iPhone 17: 3 credible rumors that may convince you to skip iPhone 16

Yes, iPhone 17 rumors are already flooding in.
 By 
Kimberly Gedeon
 on 
iPhone 17 render
The iPhone 17 is reportedly gearing up the biggest update in recent years. Credit: Mashable composite; Shutterstock / Black Salmon

iPhone 17 rumors are already trickling in — and its predecessor, the iPhone 16, hasn't even dropped yet.

The next-generation iPhone is expected to have thinner bezels, a new capture button for photos and videos, and better battery life, but the iPhone 17 series may be a tinge more exciting for Apple enthusiasts.

From reports of a new ultra-slim iPhone to whispers of a significant camera redesign, the iPhone 17 may be "the biggest update in years," as MacRumors claims. Here's why you may want to skip the iPhone 16 in favor of the iPhone 17.


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1. A new sleek, slim model

Multiple reports claim that Apple is working on a "slim" iPhone 17 variant. In an investor note spotted by 9to5Mac, Jeff Pu, a respected Apple analyst, claims that the Cupertino-based tech giant will replace the "Plus" model with a new "Slim" device.

iPhone 17 render
Credit: Mashable composite; Shutterstock / Black Salmon

In other words, instead of iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Plus, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, expect the following lineup:

  • iPhone 17

  • iPhone 17 Slim

  • iPhone 17 Pro

  • iPhone 17 Pro Max

Ross Young and The Information have released similar reports, claiming that the Plus model is getting ditched in favor of a new "slim" variant.

2. Newer, better selfie camera

According to Ming-Chi Kuo, another respected Apple analyst, the iPhone 17 will feature a 24-megapixel selfie camera. Keep in mind that the megapixel count for the iPhone series hasn't changed since the iPhone 11.

iPhone 17 render
Credit: Mashable composite; Shutterstock / SkyArtist01, Champiofoto

Sure, there have been some tweaks and changes over the years, like upgrades to the aperture and image processing, for example. But a 12MP selfie camera has been on the iPhone series' spec sheet since Apple introduced it in 2019.

That's not necessarily a bad thing, though. As someone who has reviewed iPhones since the debut of the iPhone 12, the 12MP selfie camera has always been sufficient enough for me. In fact, I'll even venture to say it's too good, as it picks up on all my flaws and imperfections.

However, for anyone who disagrees with me, you'll be relieved to know that the iPhone 17 is getting a big upgrade to a 24MP selfie camera.

It's unclear whether the new 24MP selfie camera will be featured across the entire lineup or limited to a few models.

3. Relocated camera

If you're tired of the iPhone's camera array being located on the top-left corner, you may appreciate a new rumor that suggests the iPhone 17 Slim will have its shooter relocated to the top center, according to The Information.

iPhone 15 Pro series
Unlike the rumored iPhone 17 Slim, the iPhone 15 series has its cameras on the top-left corner. Credit: Mashable / Stan Schroeder

We're also hearing whispers that the iPhone 17 Slim will have just one rear camera (i.e., a solo wide lens).

If you're a sucker for visual symmetry, Apple moving the wide camera to the top center may be appealing for you.

There is also scuttlebutt that Apple will shave a little bit off the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 17, thanks to a reported new under-display Face ID technology. So if you're not a fan of the ovular, interactive area at the top of your iPhone screen, and you feel it's a little too obstructive, the iPhone 17 may be worth the wait.

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Kimberly Gedeon
East Coast Tech Editor

Kimberly Gedeon, at Mashable since 2023, is a tech explorer who enjoys doing deep dives into the most popular gadgets, from the latest iPhones to the most immersive VR headsets. She's drawn to strange, avant-garde, bizarre tech, whether it's a 3D laptop, a gaming rig that can transform into a briefcase, or smart glasses that can capture video. Her journalism career kicked off about a decade ago at MadameNoire where she covered tech and business before landing as a tech editor at Laptop Mag in 2020.

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