10/21 2024 507
Currently, next year's iPhone lineup is expected to welcome multiple new devices.
Apart from the highly anticipated iPhone SE 4, likely to be released in spring 2025, the most eagerly awaited is undoubtedly the new flagship iPhone.
Assuming no unforeseen circumstances, Apple is set to launch the iPhone 17 series in autumn next year.
It has only been around a month since the iPhone 16 series was released, yet rumors about the iPhone 17 series are already abounding.
Despite the recent launch of the iPhone 16 series, Apple's advanced R&D capabilities mean that the iPhone 17 series is already well-planned.
According to reliable sources, Apple plans to introduce a redesigned, significantly thinner iPhone 17 next year. The naming of this new device has yet to be confirmed, but foreign media have tentatively labeled it as the iPhone 17 Air.
Firstly, the latest analyst reports indicate significant changes for the iPhone 17 Pro series.
Although the dimensions remain at 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, the Face ID components of the iPhone 17 Pro Max will feature smaller lenses, resulting in a narrower Dynamic Island.
This marks the first visual change since the introduction of the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 14 Pro series.
Another noteworthy mention is that, according to industry insiders, the iPhone 17 series will be equipped with 12GB of RAM for the first time, indicating that Apple has finally caught up with Android flagship devices.
Currently, most domestic phones priced above 2000 yuan come standard with 12GB of RAM, while top-end flagships even boast 24GB. In contrast, the iPhone 16 series is still stuck in the 8GB era.
The upgraded 12GB RAM in the upcoming iPhone 17 series will provide enhanced on-device AI support.
Currently, mobile AI exists in two forms: cloud-based and on-device. Cloud-based AI processes data in the cloud, offering greater model versatility. On the other hand, on-device AI runs directly on the device, providing faster response times but requiring more RAM.
It's worth noting that not all iPhone 17 models will come standard with 12GB of RAM. Only the Pro Max version will enjoy this feature, and the iPhone 17 series will miss out on TSMC's 2nm process technology, which will debut in the iPhone 18 series.
Furthermore, the iPhone 17 product line will undergo significant adjustments. According to analysts, the iPhone 17 series will comprise four models: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Slim, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, with no Plus version.
As a replacement for the Plus model, the iPhone 17 Slim is expected to be priced similarly to the iPhone 16 Plus, starting at 6999 yuan in China. With its innovative design, the iPhone 17 Slim is poised to revitalize sales and become a pillar of Apple's sales next year.
In terms of specifications, both models in the iPhone 17 Pro series will feature a 48MP telephoto lens and a 24MP front camera, an upgrade from the current 12MP setup in the iPhone 16 Pro series.
This marks Apple's achievement of unifying all three camera lenses to 48MP resolution.
Regarding the rear camera of the iPhone 17 Slim, opinions differ. Some believe it will sport a 48MP single-lens camera, while others suggest it will match the 48MP dual-lens setup of the iPhone 16 Plus. Considering this is a mainstream product rather than an SE series device, it is likely to feature at least a dual-lens, if not a triple-lens, camera setup.
Performance-wise, both devices will be powered by the A19 Pro chip, manufactured using TSMC's 3nm process, promising improved energy efficiency and potentially better heat dissipation.
Additionally, the iPhone 17 Pro series will be the first to feature Apple's in-house Wi-Fi 7 chip, with plans to extend this technology to the entire iPhone 18 series in 2026.
Incidentally, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously predicted that, in addition to the in-house Wi-Fi chip, next year's iPhone 17 Air and iPhone SE 4 may also sport Apple's proprietary 5G chip. If this prediction comes true, signal issues may finally be addressed.
Judging by the above rumors, the iPhone 17 series appears poised for significant changes, particularly with the introduction of the all-new Air model, which aims to revive the struggling Plus lineup with its innovative design.
Of course, if you're in the market for an iPhone now, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max remain highly attractive options.
So, are you planning to upgrade this year or hold out for another year?
In conclusion, the leaked information about the iPhone 17 offers a glimpse into Apple's plans and directions for future smartphone products. If Apple can successfully implement these upgrades and innovate, the iPhone 17 has the potential to become a highly popular device. However, if Apple continues with incremental upgrades, its sales prospects in a competitive market may be dim. Apple must listen closely to consumer feedback, invest heavily in R&D, and drive innovation to deliver exceptional product experiences.
If you have any thoughts on Apple's latest iPhone 17 leaks, feel free to share them in the comments below and join the discussion with Mingmei Infinite!