Everything we know about the iPhone 17 rumours

iPhone 17 leaks: What we’ve heard so far 

✨ The iPhone 17 lineup is shaping up to include four models: Base, Air, Pro and Pro Max. These models may feature significant design changes, potential display upgrades and substantial camera and performance enhancements for the Pro versions.  

The Pro Max might feature a 5,000 mAh battery, 8x zoom and the A19 Pro chip, while the Air could offer a sleek look but reduced features. Release is expected in early September 2025, with pricing starting around £850.00. 

Pricing and release: Familiar ranges, elevated expectations 

With expectations on the rise for the new iPhone 17, many are wondering when it will be released and what the price will be. Based on our research at Back Market, the iPhone 17 release date rumours indicate that it will be between Monday, September 8th, and Wednesday, September 10th, which are quickly approaching.  

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has also weighed in on this discussion, and his opinion aligns with ours. His reasoning is that Apple usually releases its iPhones in September, and it's always the week following Labor Day in the US, which is Apple's traditional launch window.  

Pricewise, make sure you’re sitting down. The rumoured price for the iPhone 17 is £850.00, with the iPhone 17 Air speculated at around £899.00. Then the iPhone 17 Pro could cost £1,099.00, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max rumour places it at a whopping £1,249.00.  

Although these are only rumoured prices and they are on the pricey side, they do align with prior-generation pricing and macroeconomic factors. Based on current global events, there is a high likelihood that international tariffs could impact pricing, potentially leading to higher costs associated with AI chips and material upgrades. We recommend keeping this in mind if you plan to pre-order in mid-September. 

Early sentiments from those considering the iPhone 17 suggest that it might not be a good idea to buy one just yet, even though some are eagerly awaiting its release. Some have even mentioned that purchasing a refurbished iPhone 16 Pro is a better, more cost-effective option than splurging on the latest model in September.  

One Reddit user said: 

“Wait for 17” people will transform into “I’d wait for 18” as soon as 17 is presented. 16 series has proven to be great; they are discounted right now and a pretty safe buy.”  

Another Reddit user said:  

“Personally, I’d wait. It’s being released in approximately 5 weeks, and you’ll have the newest and best. That’s what I’m doing.”  

With split opinions, what you choose to do will depend on your budget and preferences when it is released.  

✨ iPhone 17 price rumours: Pricing for the iPhone 17 is expected to be more expensive than the iPhone 16 series when it presumably releases between September 8th and September 10th, and buyers are split on whether it's a good choice or not.  

iPhone 17 vs refurbished iPhone 16: A price comparison  

Depending on the model, opting for a refurbished iPhone 16 could save you around 28–30% compared to the rumoured launch prices of the iPhone 17 series. The iPhone 17 Pro offers the highest relative savings (~31%). 

* Rumoured new price figures are based on leaks and industry speculation; actual retail prices at launch may differ. 

** Refurbished iPhone 16 prices and % savings are based on Back Market UK listings at the time this article was published. 

Design overhaul: A radical new look for Pro models 

We don't want to be the bearer of bad news, but multiple sources suggest that Apple may discontinue the iPhone Plus model in 2025. Instead, it's introducing the iPhone 17 Air, AKA slim, alongside the iPhone 17 base model, iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max.  

Below, our team at Back Market shares what the rumours suggest about the design overhaul of the Apple iPhone 17. We also touch on the radical new look of the Pro models, which has many divided on whether they like the aesthetic upgrades. 

iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max 

For years, the iPhone design has been somewhat predictable, with only a few changes that can feel lacklustre to those who are not die-hard fans of the brand. This year, things are presumed to be different.  

Firstly, according to an iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max leak, these models are expected to feature a horizontal camera bar instead of the traditional square bump. This theory has been supported by case leaks and even a public sighting. Now, there is a chance that this public sighting is meant to throw us off the scent of the real design, but there is a strong likelihood that this appearance change is what is to be expected.  

Secondly, the Apple logo is rumoured to be positioned lower on the back frame of the Pro and Pro Max models in order to accommodate the repositioning of the MagSafe coil. On July 29th, a Chinese user known only as "UnclePan" reportedly leaked an image of third-party MagSafe cases, seemingly confirming this design change for the Pro and Pro Max models.  

Another iPhone 17 Pro Max design leak suggests that the Pro models may switch from titanium to aluminium. Now, most don’t believe this rumour, choosing to “die on their hill” that Apple won’t make the more cost-effective switch, but many feel it’s been a long time coming.  

