The highly anticipated "iPhone 17 Press Conference" has already captivated tech enthusiasts for two months now.

Judging from the latest leaks, it seems that this generation of iPhones will usher in significant changes, with notable shifts in both product strategy and design specifications compared to its predecessors.

According to the latest rumors, the camera module of the iPhone 17 series has transformed into a horizontal racetrack design, a trend that will likely be embraced by numerous Android devices next year.

Some netizens commented, "Fashion truly is cyclical; this reminds me of the Meizu 17."

Public records indicate that the Samsung Galaxy S10 series (2019), the Meizu 17 (2020), and the current Google Pixel 9 series all feature a horizontal camera module design.

Notably, in late November, foreign media outlets reported that the Apple iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max would undergo "significant design changes."

Firstly, these two flagship models will be the first high-end iPhones in the Pro series to adopt an aluminum metal frame since Apple differentiated its lineup into Pro and non-Pro models. Previously, only entry-level models like the iPhone SE and iPhone 16 utilized aluminum frames, while high-end iPhones employed stainless steel frames (titanium bodies were introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro).

Reports suggest that the backs of the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro Max will also introduce a novel half-aluminum, half-glass design. The upper half will be crafted from aluminum, featuring a "rectangular aluminum camera bump instead of traditional 3D glass," while the lower half will maintain glass for wireless charging compatibility. Naturally, the camera bump on the iPhone 17 Pro will be notably larger than previous models.

Apart from the substantial design adjustments, the iPhone 17 series has also undergone product line changes. Apple has discontinued the Plus model and introduced an Air version, forming a four-product lineup comprising the standard version, Air, Pro, and Pro Max.

Judging from the leaked parameters and design sketches, the iPhone 17 Air adopts an innovative design concept. The phone boasts a 6.6-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate and retains Apple's signature Dynamic Island design. Its most striking feature is its ultra-slim profile, making it one of the thinnest and lightest iPhones Apple has ever produced.

The iPhone 17 Air utilizes new scratch-resistant and anti-reflective display technology, enhancing readability in sunlight and reducing glare for eye protection. Crafted from titanium metal, the body offers exceptional durability. In terms of hardware, the iPhone 17 Air will be equipped with Apple's self-designed A19 chip, 8GB of RAM, and potentially Apple's proprietary 5G modem. For photography, it features a single 24MP camera.

However, in pursuit of ultimate thinness and lightness, the iPhone 17 Air has made certain compromises. According to foreign media, to achieve its sleek design, the iPhone 17 Air might forgo a physical SIM card slot in favor of an eSIM. Additionally, it may only feature one rear camera and one speaker to minimize thickness.

Furthermore, in terms of technical specifications, the iPhone 17 Air is anticipated to be equipped with Apple's proprietary 5G modem chip. Compared to Qualcomm's 5G modem, this chip occupies less space, conserving internal room and allowing for a larger battery.

However, Apple's proprietary 5G modem only supports four-carrier aggregation and lacks millimeter-wave technology, relying primarily on the more ubiquitous Sub-6 technology. Compared to Qualcomm's current modem used by Apple, Apple's 5G modem still lags significantly in performance.

Additionally, recent insider leaks have revealed that the Apple iPhone 17 series will be the first to feature 12GB of RAM, a move that has garnered industry attention. This marks Apple's catch-up with Android flagships in memory configuration.

Currently, most domestic models priced above 2,000 yuan on the market come standard with 12GB of RAM, with top-tier flagships offering up to 24GB. In contrast, the iPhone 16 series remains stuck in the 8GB RAM era, somewhat limiting its performance in high-demand applications.

Next year's iPhone 17 series, upgraded to 12GB of RAM, will offer smoother multitasking and enhanced on-device AI support. In the realm of mobile AI technology, AI can be divided into cloud-based and local processing methods. Cloud-based AI necessitates data transmission to the cloud for processing, offering versatility. Conversely, local AI processes directly on the device, providing faster response times but demanding higher memory capacity.

However, not all iPhone 17 models will come standard with 12GB of RAM; only the Pro Max version is expected to benefit from this upgrade. Moreover, the iPhone 17 series will not adopt TSMC's 2nm process technology, which is anticipated for the iPhone 18 series.

Certainly, the iPhone 17 Pro will also introduce vibrant color options. According to leaks, Apple might introduce brighter hues such as cyan, green, or dark green for this new device.

Incidentally, information about the iPhone 18 has also leaked. Scheduled for release in 2026, this phone will adopt a new chip packaging method that tightly integrates complex systems like CPUs, GPUs, and DRAMs into a single package. This technology will further enhance the iPhone's performance and stability.

In terms of display, the iPhone 17 series will also witness a significant upgrade. Leaks indicate that all models will be equipped with high refresh rate screens supplied by Samsung and LG, featuring LTPO technology. This technology not only reduces power consumption and extends battery life but also provides a smoother user experience.

Regarding imaging, the iPhone 17 series will also achieve a major breakthrough. Following the upgrade of the main and ultra-wide-angle lenses to 48MP, the periscope telephoto lens is also slated for a 48MP upgrade next year.

Currently, the supply chain is adjusting production lines for the iPhone 17 series camera modules, according to foreign media reports.

Based on current information, the 5x periscope telephoto lens remains exclusive to the Pro series, while the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air will not feature an ultra-telephoto lens.

There are even rumors claiming that the iPhone 17 Air will only be equipped with a single 48MP main camera lens to minimize thickness.

This device will be Apple's thinnest iPhone ever, with a thickness of approximately 6mm, necessitating numerous compromises.

In conclusion, based on the above leaks, the core upgrades of the iPhone 17 generation are concentrated in the high-end Pro models, featuring enhanced imaging, performance, larger memory, and a dramatically redesigned appearance.

Although the standard version has not undergone major upgrades, it finally includes the much-anticipated ProMotion technology, coupled with a lower price, which could lead to a sales surge.

Intriguingly, the new iPhone 17 Air model, with lower specifications than the standard version and only one rear camera, is expected to have a higher price than the Pro Max, positioning it as a luxury device!

Well, next year's iPhone 17 series will usher in unprecedented changes, not only in style but also by boldly discontinuing existing series and introducing a new product line, Air, which could signify a significant transformation within Apple.

So, if you have any thoughts on Apple's latest iPhone 17 revelations, feel free to leave a comment below and join the discussion with Mingmei Wuxian!