What's Apple up to with the iPhone 17? Rumors, predictions, and some hidden clues
Year after year, Apple's launches set the tone in the smartphone world. And while the official announcement of the iPhone 17 is still a long way off, leaks, patent analyses, and some strategic statements are already painting an intriguing picture. As a writer who has been following Apple closely for over a decade—between events, betas, prototypes, and well-founded rumors—I can tell you one thing: this model promises bigger changes than many imagine .
In this article, we're not only going to review the most solid rumors about the iPhone 17, but I'll also tell you some interesting details you probably didn't know , exploring its design, performance, artificial intelligence, cameras, sustainability, and its potential impact on markets like Chile. Spoiler alert: what Apple is planning goes beyond the typical "faster, prettier, more expensive" hype.
Design: The Return of Something New?
A (finally) significant redesign
According to analysts like Mark Gurman and reliable leakers like @MajinBuOfficial, the iPhone 17 would mark the biggest aesthetic redesign since the iPhone X. This is no small feat, considering that Apple has maintained a fairly conservative visual line since the iPhone 12.
Among the most notable rumors:
-
Slimmer chassis , thanks to new internal component stacking technology.
-
Almost completely “borderless” screen , with the Dynamic Island fully integrated into the panel.
-
New frame material , possibly titanium across the entire line, not just the Pro versions.
Final goodbye to the notch?
Although the notch had already been left behind in the most recent models, the iPhone 17 could even eliminate the visible Dynamic Island , hiding Face ID and the front camera under the screen, with technology similar to that seen in some Samsung and Oppo prototypes.
Will it work just as well? That's the big question. Apple typically waits to perfect a technology before implementing it, so this could be the year the "all-screen" becomes a reality.
Performance and artificial intelligence: the smartest iPhone?
With the AI race accelerating, Apple doesn't want to be left behind. And according to internal sources, the iPhone 17 could integrate the first chip dedicated exclusively to artificial intelligence tasks on the device . This would entail:
-
Local processing of AI models (such as those in Siri, Apple Photos, or third-party apps) without the need for a permanent connection to the cloud.
-
More natural contextual interactions , such as smart suggestions for text editing, navigation, or productivity.
-
Predictive automation , in the style of the Pixel with its "At a Glance", but powered by a more closed ecosystem.
What chip would it include?
There's talk of the A19 Bionic (or the improved A18 Pro), built on 2nm by TSMC. This would make it not only the most efficient, but also the smallest and most powerful mobile chip ever created.
Fun fact: Early internal Apple tests reportedly show a 30% improvement in graphics performance and a 40% improvement in machine learning tasks compared to the current A17 Pro.
Camera: Beyond Megapixels
Apple doesn't typically get into numbers wars with other manufacturers, but the iPhone 17 's camera appears to be coming with some major changes to how it captures images , not just how many pixels it has.
Expected improvements include:
-
New improved 48MP main sensor , with larger aperture to capture more light.
-
Updated ultra-wide-angle lens , one of the most criticized in previous models.
-
Up to 6x optical zoom on the Pro Max model , thanks to a more compact periscopic system.
Additionally, Apple would be betting on computational photography in real-time video , something we already saw in small doses with the iPhone 15 Pro, but that could be taken to the next level with the iPhone 17.
Sustainability and repairability: Apple adapts to the new world
One of the most celebrated news in recent years was that Apple began opening its devices to repairs by users and independent technicians , and the iPhone 17 could be a new milestone in this path.
It is expected that:
-
The device includes modular components , especially in the battery and camera.
-
Third-generation recycled aluminum is used, with less environmental impact.
-
Boxes are further reduced, continuing the policy of shipping without a shipper.
And in Chile ? These improvements can reduce long-term maintenance costs, something highly valued in markets like Chile, where replacing a damaged iPhone can be very expensive.
7 things you (maybe) didn't know about the iPhone 17
-
It could integrate a touch system into the frame for side gestures (such as increasing the volume or switching apps).
-
There is talk of an “Ultra” version with a ceramic body , lighter and more resistant.
-
Apple is reportedly testing matte colors in more sober tones , such as graphite blue or military green.
-
Siri is reportedly getting a major update , taking advantage of new AI to interpret complex commands.
-
The battery would have a new inverted L-shaped design , optimizing internal space.
-
The base model could start at 256GB , leaving 128GB behind.
-
Satellite connectivity would be more advanced , allowing not only emergencies, but also basic messaging without a network.
What to expect from the iPhone 17?
The iPhone 17 won't just be "another model." If the rumors are true, we're looking at a complete redesign, with significant advancements in artificial intelligence, cameras, and sustainability . An iPhone designed not just to look good or run fast, but to adapt to a future where artificial intelligence, the environment, and user autonomy are more relevant than ever.
Is it worth waiting for the iPhone 17? If you're using an older iPhone 13 model, probably yes. If you have an iPhone 15, the upgrade may not be as urgent, unless you're particularly interested in the AI or photography improvements.
And you, what do you expect from the next iPhone?
Are you excited about the iPhone 17 rumors? Which of these features are you most excited to see?
Leave your comments below and join the conversation.
And if you're passionate about the Apple world, don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter , where we share reliable leaks, launches, and comparisons exclusively for the Chilean public.