If Apple does make the switch, it’s expected that part of the glass frame could transition to aluminium, with the glass part still allowing for MagSafe charging. We’ll have to wait and see if Apple has decided to make the switch, and if it’s cost savings or durability claims they go with for making the design change. 

iPhone 17 (Base) 

When it comes to the base model's design changes, there isn't much we can say. Speculation surrounding the design has made it plausible that Apple will carry forward the vertical dual camera layout with minor tweaks. It’s likely that the base iPhone 17 will also feature the updated logo and MagSafe placement used by its Pro siblings.  

iPhone 17 Air 

In our opinion, the iPhone 17 Air will either be the series’ trendsetter or its biggest flop, with mixed reviews surrounding rumours of its design. But why, you may ask? It’s simple. The Air is set to be the thinnest iPhone in current existence and comes with many “pros” that feel more like “not cons” rather than adding any real benefit.  

For example, a Reddit user stated:  

“The list of 'Pros' doesn't really seem like 'Pros' so much as 'not Cons’. A ‘Pro’ is generally ‘a benefit’ or ‘an advantage’. Three of the four things listed as ‘Pros’ are either worse than the iPhone 16 Plus (battery life) or exactly the same (price and MagSafe). Only one of the four ‘Pros’ listed would actually be an improvement over the model this is rumoured to replace.”  

Let’s break it down. The biggest change is its size. Speculations put it at roughly half the thickness of a Pro Max, making it around 0.22 in (5.5 mm), while the Max is likely to measure in at 0.33 in (8.25 mm). For some, this is a benefit since it looks and feels sleeker.  

Next, the Air model may feature only a single 48MP rear camera, which is a huge bummer. This rear camera is likely to be centred, featuring a distinctly minimalist layout, as confirmed by illegitimate CAD-rendered images and rumours.  

Additional not-so-great changes are expected, including a single speaker, no mmWave support and likely no e-SIM tray, as well as lower battery life compared to other iPhone 17 models. So, although it looks prettier, is it better than buying a refurbished iPhone Pro 15 or 16? We’ll leave that up to you to decide.  

✨ iPhone 17 design rumours: There are expected design changes across the board for all iPhone 17 models, with the Pro and Pro Max seemingly being the most advantageous and the Air being a little lacklustre.  

Display changes: 120 Hz for everyone, but not really 

We’re not saying display is everything, but nowadays display is…well…kind of everything. For many people, the main selling point of the Apple iPhone 17 appears to be that all models will feature an impressive 120 Hz display. In reality, this is unlikely to be the case.  

Some Reddit users have already stated that the 120 Hz will be selective:  

“The rumours say it’s coming. No one knows for sure until the keynote. My personal opinion is that it will only be on Air and Pro.”  

Another Reddit user agreed with the opinion, saying:  

“Yeah, 120 Hz is one of their incentives to buy a pricier phone. They’re not going to ruin that money-making possibility and give all their phones that feature.” 

However, other users are hopeful that the Air will at least feature a 90 Hz refresh rate:  

“Maybe they will add 90 Hz to the Air and that’s a big maybe.”  

As of yet, there has been no iPhone 17 Pro design leak confirming or denying the display claims, nor has there been confirmation for any of the other models. 

Yet, leaks suggest that the base and Air models could use fixed refresh LTPS screens instead of LTPO, which, unfortunately, can affect power efficiency and the Always-On display. Major womp womp. But it’s not all doom and gloom display-wise.  

Another juicy titbit of knowledge we can share is that the Pro line may feature Adaptive ProMotion, which is likely based on models from the previous year. Additionally, all models are rumoured to receive a size increase, with the iPhone 17 base model and Pro expected to measure 6.3 in, the Air at 6.6 in and the Pro Max at 6.9 in.  

✨ iPhone 17 display rumours: Size upgrades are expected for all models, and a 120 Hz display rate is hoped for across the board, although this is highly unlikely with the Pro line having the best chance of actually seeing this upgrade. 

Not ready to splurge on the 17? The iPhone 16 Pro is still a beast. 

Camera upgrades: The Pro Max may get a serious zoom boost 

The high iPhone 17 price rumours might not seem so outlandish if you consider that the Pro Max is expected to get a serious zoom boost on its camera. Now, a snazzy new camera might not matter to everyone, but statistics say 92% of people use their smartphones to take photos.  

So, even if you’re not someone who cares too much about picture quality, you likely do use your camera, so to an extent, it does matter. After all, you likely don’t want to snap a photo and have it blurry or distorted. Fortunately, the iPhone 17 models are likely to feature decent cameras, so you may not need to opt for the Pro Max unless you really feel the need.  

According to unverified reports, the base model will feature a 24MP selfie camera but will retain other optics from the iPhone 16 with minimal improvements. If you don't want anything fancy but you do want new technology, this might be the best option.  

Another good option might be the Air model. This model is likely to feature a single 48MP rear camera, but it will not include a telephoto or ultra-wide lens. However, if you want the best of the best camera-wise, you should consider the iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max.  

It's believed these models will come equipped with a front camera upgrade to 24MP, and here’s the reveal…they may have a telephoto lens with an 8x optical zoom that operates with a moving lens system. These models might also feature rear cameras with 48MP lenses, a new horizontal camera control button on the top edge and a new Apple Pro camera app for video creators. Pretty neat, right? Well, it will be when it's confirmed.  

