Analyst Jeff Pu has released a new investor note this week that provides additional insights into the anticipated iPhone 17 line-up expected next year.
Additionally, there’s an intriguing update regarding the design of the so-called iPhone 17 Air…
iPhone 17 Speculations: Features and Design
Today’s report from Pu doesn’t unveil many new details about the iPhone 17 specifications. It primarily reiterates much of his previous findings, indicating that Apple’s plans appear consistent.
Regarding design, Pu reiterates that all iPhone 17 models will showcase an aluminum construction that is more intricate than that of the iPhone 16 models. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is set to debut a “much narrower Dynamic Island,” while the other models will maintain the current aesthetics.
The reduced size of the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 17 Pro Max is made feasible through a “metalens” technology for the proximity sensor. This innovation could significantly minimize the dimensions of the Face ID sensor.
Furthermore, Pu mentions that both the A19 and A19 Pro chips will utilize a new N3P manufacturing process, differing from the N3E process employed for the A18 chips in the iPhone 16 collection. This change signifies potential gains in performance and energy efficiency, attributed to an increase in transistor density on the A19 chips.
Apple is not anticipated to transition to TSMC’s next-generation 2nm manufacturing process until 2026.
| iPhone 17 | iPhone 17 Slim | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launch | Sep-25 | Sep-25 | Sep-25 | Sep-25 |
| Display | 6.1″ | 6.6″ | 6.3″ | 6.9″ |
| Chip | A19 N3P | A19 N3P | A19 Pro, N3P | A19 Pro, N3P |
| DRAM | LPDD5 8GB | LPDD5 8GB | LPDD5 12GB | LPDD5 12GB |
| Front camera | 24MP | 24MP | 24MP | 24MP |
| Rear camera | 48MP Main, 12MP Ultra Wide | 48MP Main | 48MP Main, Telephoto, Ultra Wide | 48MP Main, Telephoto, Ultra Wide |
| Face ID | Structured light | Structured light | Structured light | Structured light, Metalens |
| Casing | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum |
Rumors Regarding iPhone 17 Air Design
A recent supply chain rumor indicated that Apple faced technical challenges concerning the integration of a slimmer battery design for the iPhone 17 Air. While earlier reports suggested the iPhone 17 Air’s battery would be 6mm thick, Pu’s current report suggests that the overall device will measure 6mm thick.
“We concur with the recent discussions regarding an ultra-slim design of the iPhone 17 Slim model with a 6mm thickness,” Pu states. He further comments that he does not expect the iPhone 17 Air to become a “high-volume model” due to the technical compromises required to achieve this ultra-thin design.
The iPhone 6 currently holds the record for being Apple’s slimmest iPhone to date, measuring 6.9mm, while the iPhone 6 Plus was 7.1mm thick. The 11-inch M4 iPad Pro measures just 5.4mm, and the 13-inch iPad Pro is 5.1mm thick.
- iPhone 16: 7.80mm
- iPhone 16 Plus: 7.80mm
- iPhone 16 Pro: 8.25mm
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: 8.25mm
Insights from DMN
It’s wise to take all of this with a healthy dose of skepticism for now. With 10 months remaining before the iPhone 17 announcement, Apple’s plans can and will likely evolve several times before then. I remain doubtful that the iPhone 17 Air will actually be 6mm thick, though I would be delighted to be proved wrong on that front.
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