Apple fans may want to circle September on the calendar again this year as leaks and rumors build around the iPhone 17 lineup and a potential foldable model that could reshape what to expect from Apple this decade.
Expected models and a possible new identity
The lineup is widely expected to include the standard iPhone 17, the iPhone 17 Pro, the iPhone 17 Pro Max, and a new iPhone 17 Air. The Air is shaping up as a potential replacement for the traditional Plus line, offering a distinct identity rather than simply being a larger base model. Early chatter suggests the Air could sit in the midrange with a very slim profile.
Display and chipset rumors point to meaningful upgrades
Rumors hint at 120Hz displays for both the iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Air, a notable shift that would bring high-refresh-rate performance to more affordable devices. On the silicon side, the base models are expected to use an A19 chip, with the Pro and Pro Max leveraging an A19 Pro. There are whispers that the Air may use a slightly downgraded version of the A19 Pro rather than a standard A19, a choice that could offer extra performance over the base model while staying cost-conscious.
Camera expectations: brighter selfies and bigger sensors
Camera rumors suggest a notable upgrade to the selfie camera across the lineup, with 24MP front-facing sensors up from 12MP in prior generations. On the rear, the Pro models are rumored to feature a triple-lens setup with 48MP sensors, a significant leap from last year. The Air is expected to come with a single rear camera, echoing earlier compact models, which would mean no ultra-wide or telephoto options on that variant.
Color options and design cues
Leakers have shown potential color options, including a new orange for the Pro models, alongside standard black, white, and blue tones. The base iPhone 17 and the Air are rumored to have a somewhat more restrained palette, with black, white, and additional lighter hues. The overall direction suggests Apple leaning into more statement colors for the higher-end models.
A foldable iPhone on the horizon for 2026
Surprisingly, rumors still point to a foldable iPhone in the pipeline, but likely not for release until 2026. Market chatter describes a device that could fold into a compact iPad-like form, potentially featuring four cameras, Touch ID, and a SIM-less design. If true, this would mark a long-awaited pivot toward a more versatile form factor, but early 2026 would still be the target for the foldable’s debut.
Apple software and timing: iOS 26 and beyond
On the software front, iOS 26 is expected to debut alongside the new iPhones. The naming shift to a year-based convention continues, with iOS 26 bringing a design refresh dubbed Liquid Glass, a refined Photos app, and broader Apple Intelligence features, including Live Translation and a smarter Siri. The beta has progressed through several iterations, with broad expectations that the final rollout will align with the September device unveiling.
Other devices and potential surprises
Beyond iPhones, Apple is anticipated to refresh the AirPods Pro and the Apple Watch this fall. There are also rumors of new HomePod and Apple TV hardware in 2025, while Apple Intelligence features will likely receive prominent emphasis at the event.
What to watch for and why it matters
– The move to 120Hz on base and Air models would democratize high-refresh-rate displays, improving scrolling and gaming experiences on more affordable devices.
– The potential shift to a two-chip strategy (A19 for base, A19 Pro for Pro variants) could influence performance and battery life across the lineup.
– A 24MP selfie camera on all models would raise front-camera quality across selfies and video calls, aligning more closely with midrange Android devices that have offered higher-res selfies for some time.
– If the Air truly carries a downgraded Pro processor with a lighter feature set, buyers may weigh the trade-offs between cost and performance more carefully.
– The foldable iPhone remains a long-term bet that could redefine the product line if it meets expectations for durability, weight, and battery life in 2026.
A hopeful takeaway
Apple appears poised to push meaningful, accessible improvements across the iPhone 17 lineup—especially in display quality and camera capabilities—while keeping a future-facing eye on new form factors with a foldable device on the horizon. If these rumors hold, consumers could get significantly better core experiences (faster, smoother, more capable cameras) without jumping to the top-tier price, alongside a strong software refresh that amplifies AI features and overall usability.
Summary
As September approaches, the iPhone 17 family is shaping up to offer a standard model, Pro variants, and a new Air variant, with 120Hz displays, potential camera upgrades, and a broader color palette. A foldable iPhone is reportedly planned for 2026, while iOS 26 is expected to introduce a refreshed design and smarter AI features. Apple Watch, AirPods Pro updates, and other device surprises could accompany the launch, underscoring a broader push into a more integrated Apple ecosystem.
If you’d like, I can tailor this into a concise news brief for a homepage slot, or expand sections with reader-friendly Q&A style explanations (what 120Hz means, how to compare A19 vs A19 Pro, etc.).