iPhone 17 Pro Series to Feature Notable Design Changes and Display Upgrades

As reports surface on the upcoming iPhone 17 series, set for release in September, it appears Apple is planning substantial design shifts. The iPhone 17 Pro Max, the top model in the new series, is expected to feature a more refined “Dynamic Island” — Apple’s innovative screen cut-out — potentially offering a smaller footprint on the display.

One of the most significant predicted changes is in the display technology. Inspired by advancements in the Apple Watch Series 10, the iPhone 17 Pro models may adopt an LTPO3 OLED display, mirroring the latest iteration in Apple’s wearables. The shift to this technology could allow enhanced battery efficiency and a smoother visual experience.

The upcoming iPhone line-up could include an intriguing new model, the iPhone 17 Air, with a 6.6-inch display, an unprecedented size for Apple’s smartphones. Reports suggest that this addition might replace the previous “Plus” variant seen in the iPhone 16 series, indicating Apple’s strategy to diversify screen sizes across models.

For the iPhone 17 series, two models may feature the 6.3-inch display currently exclusive to the iPhone 16 Pro, while the Pro Max will continue with a larger 6.9-inch screen. The possible elimination of the iPhone 16 Plus hints at a shift towards more unique model offerings, likely catering to a broader range of preferences.

Notably, the iPhone 17 Pro Max may also adopt a “metalens” for its front camera and Face ID system, reducing the visible area taken up by these features. This metalens, unlike traditional curved lenses, employs microscopic patterns to improve light focus, potentially resulting in a more compact Dynamic Island layout. However, only the Pro Max model is expected to integrate this metalens innovation, leaving the standard iPhone 17 Pro model with a traditional layout.

While the regular iPhone 17 models are likely to maintain their design consistency, the Pro Max’s exclusive features underscore Apple’s focus on giving its high-end devices a distinct identity. With Apple’s history of incorporating new display tech from its wearable line into its smartphones, industry analysts predict that the LTPO3 OLED technology may soon become a core feature in the company’s high-end models.