Enhancements iPhone 17 could bring compared to iPhone 16:
Apple has announced that its annual September event will take place on September 9, and with it, the anticipation for the unveiling of the iPhone 17 series grows. Here's a roundup of what we might expect from the upcoming handsets.
The base-model iPhone 17 is likely to be an iterative upgrade, resembling its current-generation counterpart. However, a high-refresh rate display, either ProMotion or a fixed 120Hz display, is suggested for the iPhone 17. This upgrade would help the base-model keep pace with competitors and offer a smoother user experience.
The iPhone 16's 60Hz panel is considered outdated, and it's a stain on the reputation of the iPhone 16. A high-refresh rate display for the iPhone 17 would be a welcome improvement, setting it apart from its predecessor.
Major design changes are expected for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, and an entirely new model, the iPhone 17 Air (or Plus), is anticipated to replace the iPhone 17 Plus. The iPhone 17 Air could bring a fresh design to the mid-tier iPhone lineup.
In terms of performance, the iPhone 17's chipset, expected to be called the A19, is expected to be an upgrade over the A18 found in the iPhone 16. The A18 was 30% faster than the iPhone 15's A17 chipset, and the upgrade to a faster chipset in the iPhone 17 is almost guaranteed, with the exception of Apple launching two consecutive iPhones with the same chipset.
Apple is falling behind in the AI race, and a bigger RAM capacity could provide headroom for Apple Intelligence to grow. The iPhone 16 has 8GB of RAM, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 and Google Pixel 10 both come with 12GB of RAM. A larger RAM capacity for the iPhone 17 could help Apple catch up in the AI race.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra could have major changes to its cameras and design, but one key spec might be lacking. Meanwhile, Chinese-made flagships from Xiaomi, Oppo, and Honor charge with anywhere from 80W to 100W of power draw. It is suggested that the iPhone 17 should ship with a charging speed of around 40W to keep the base-model competitive and make it easier for iPhone fans to get back in the action after a long day of use.
The Google Pixel 10 has a controversial battery feature that cannot be turned off, but it is not considered a deal-breaker. However, the details about what to expect from Apple's next handset or what not to expect at the show remain unclear.
All four models, the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air (or Plus), iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, are expected to run iOS 26 at launch. Samsung and LG Display are expected to supply the ProMotion LTPO OLED displays for the iPhone 17, as BOE has struggled to meet Apple's strict requirements and will likely be excluded from providing the displays.
The iPhone 17 can score an easy win over the iPhone 16 by shipping with a faster chipset. With the September 9 event fast approaching, we'll soon find out if these expectations hold true. Stay tuned for more updates!
