The iPhone 17 Pro Max is just weeks away from being revealed, and leaks are giving a clear picture of what to expect. Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 17 series in September 2025, including the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, the slimmer iPhone 17 Air, and the flagship iPhone 17 Pro Max. Rumors point to major upgrades in displays, cameras, and performance, plus a change to Apple’s lineup with the new Air model replacing the Plus.
iPhone 17 Series Lineup
Apple is expected to keep its usual structure of base, Pro, and Pro Max models. The surprise this year is the rumored iPhone 17 Air. The Air could replace the Plus model that Apple has offered for years, focusing on a super-slim design instead of a larger display version of the base model. Leaks suggest the Air will measure between 5mm and 6mm thick, making it the thinnest iPhone ever and putting it in competition with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, which is 5.8mm.
The Pro Max will remain the largest and most feature packed device, designed for users who want the top-tier camera setup, display quality, and processing power.
Release Date and Launch Event
Apple has stuck to a predictable schedule in recent years, usually holding its iPhone launch during the second week of September. For 2025, industry insiders expect the announcement on Tuesday, Sept. 9. The company typically releases new models the following Friday, which would put the iPhone 17 Pro Max in stores on Friday, Sept. 19.
Forbes reporter David Phelan predicts Apple will confirm the launch date on Tuesday, Aug. 26, ahead of the official event. The new iOS 26 software update is expected to roll out on Sept. 15 or 16, a few days before the phones arrive in customers’ hands.
Display Sizes and Technology
According to leaker Ice Universe, these are the expected display sizes:
- iPhone 17: 6.3-inch
- iPhone 17 Air: 6.65-inch
- iPhone 17 Pro: 6.3-inch
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: 6.7-inch
One of the most significant rumored changes is that all models, not just the Pro versions, could get 120Hz ProMotion displays. Apple has limited high refresh rates to its Pro models for years, while cheaper Android devices have offered them. If true, this would make even the base iPhone 17 and Air far smoother to use.
Performance and Chipset
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to use Apple’s new A19 Pro chip, offering better performance and efficiency compared to last year’s A18 Pro. The regular iPhone 17 will likely feature the standard A19 chip, while the Air may use a slightly less powerful version of the A19 Pro, giving it a boost over the base model without matching the Pro series.
Camera Upgrades
The iPhone 17 Pro Max camera setup could be one of the biggest improvements this year. Rumors say it will feature:
- Triple 48MP rear cameras (wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto)
- 24MP front camera, up from 12MP in previous models
This would be the first time all three rear cameras on the Pro series are upgraded to 48MP. The increased front camera resolution could mean sharper selfies and improved video calls.
The iPhone 17 Air will reportedly only have one rear camera, similar to older iPhone SE models, which means no ultra wide or telephoto capability.
Color Options
Leaker Sonny Dixon shared dummy model photos showing possible colors:
iPhone 17 Pro Max and Pro:
- Orange (new and eye-catching)
- Black
- White
- Dark blue
iPhone 17 (base):
- Black
- White
- Light blue
- Pink
iPhone 17 Air:
- Black
- White
- Beige
- Light blue
The orange color for the Pro series could be the standout choice this year, offering a brighter alternative to the usual dark finishes.
Foldable iPhone Still in Development
Apple’s long-rumored foldable phone, informally called the iPhone Fold, is not expected to launch in 2025. Reports suggest production could start soon, but the earliest release date would be 2026 alongside the iPhone 18. The foldable is expected to use Samsung display technology.
What to Expect
If the leaks are accurate, the iPhone 17 Pro Max will deliver the biggest display, top-tier triple camera system, and fastest chip in the lineup. The new Air model will target buyers who want a sleek, ultra-thin device, while the base iPhone 17 will gain higher refresh rates and performance improvements.
The official launch is only weeks away, and Apple is expected to confirm the details by the end of August. Until then, these leaks outline what could be the most significant update to the iPhone lineup in years.
Also Read: 10 iOS 18.6 Settings Apple Won’t Tell You About That Instantly Refresh Your iPhone
