1. 120Hz Always-on displays
Apple’s upcoming iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are expected to retain the 60Hz display refresh rate, continuing the trend seen since the iPhone 6. This means that, unlike the Pro models, these standard versions will miss out on the smoother 120Hz ProMotion technology and the Always-on display feature.
Since the iPhone 13 Pro, Apple has equipped Pro models with Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide (LTPO) technology, enabling higher refresh rates and more advanced features. The iPhone 14 Pro models (currently on sale at BestBuy) further expanded these capabilities, but these enhancements have not been extended to the non-Pro versions.
Looking forward, the iPhone 17 series is rumored to finally integrate ProMotion technology across all models. This anticipated shift will reportedly include OLED displays with LTPO technology, allowing adaptive refresh rates from a minimal 1Hz for the Always-on display to a smooth 120Hz for dynamic interactions.
For those who prioritize display performance and features, waiting for the iPhone 17 series might be a better choice than opting for the iPhone 16 or 16 Plus. The anticipated upgrade promises a significant improvement in display technology and functionality across the entire range.
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2. iPhone 17 Slim
The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are set to have larger displays, with the Pro increasing from 6.12 inches to 6.27 inches and the Pro Max expanding to 6.86 inches. The iPhone 17 series will likely continue this trend with the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Plus also featuring 6.27-inch and 6.86-inch screens, respectively, adopting a taller 19:6:9 aspect ratio across the entire lineup, catering to users who favor larger devices.
Design-wise, the iPhone 16 is expected to see only minor updates.Those expecting a major redesign may find the iPhone 16 less impressive. Recent rumors suggest that Apple is developing an iPhone 17 Slim to replace the Plus model. This new variant is expected to feature a 6.6-inch display, a slimmer profile, and advanced specs including an A18 or A19 chip, 8GB of RAM, a 24-megapixel front camera, and a 48-megapixel telephoto camera. The iPhone 17 Slim is also rumored to have an aluminum chassis, differing from the titanium used in Pro models.
3. Edge-to-edge display
The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are expected to feature an edge-to-edge display with no notches, thanks to Under-Display Face ID technology. Although this was initially rumored for the iPhone 16 Pro models, it has been delayed to 2025.
The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models are expected to be the first iPhones to incorporate Face ID components beneath the display, allowing for a sleek, uninterrupted screen experience. The only visible element for Face ID will be a circular cutout for the front camera. This feature is likely to be a major draw for those considering whether to wait for the iPhone 17 Pro rather than opting for the iPhone 16 Pro models this year.
4. 24 MP selfie camera
The iPhone 17 series is expected to feature a significant upgrade with a 24MP front-facing camera across all iPhone 17 models, replacing the current 12MP sensor. This higher resolution will allow for greater detail and clarity, ensuring that photos remain sharp and vibrant even when cropped or zoomed in. Users can expect improved flexibility in post-processing, with finer details captured more accurately.
Moreover, the introduction of a six-element lens is expected to further enhance image quality. This advanced lens design aims to minimize aberrations and distortions, resulting in clearer and more precise photos. The additional lens elements also improve light transmission to the sensor, which should enhance performance in low-light conditions.
For those considering an upgrade, these advancements make the iPhone 17 a more compelling choice compared to the iPhone 16.
5. iPhone Ultra
The iPhone Ultra is expected to make its debut with the iPhone 17 series in 2025. While the iPhone Pro Max has been Apple's top-tier model since the iPhone 11 series, the iPhone Ultra is set to surpass it as the ultimate flagship device.
Despite earlier rumors that the iPhone Ultra would launch with the iPhone 15 or iPhone 16 series, it did not materialize in those lineups. Early iOS 18 code references only include the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max, with no mention of an Ultra variant.
The iPhone 17 Ultra is expected to bring significant upgrades, including a faster processor, a larger display, advanced camera improvements, and potentially a port-less design, eliminating both Lightning and USB-C ports.
If you’re considering the iPhone 16 Pro Max as Apple’s flagship, it might be worth waiting for the iPhone 17 Ultra instead.