✨ iPhone 17 camera rumours: The iPhone 17 base and Air models are unlikely to offer anything special in terms of camera performance. However, the Pro and Pro Max could be worthwhile options with their presumed 8x optical zoom, 24MP selfie camera and Apple Pro camera app. 

Want stellar zoom functionality without the wait? Explore the 15 Pro Max. 

Performance rumours: A19 for all, A19 Pro for pros 

It's not a far stretch of the imagination to surmise that the iPhone 17 will feature the A19 and A19 Pro chipsets, considering the iPhone 16 models house the A18 and A18 Pro chipsets. Although this is a step up in performance, it is not as impressive as some had hoped since Apple won't have a chip built on a 2-nanometer process until at least the iPhone 18. 

If the rumoured A19 and A19 Pro chipsets are used in the iPhone 17s, it means they will be based on a 3nm chip, much like the A18, confirming modest performance gains and potentially happy users. Another performance boost rides on the curtails of the chipset and comes in the form of increased RAM.  

When the iPhone 16 models were released, they included 8 GB of RAM. It is expected that the iPhone 17 models will also feature 8 GB of RAM, except for the Pro Max. It's presumed that the Pro Max will come equipped with an incredible 12 GB of memory, and some speculate the Air might as well, given its AI-heavy features, but this isn’t likely.  

This may not seem impressive at first, but let’s put it into perspective. One Redditor noted:  

“That awkward moment when new iPhones have more RAM than base MacBook Pros.”  

And we couldn’t have said it better. Of course, tech is ever evolving, so by the time the iPhone 17 releases, MacBook Pros may have increased their RAM offering, as well. 

Additionally, the A19 Pro chip will support enhanced GPU and Neural Engine performance alongside the boost in memory. It's also somewhat likely that the Pro models might debut vapor chamber cooling, allowing them to handle sustained thermal loads such as 8K recording.  

✨ iPhone 17 performance rumours: Apple's A19 and A19 Pro chipsets, alongside vapor chamber cooling, might make an appearance in the iPhone 17 models, potentially giving the devices a performance boost. The improved Pro Max memory is also a positive for intensive phone users. 

Battery and connectivity: Big gains at the top 

No matter what phone you have, battery life is a concern. What is the point of buying new tech if you can't use it to its full capacity? You’re not the only one to think this way. Across all iPhone models, the iPhone 16 Pro Max has the best battery life; however, early leaks surrounding the iPhone 17 suggest its Pro Max model might surpass it.  

The 17 Pro Max might come equipped with a 5,000 mAh battery and feature reverse wireless charging, as well as faster Qi2 support. Additionally, the new A19 Pro chip, if used, will also contribute to improved battery life, complementing the iOS power optimisations. With these enhancements, the usage time could reach a phenomenal 35 hours or more, depending on the usage conditions.  

Unfortunately, you shouldn’t expect to be wowed by the other iPhone 17 models battery-wise, especially not the Air. Based on some rumours, the Air may only house a 2,800 mAh battery, which makes sense considering the size reductions on this ultra-slim model. If this is the case, it's plausible that Apple will release a battery case accessory for the Air.  

However, according to AppleInsider, the brand might also add a silicone-anode battery to the slimmer model to improve battery life. This will be paired with the AI-powered battery management system known as Adaptive Power, which will monitor usage and adjust energy consumption and performance to conserve battery power. This feature will not be limited to the Air, so the other models – yes, including the base model – could also benefit from it.  

✨ iPhone 17 battery rumours: The battery life of the iPhone 17 could be improved by the Adaptive Power feature, allowing users to get more out of their phones. Additionally, the Pro Max is likely to have the best battery life, while the Air may fall short in this regard.  

iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16: Rumoured improvements 

Can you trust these iPhone 17 rumours? 

Although we’ve done our best to bring you likely and reputable rumours based on insider knowledge about the Apple iPhone 17, it's essential to take these insights with a grain of salt. Just as individuals are innocent until proven guilty, nothing is confirmed about the iPhone 17 until Apple itself confirms it.  

However, we believe that at least some of what we have shared here has strong grounds for being proven true, and we hope you’re still just as excited about the iPhone 17 release. However, if you find the 17 series might not be what you’re looking for, there are many other models worth considering. At Back Market, we offer a wide range of quality Verified Refurbished phones. 

From Apple and Samsung to Google and Android phones, we have something to fit every single person's budget and tech needs. Our refurbished phones undergo rigorous software and hardware checks and are reviewed by our tech experts. Our phones are also significantly more cost-effective, and we offer a trade-in program to make them even more affordable.  

In addition, buying refurbished is better for the planet, so you’re not only saving a pretty penny; you’re also doing your part for the environment. If we’ve convinced you, have a look at the refurbished iPhones we have available.    

Want an iPhone that just works? The SE 3 delivers big value in a small package.