Parbhani, Maharashtra (August 28, 2025) — Apple is gearing up to unveil the highly anticipated iPhone 17 series on September 9, and expectations are running high. While the iPhone 17 may resemble the current-generation iPhone 16 in terms of design, several under-the-hood upgrades are rumored to set it apart. From performance improvements to a new iOS experience, here’s a detailed look at how the iPhone 17 may compare to the iPhone 16.
Design and Display
The iPhone 17 base model is expected to retain a familiar look but with subtle enhancements. Reports suggest the screen size will increase from 6.1 inches on the iPhone 16 to 6.3 inches on the new model. For the first time, a non-Pro iPhone may feature ProMotion technology with a 120Hz OLED refresh rate, significantly improving smoothness and responsiveness.
Apple is also rumored to use Samsung’s M14 OLED panel, designed to deliver higher brightness, lower power consumption, and extended display longevity. There are also whispers about an Always-On Display for the base model, although this remains speculative.
Performance Boost with A19 Chipset
At the heart of the iPhone 17 is the expected Apple A19 chipset, reportedly built on TSMC’s 3nm process instead of the initially rumored 2nm. Despite this, the chip is anticipated to deliver notable gains in both performance and energy efficiency, particularly in AI-driven tasks.
The iPhone 17 may also ship with 12GB of RAM, a significant jump over previous generations, although Apple has yet to confirm this detail.
iOS 26 and Liquid Glass Interface
A major software change arrives with the iPhone 17 in the form of iOS 26, featuring Apple’s new Liquid Glass design language. Introduced at WWDC earlier this year, Liquid Glass brings a translucent aesthetic to buttons, menus, and text across the system.
While the fresh look has drawn mixed reactions from users, Apple has provided an option to disable transparency effects. iOS 26 also revamps the Camera app and introduces features such as Call Screening and Live Translate, enhancing both functionality and usability.
Camera Upgrades
The rear camera system on the iPhone 17 will likely mirror that of the iPhone 16, retaining the 48MP primary sensor and 12MP ultrawide lens. However, thanks to the upgraded chipset, users can expect improved image signal processing, leading to better low-light performance and overall photo quality.
The front-facing camera is where a major leap may happen, with rumors pointing to a 24MP selfie camera—a big step up from the iPhone 16’s 12MP shooter.
Battery and Charging Enhancements
Battery life is another area where the iPhone 17 could outshine its predecessor. The device is rumored to include a larger battery and, for the first time, support reverse wireless charging. This would allow users to charge accessories like AirPods or the Apple Watch directly from the iPhone itself, offering greater convenience.
Final Thoughts
While the iPhone 17 and iPhone 16 may appear similar on the surface, the upcoming model is shaping up to be a substantial upgrade. With a larger display, ProMotion technology, a faster A19 chip, iOS 26’s Liquid Glass interface, improved cameras, and enhanced charging capabilities, Apple is setting the stage for one of its most feature-packed base iPhones yet.
The official unveiling on September 9 will confirm how many of these rumored upgrades make it to the final product.
