Apple has officially unveiled the iPhone 17, which features a larger 6.3-inch display and a smoother 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate. The new model comes in some refreshed color options but largely retains the design of its predecessor, the iPhone 16.
Notably, Apple has decided to eliminate the Plus model this time around, offering only one size option for users. Among the most significant upgrades are the camera enhancements, highlighted by a 48-megapixel “dual fusion” camera system on the back.
This advanced camera system combines multiple functionalities into a single unit, as Apple explains. The main camera can double as a 2x telephoto lens by cropping into the image, and there’s also a 48MP ultrawide camera that excels at capturing macro shots.
On the front, the iPhone 17 introduces a new 18MP Center Stage camera, boasting a sensor twice the size of that in previous models. This square-shaped sensor allows users to snap high-quality landscape selfies without needing to turn their phones around.
The base model of the iPhone 17 is slightly larger than its predecessor, increasing its OLED screen size from 6.1 inches to 6.3 inches with thinner bezels. In addition, the refresh rate has been upgraded from 60Hz to an adaptive 120Hz ProMotion display, a feature that was once exclusive to the Pro models.
To save battery, the display can drop down to a low 1Hz when necessary, making it more efficient. The iPhone 17 also boasts a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, which is the highest level seen in any iPhone to date.
One notable improvement is the new Ceramic Shield 2 protective coating, which makes the screen three times harder to scratch. For the first time in years, the base model’s screen quality closely matches that of the Pro model.
Externally, the most noticeable change is the slight increase in size, which may please users who prefer the vertically oriented rear camera bar. However, this design choice contrasts sharply with the horizontal camera bars found on the iPhone 17 Pro and Air models.
Internally, the iPhone 17 is powered by the new A19 chip, which is built on advanced 3nm technology. This chip features a six-core CPU and a five-core GPU, offering a “huge boost in speed” compared to previous models, along with “all-day battery life” and up to 30 hours of video playback.
The iPhone 17 also introduces the N1 networking chip, which supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. This new chip replaces components that were previously sourced from Broadcom, similar to the in-house C1 5G modem introduced in the iPhone 16E.
The starting price for the iPhone 17 is $799 for the 256GB storage option, which is an upgrade from the 128GB minimum offered with the iPhone 16. The device will be available in black, lavender, blue, green, and white, with preorders starting on September 12 and official release set for September 19.
