Apple “Awe Dropping” iPhone 17 launch event today: 17 new features expected to come to iPhone 17 series

Apple's September 9 "Awe Dropping" event could unveil what may be the most significant iPhone upgrade in years. The iPhone 17 series is expected to represent a major departure from recent incremental updates, potentially introducing groundbreaking design changes, enhanced display technology, and powerful new capabilities across four distinct models. Based on industry reports and leaked specifications, here are 17 rumoured features that might define Apple's next-generation smartphone lineup.

iPhone 17 Air's ultra-thin 5.5mm profile

The standout feature of Apple's 2025 iPhone lineup could be the iPhone 17 Air's unprecedented thinness. At a rumoured 5.5 millimetres, this device might be roughly one-third thinner than current Pro models, potentially making it Apple's slimmest smartphone ever created. This dramatic reduction in thickness could represent the most significant form factor evolution since the iPhone X introduced the edge-to-edge display in 2017.The ultra-thin design reportedly requires extensive engineering compromises, including the elimination of physical SIM card slots and a reduction to a single rear camera. However, Apple has allegedly managed to maintain competitive battery life through advanced power management and high-density battery technology.

Aluminium may return to iPhone 17 Pro models

In a surprising potential reversal, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max might abandon titanium construction in favour of aluminium frames. This rumoured decision could prioritise practical benefits over premium materials, as aluminium offers superior heat dissipation and lighter weight compared to titanium. The change might address persistent overheating issues that have affected recent Pro models during intensive tasks like gaming and 4K video recording.

Camera bar design could come to iPhone 17 Pro models

The iPhone 17 Pro series could introduce Apple's most dramatic camera redesign since the iPhone 11 Pro. Instead of the traditional square camera bump, these models might feature a horizontal camera bar spanning the entire top portion of the device's back panel. This design could accommodate larger sensors while potentially providing a more balanced weight distribution.The camera bar may house three 48-megapixel sensors and advanced computational photography hardware, representing what could be a significant departure from Apple's previous camera module designs.

120Hz ProMotion technology might reach standard iPhone 17

For what could be the first time in iPhone history, Apple's 120Hz ProMotion display technology might extend beyond Pro models to the standard iPhone 17. This adaptive refresh rate technology could deliver smoother scrolling, more responsive touch input, and improved gaming performance. The rumored inclusion of ProMotion in the base model might eliminate one of the key differentiators that previously justified Pro model pricing.

Larger screen size expected for iPhone 17

The standard iPhone 17 could feature a 6.3-inch display, up from the 6.1-inch screen found on previous base models. This size increase might match the iPhone 17 Pro's display dimensions while maintaining the same overall device footprint through reduced bezels and optimised internal component arrangement.

Anti-glare coating technology on iPhone 17 Pro screens rumoured

Building on technology first introduced in iPad Pro models, the iPhone 17 Pro series might incorporate advanced anti-glare display coatings. This feature could significantly reduce reflections and improve outdoor visibility, addressing a common complaint about smartphone usability in bright sunlight conditions.

iPhone 17 models could get new screens with enhanced colour accuracy and brightness

All iPhone 17 models could feature improved display calibration and increased peak brightness levels. These enhancements might support better HDR content viewing and provide more accurate colour reproduction for professional photography and video editing applications.

Next-generation A19 and A19 Pro processors for iPhone 17 series

Apple's latest silicon architecture could power the iPhone 17 lineup with the A19 chip in standard and Air models, and the more powerful A19 Pro in Pro variants. These processors might deliver significant performance improvements in machine learning tasks, graphics rendering, and power efficiency compared to previous generations.The A19 Pro could specifically target professional workflows, offering enhanced video encoding capabilities and improved thermal management for sustained high-performance operations.

Apple's in-house modem technology expected to debut in mainline iPhone lineup

The iPhone 17 Air might debut Apple's custom C1 modem, marking the company's first major step away from Qualcomm dependency. While this initial implementation may lack some advanced features like mmWave 5G support, it could represent a crucial milestone in Apple's vertical integration strategy.

New in-house Wi-Fi chip debut rumoured

Complementing the custom modem, Apple's new Wi-Fi chip could promise improved battery efficiency and enhanced connectivity stability. This component might work in conjunction with the C1 modem to optimise wireless performance while reducing power consumption.

Mandatory eSIM for ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air expected

The iPhone 17 Air's ultra-thin design could necessitate the complete elimination of physical SIM card slots. This might make it Apple's first iPhone to rely exclusively on eSIM technology, potentially accelerating industry-wide adoption of embedded SIM solutions.

48-megapixel telephoto upgrade rumoured for iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max

The iPhone 17 Pro models might quadruple their telephoto resolution from 12 megapixels to 48 megapixels. This enhancement could dramatically improve digital zoom quality and enable superior cropping capabilities for photographers who rely on telephoto perspectives.

Variable aperture system expected on Pro iPhones

Pro models could introduce Apple's first variable aperture technology, allowing automatic adjustment of lens opening size based on shooting conditions. This feature might enable better depth of field control and optimal light gathering for both photography and videography applications.

Simultaneous multi-camera recording possible

The iPhone 17 Pro series might support concurrent recording from front and rear cameras, enabling new creative possibilities for content creators. This feature could facilitate reaction videos, documentary-style filming, and enhanced social media content production.

Improved front-facing camera expected on all iPhone 17 models

All iPhone 17 models could receive significant selfie camera improvements, with reports indicating a potential jump to 24-megapixel resolution. This upgrade might support better video calling quality, improved computational photography features, and enhanced Face ID performance.

Advanced computational photography rumoured with A19 chip

New image processing algorithms could leverage the A19 chip's enhanced machine learning capabilities to deliver improved low-light performance, better portrait mode accuracy, and more natural-looking HDR processing across all shooting scenarios.

Cross-Body Strap case for iPhone 17 series expected

Apple might introduce a high-end cross-body strap case designed specifically for the iPhone 17 lineup, reportedly a priority project for the company's design team. This premium accessory could allow users to wear their iPhone across their body for hands-free convenience while maintaining easy access to the device's features and cameras.

Expected pricing and availability for iPhone 17 series

Despite extensive rumoured feature additions, Apple is expected to maintain current pricing structures. The iPhone 17 might start at $800, while the new iPhone 17 Air could slot in at approximately $900. Pro models might retain their $1,099 and $1,199 starting prices, potentially making the comprehensive upgrade package particularly attractive for consumers considering device renewals.The iPhone 17 series could be available for pre-order following the September 9 announcement, with general availability expected in late September.

How to Watch Apple's "Awe Dropping" event

Apple's

iPhone 17 launch event

is scheduled for Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT from the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple Park in Cupertino, California. You can tune in through multiple official channels, including Apple's website at apple.com/events, the company's official YouTube channel, and the Apple TV app across various devices. The keynote will be live streamed globally with real-time translation available in multiple languages. For those unable to watch live, Apple typically makes the full presentation available for on-demand viewing shortly after the event concludes.The event is expected to run approximately 90 minutes, covering the complete iPhone 17 lineup alongside potential announcements for Apple Watch, AirPods, and other accessories.