smartphone families to date. With the introduction of the iPhone 17 Air, major camera upgrades, vapour chamber cooling for Pro models, and a jump in RAM and AI capabilities, Apple is aiming to stay ahead in the competitive flagship space.

Whether you're a casual user, a photography enthusiast, or a power user looking for elite performance, there appears to be an iPhone 17 variant tailored to your needs.

If you’re planning to upgrade your phone in 2025, waiting for the iPhone 17 could be worth it and for more such updates keep visiting SKUK.