Lo and behold, dear readers, for though the iPhone 16 series hath not graced us with its presence in September of the year 2024, tidings of the iPhone 17 doth stir the hearts and minds of the Apple faithful. Verily, the allure of iPhones doth grow ever stronger! If perchance thou art contemplating the acquisition of an iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro, methinks thou shouldst tarry a while longer. For I have gathered here 5 tantalizing leaks of the iPhone 17 that may give thee cause to skip the iPhone 16, or at least ponder thy excitement once more. Ere thou dost make thy decision, pray thee, peruse what hath been whispered of the iPhone 17 series, expected to make its grand entrance in September of the year 2025.
1. 120Hz Always-on Displays Across the Lineup
Shouldst thou be inclined to acquire an iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Plus, this news may strike a sorrowful chord in thy heart. Apple hath shown a penchant for tardiness in upgrading the hardware of its beloved iPhones. And when it doth introduce something of splendor, ’tis often reserved solely for the prestigious Pro models. This year, ’tis likely that Apple will continue the tradition of its "60Hz display" with the iPhone 16 series. Ever since the days of the iPhone 6 models in the year 2014, Apple hath not seen fit to depart from the antiquated 60Hz displays. A decade hence, Apple doth still cling to this outdated technology, much to the bewilderment of this humble scribe.
Yet, whispers abound that with the advent of the iPhone 17 series, Apple may at last bestow upon us the coveted 120Hz ProMotion Always-on Display technology throughout its entire iPhone lineup. Rejoice, for the long wait may soon come to a most satisfying end! The rumors suggest that the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Plus shall boast OLED displays imbued with LTPO technology, heralding the arrival of ProMotion displays on the standard iPhone models. Such a bountiful display technology shall grant the iPhone 17 and 17 Plus the capability to soar to a 120Hz refresh rate for seamless scrolling and transitions when needed. Furthermore, the display may descend to a power-saving 1Hz refresh rate, allowing for an Always-on display that doth exhibit glanceable information even whilst the device slumbers. ‘Tis indeed an enticement to await the arrival of the iPhone 17 and 17 Plus models next year.
2. Bigger Vanilla Models
As murmurs of the iPhone 16’s dimensions first graced our ears, rumors circulated that Apple had designs to alter the size of its flagship models. It seems that this year, Apple shall unveil the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max with enlarged display sizes. The iPhone 16 Pro is whispered to grow from 6.12 inches to 6.27 inches, and the mighty iPhone 16 Pro Max shall claim the title of the largest-ever iPhone with a grandiose 6.86-inch display. In comparison, the current iPhone 15 Pro Max doth sport a 6.69-inch display.
Looking forward, it is anticipated that these changes in size shall extend to the iPhone 17 vanilla models next year. Thus, we may behold a 6.27-inch iPhone 17 and a 6.86-inch iPhone 17 Plus gracing the Apple lineup. The Pro models shall also align with these display modifications, resulting in the entirety of the iPhone 17 lineup featuring a taller aspect ratio of 19:6:9. Those who do cherish larger iPhones shall undoubtedly rejoice at the prospect of the iPhone 17 and 17 Plus in the year 2025.
And if perchance thou art enamored with the design and appearance of the iPhone 16, thou may find thy expectations unmet. The learned Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo doth opine that the iPhone 16 series shall lack substantial alterations in design. It is believed that the addition of a Capture button and larger displays on the Pro models shall be the only notable changes in the iPhones of 2024. Hence, if thou didst anticipate dramatic transformations, the iPhone 16 may not prove thy wisest choice.
3. Edge-to-Edge Screen Experience
Envision, dear readers, an iPhone bedecked in a screen that stretches from edge to edge, free from unsightly notches. ‘Tis a vision of splendor, is it not? Although this wondrous feature was once foretold for the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max, alas, it was not to be. The notion of an Under-Display Face ID concealed beneath the iPhone’s screen hath been a notion entertained for some time now.
Mayhap thou dost recall the esteemed display analyst Ross Young, who initially anticipated the debut of Under-Display Face ID with the iPhone 16 Pro models. Yet, in a twist of fate, he hath proclaimed that this feature hath been postponed to the iPhones of 2025. The iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max are foreseen as the pioneers ushering in this new epoch, sporting an under-display Face ID technology. Concealed beneath the display, the Face ID components shall bestow upon us an edge-to-edge screen devoid of unsightly notches. Only a circular cutout for the selfie camera shall betray the presence of Face ID. This revelation doth stand as one of the most enticing features of the iPhone 17 Pro, prompting many to forsake the iPhone 16 Pro models.
4. 24 MP Front Camera Upgrade
While the rear cameras of Apple’s creations hath received commendable upgrades, the selfie camera hath remained stagnant. The iPhone 11 bore a dual rear camera housing a 12MP wide and a 12MP ultrawide sensor, paired with a 12MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls. With the advent of the iPhone 15 series last year, Apple did astonish us with the transition to a 48MP wide camera sensor on the standard models. The Pro models had already been endowed with this sensor in the iPhone 14 Pro models prior.
Fortuitously, it seems that Apple may finally abandon its fixation on the 12MP selfie camera currently found on its models. Reports hath hinted at a 24MP/6P selfie camera gracing the entire iPhone 17 series. The enhanced 24-megapixel resolution shall empower thee to capture high-quality selfies replete with intricate details, even when cropped or zoomed in. Furthermore, the upgraded six-element lens shall surely elevate the quality of images captured. Indeed, this enhancement stands as a compelling reason to set aside thoughts of the iPhone 16 and await the iPhone 17 in the year 2025. For why settle for the antiquated 60Hz display and 12MP front camera when a superior offering awaits next year?
5. The iPhone Ultra
Ah, the fabled iPhone Ultra, a tale that hath captivated many a soul for nigh on a year. In the annals of history, the iPhone Pro Max hath stood as Apple’s pinnacle, its highest-tier model. Yet rumors persist of a new zenith, a zenith even higher than the Pro and Pro Max models—the iPhone Ultra. Initially whispered to debut with the iPhone 11 series, the iPhone Ultra hath remained elusive, failing to grace us with its presence.
Rumors then swirled of its imminent inclusion in the iPhone 16 series, yet for reasons unknown, this aspiration hath remained unfulfilled. Furthermore, the early codes of iOS 18 hath made no mention of the iPhone 16 Ultra’s existence, referencing only four models: the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max.
Intriguingly, the forthcoming iPhone 17 series is said to introduce the long-awaited iPhone Ultra model, adorned with premium specifications. This esteemed creation may arrive with a swifter chip, a grander display, enhancements to the camera, and perchance even the fabled port-less design, eschewing Lightning or USB-C ports altogether. Such dreams may well become reality, for hath not Apple already ventured this path with its smartwatch line? Behold the Apple Watch Ultra, a prestigious iteration offering top-tier specifications at a premium.
Therefore, shouldst thou await the iPhone 16 Pro Max as the pinnacle of Apple’s offerings, I bid thee to remain steadfast. The iPhone 17 series may yet unveil the flagship to surpass all others, the stuff of dreams and legends.
Art thou considering the acquisition of an iPhone 16 model? Dost thou believe it prudent to await the iPhone 17? Share thy ruminations in the comments below, dear readers.
