iPhone 17: Major Upgrades Expected Compared to the iPhone 16

Tech
By 24matins.uk,  published 29 August 2025 at 15h43, updated on 29 August 2025 at 15h43.
Tech

As anticipation builds for Apple’s next release, the iPhone 17 is expected to introduce significant upgrades compared to the iPhone 16, with industry watchers closely monitoring potential enhancements in design, performance, and innovative features that could set a new standard.

Tl;dr

  • Standard models gain 120Hz display and bigger screen.
  • Front camera upgraded to 24MP for better selfies.
  • Faster charging, but processor stays the same.

    • A Subtle Shift: The iPhone 17’s Display Evolution

    As anticipation mounts for the launch of the iPhone 17 on September 9, attention is shifting toward a feature that, while discreet, could reshape the user experience. For years, Apple reserved its coveted 120Hz ProMotion technology exclusively for its Pro lineup. Now, trusted sources indicate that this smoother display will finally reach standard editions—a notable democratization of a feature long lauded by power users. However, there are notes of caution: some analysts advise to « lower our expectations », hinting that while the higher refresh rate is coming, panel brightness or energy efficiency may not quite match what’s found in Pro models.

    Bigger Screens and Sharper Selfies

    Subtle yet meaningful design refinements appear likely as well. According to industry expert Ross Young, the screen size is set to grow from 6.12 to 6.27 inches. This shift doesn’t merely add pixels—it nudges the device closer in form factor to its premium siblings and promises slimmer bezels, delivering a more immersive visual experience.

    Photography sees an overdue upgrade too. The front-facing camera—unchanged since the iPhone 11—is expected to leap from 12MP to a robust 24MP, according to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Built with six lens elements, this new sensor aims to bring richer detail and improved precision to every selfie.

    Charging Speeds Up Amidst Familiar Hardware

    Despite persistent criticism over charging speeds compared with Android rivals, Apple seems prepared to make amends. Reports suggest wired charging will climb across the entire range to a more competitive 35W. Furthermore, Taiwanese filings hint at two new MagSafe chargers compatible with Qi 2.2, potentially unlocking wireless charging up to an impressive 50W. Users could soon benefit from:

  • Faster charging—both wired and wireless,
    Greater flexibility via updated MagSafe accessories.

    • Yet beneath these improvements lies an air of familiarity: the standard model is tipped to retain both its A18 processor and 8GB of RAM, unchanged from the previous generation. Only Pro variants are in line for performance upgrades.

    The Price Question Lingers Over New Features

    For many loyalists, these updates will strike just the right chord—substantial enough without overwhelming change. Still, uncertainty shadows two areas: real-world performance gains (which remain incremental) and cost. With tariffs and inflation looming large, concerns about a potential price hike cannot be easily dismissed—even if insiders like Mark Gruman downplay worst-case scenarios.

    In short, while the changes in the iPhone 17 might be subtle rather than seismic, they mark a meaningful step forward—particularly for those not eyeing a Pro upgrade this year.