iPhone 17 standard

Apple may introduce a new screen size for the standard iPhone 17 model in 2025. The iPhone 17 is said to have a 6.3-inch display, larger than the 6.1-inch display on current models, and similar in size to the current iPhone 16 Pro.

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In 2024, Apple increased the screen size on the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max lines compared to the iPhone 15 Pro. Photo: Macrumors

At 6.3 inches, it would sit between the iPhone 15 (6.1 inches) and iPhone 15 Plus (6.7 inches). However, next year, there will likely be only one non-Pro iPhone model left in Apple's lineup.

iPhone 17 Air replaces iPhone 17 Plus

According to rumors, Apple is expected to phase out the iPhone Plus model in 2025 due to poor sales and replace it with a thinner version of the iPhone 17, possibly called the iPhone 17 Air.

While the iPhone 16 Plus has a 6.7-inch display, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to fall between the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max in size.

Sources mention screen sizes like 6.55 inches, 6.6 inches, and 6.65 inches, which is smaller than the iPhone 17 Pro Max but larger than the iPhone 17 Pro.

iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max

Apple is not currently expected to change the sizes of the Pro models next year, as their sizes have already been adjusted in the iPhone 16 lineup. This means the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will measure around 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, respectively.

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The iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to be a turning point for Apple's flagship line. Photo: Macrumors

However, according to sources from The Information, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will have "significant" design changes that go beyond screen size.

These changes include: Using an aluminum frame instead of titanium; a half-aluminum, half-glass back instead of all-glass; a rectangular camera cluster...

New screen technology

120Hz ProMotion across the lineup

Apple plans to expand ProMotion technology to all iPhone models by 2025, allowing all devices to reach a refresh rate of 120Hz, providing a smooth scrolling experience and optimized for watching videos. Previously, this feature was only available on the iPhone Pro models.

In particular, ProMotion will allow the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air screens to reduce the energy-saving refresh rate to only 1Hz, supporting Always-On Display mode. Thanks to that, the lock screen can display the clock, widgets, notifications and wallpapers even when the device is locked.

More energy efficient display

A recent unconfirmed rumor suggests that the iPhone 17 Pro models will adopt a new display technology called Low-Dielectric TEE, which can reduce signal interference and power loss, thereby improving energy efficiency and extending battery life.

Anti-reflective, scratch-resistant screen

The iPhone 17 is said to feature an anti-reflective display that is more durable than the current Ceramic Shield on the iPhone 15. The iPhone 17's outer glass is rumored to feature an "ultra-hard, anti-reflective" coating.

While it's unclear whether Apple will adopt Gorilla Glass Armor technology like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, the descriptions are consistent with Corning's latest technology.

However, it should be noted that the current iPhone 16 Pro already has the latest generation Ceramic Shield, which Apple claims is twice as durable as any other smartphone.

Smaller Dynamic Island

The iPhone 17 Pro Max will have a significantly smaller Dynamic Island, thanks to the adoption of smaller metalens for the Face ID system, according to expert Jeff Pu.

Metalens technology allows Apple to reduce the size of the Face ID system without reducing usability, while expanding the display space on the screen.

iPhone size through generations

Original iPhone to iPhone 4S (2007-2011): 3.5-inch screen. This was the standard size at the time.
iPhone 5 to iPhone 5S/SE (2012-2016): Screen increased to 4 inches, in line with the growing trend.
iPhone 6 and 6 Plus (2014): 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch screens, launched the "phablet" segment.
iPhone X (2017): Switch to a bezel-less screen, 5.8 inches in size.
iPhone XR (2018): 6.1-inch display.
iPhone XS Max (2018): 6.5-inch screen, the largest at the time.
iPhone 12 Pro Max (2020): 6.7-inch screen, continues to lead in size.
iPhone 12 Mini & iPhone 13 Mini (2020-2021): 5.4-inch screen, compact design but poor sales.
iPhone 15 Pro to iPhone 16 Pro (2023-2024): 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch screens, thinner bezels.

Watch the super thin iPhone 17 concept video (Source: Multi Tech Media):