This article may contain affiliate links. Learn more on our Partner Program page.
Apple will once again introduce a four-model series in 2025 with the iPhone 17. This time, two of the models will feature new display sizes. In addition to the brand-new iPhone 17 Air, the standard model will also get a larger display. This marks the first time in a while that Apple has changed the size ratios in its iPhone lineup, at least for the lower-priced models.
Display size is a deciding factor for many when purchasing a new smartphone. Apple has increased the display area of the iPhone 16 Pro models. Now, this development is being extended to other models. The iPhone 17 adopts the larger display format of the iPhone 16 Pro, while the new iPhone 17 Air introduces a completely new intermediate size. Find out what's changing, what's staying the same, and what new technical details you can expect here.
New sizes for iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air
The iPhone 17 model range continues to consist of four devices: the standard model, the iPhone 17 Air, the iPhone 17 Pro, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Two of these will have new display sizes. The iPhone 17 will grow from 6.12 inches to 6.27 inches. Apple will likely round this up to 6.3 inches, as was the case with previous models. This will make the standard model the same size as the iPhone 16 Pro—without making the leap to becoming a Pro device. The iPhone 17 Air will have a new display size of 6.55 inches, which Apple is expected to market as 6.6 inches. This device replaces the iPhone 16 Plus, which was previously slightly larger at 6.7 inches. This positions the Air as a new intermediate solution: larger than the standard iPhone 17, but more compact than the Pro Max. The other models will remain the same:
- iPhone 17 Pro still has a 6.27-inch display
- iPhone 17 Pro Max remains at 6.86 inches, which Apple rounds up to 6.9 inches
Design: Little new in the standard model
Visually, the iPhone 17 won't change much. According to current reports, the biggest visible changes will be in the Pro models and the Air. Apple is planning a new horizontal camera bar on the back, significantly different from the current design. The iPhone 17 itself, however, will retain the vertical camera arrangement familiar from the iPhone 16. Anyone hoping for a new design will be disappointed with the base model.
Technology: Small but useful upgrades
Despite the familiar design, the iPhone 17 will feature several technical improvements. One of the most important innovations concerns the display. According to rumors, Apple plans to extend the 120Hz ProMotion technology to all models. Until now, the smoother scrolling was reserved for the Pro models. For you, this means better response times and an overall more pleasant user experience – even with the cheaper iPhone 17. The front camera is expected to be upgraded from 12 megapixels to 24 megapixels. This represents a significant improvement in image quality for selfies, video calls, or content creation. The new A19 chip is likely under the hood. This should make the iPhone 17 not only faster but also more energy-efficient. Whether this will translate into longer battery life is still unclear, but the performance gain should be noticeable.
The iPhone 17 series at a glance
- iPhone 17: new 6.27-inch display (Apple rounds up to 6.3 inches), still vertical camera, A19 chip, 24-megapixel front camera, 120Hz ProMotion
- iPhone 17 Air: new 6.55-inch display (likely marketed as 6.6-inch), new camera design, same technical upgrades as the standard model
- iPhone 17 Pro: 6.27 inches like the 16 Pro, new camera design, Pro features
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: 6.86 inches (6.9 inches), also new design and Pro features
iPhone 17: More display, more performance – without the Pro surcharge
The iPhone 17 brings moderate but targeted changes. The new display size makes the standard model more attractive without forcing you to jump straight to the Pro model. The iPhone 17 Air is the most striking new addition and could establish itself as the perfect middle ground. While the design remains largely the same, the technical upgrades—especially 120Hz ProMotion and the better selfie camera—make the iPhone 17 an exciting update. If you're looking for a new iPhone and don't necessarily need the top model, it's worth taking a closer look at the iPhone 17 and the new iPhone 17 Air. Looking for accessories? Our Amazon storefront is your destination for high-quality products, including HomeKit-compatible ones! (Image: Shutterstock / DenPhotos)
- iPhone 17 is coming: These 8 features make the upgrade hot
- Apple 2026: Three major product upgrades are coming
- Apple goes all out: Will the iPhone Ultra become a reality?
- iPhone 17 Camera: What's changing for all models
