No 5x Zoom for iPhone 17, Major Upgrades Expected for iPhone 18

A recent leak from South Korea’s The Elec has revealed some key insights into the upcoming iPhone 17 and iPhone 18, providing details on expected camera, display, and chip upgrades for Apple’s next two iPhone models.

Starting with the iPhone 17, which is set for release in September 2025, there will be no periscope lens upgrade for the standard iPhone 17 or the iPhone 17 Air (or iPhone 17 Slim). This means the long-rumored 5x optical zoom—expected to be a feature for the Pro and Pro Max models—will not be available for the lower-tier iPhone 17 models. It appears that while the camera module production for the iPhone 17 Pro is ramping up, the focus remains on maintaining the current dual-lens setup from the iPhone 16 series, which includes a 48MP main camera and a 12MP ultrawide camera, without optical zoom.

On the display front, rumors suggest that the iPhone 18, slated for release in September 2026, will receive an upgrade to LTPO+ display technology. LTPO (low-temperature polycrystalline oxide) displays allow for dynamic refresh rates and always-on features while optimizing battery life. While specifics about the “plus” variant are still unclear, it is expected to bring improvements in performance and efficiency, further reducing battery demands.

In terms of processing power, the iPhone 17 will likely feature an A19 chip with modest improvements, but the iPhone 18 could see a significant leap forward with the A20 chip. Industry insiders suggest that Apple may turn to Intel for the production of the A20 chip, moving away from its long-standing partnership with TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company). If true, this shift could make the iPhone 18 a more compelling upgrade, offering enhanced performance compared to the iPhone 17.

With both the iPhone 17 and iPhone 18 shaping up to deliver noteworthy changes, those considering an upgrade may want to hold off until the latter model hits shelves.