iPhone 17 event countdown live — last-minute rumors, specs, release date and more

iPhone 17 Pro Max tipped to get an upgraded telephoto camera?

iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra: Zoom - YouTube

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One rumor suggests that the iPhone 17 Pro Max is getting an upgraded 48MP telephoto camera, which would be a jump from the 12MP one currently in use with the iPhone 16 Pro Max. While that should be a nice upgrade, the confusion surrounds what optical zoom lens it's going to get, which could have a big impact.

There's one report that suggests it's only getting a 3.5x optical zoom, which on paper sounds terrible compared to the 5x one it currently offers. However, the upgraded sensor should be able to negate any 'downgrades' of sorts with this switch. Another more promising rumor suggests the iPhone 17 Pro Max is getting 8x optical zoom.

Whichever way Apple ends up going, it's going to need to beat the Galaxy S25 Ultra, as Samsung's flagship outperformed it in our 100 video shootout.

iPhone 17 needs to desperately steal this Pixel 10 feature

Apple's been working hard at finalizing its iOS 26 software, which is tipped for final release when the new iPhone 17 models are launched. However, the iPhone 17 could be in serious jeopardy if it doesn't have a similar feature to the Pixel 10's hidden desktop mode.

We've been able to check this out for our Pixel 10 review, which is also available with the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL. Essentially, this Android 16 desktop mode gives users that PC-like interface when the phone's connected to an external monitor. There's increased multitasking and productivity due to this.

There have been whispers about Apple working on its own desktop mode for iPhone, but it can't afford to delay a feature like this any longer. While it would require extra processing power, it could be one distinguishing feature for the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max if Apple were to make it exclusive to them. Either way, the iPhone 17 lineup is in risk of falling behind Google.

iPhone 17 Pro Max vapor chamber leak shows how big it could be

There have been several rumors already about Apple giving the iPhone 17 Pro Max a vapor chamber, but the latest leak shows us just how big it could be. According to the tipster, iOS developer @LusiRoy8 on X, the diagram shows a pretty sizable vapor chamber for the upcoming phone.

The large vapor chamber could effectively allow the iPhone 17 Pro Max to remain cooler for a long loner, which would inevitably allow it to perform at its best while reducing heat build up that normally occurs. Vapor chambers are typically filled with liquid, and when there's a lot of heat, vapor starts to accumulate to move the heat away from components like the processor and RAM.

iPhone 17 could face stiff challenge against Pixel 10 — here's why

One of the newest phones to launch is the Pixel 10, which not only remains at $799 to compete against the iPhone 17, but it also adopts something we haven't seen before. Instead of having just a dual-camera setup, Google gave it a triple camera complete with a new telephoto zoom camera with 5x optical zoom.

In our Pixel 10 vs iPhone 16 photo shootout, the biggest area that sees a difference surrounds the telephoto department. There's a big difference if you look at the two side-by-side shots above, as the Pixel 10's superior optical zoom draws out more detail in the sign and leaves in the background.

The iPhone 17 could see itself at a disadvantage because it's probably going to rely on its main camera for all things zoom. We've seen Apple pull off amazing things combining pixel binning techniques and new image processing algorithms, but it's going to take even more to beat the optically-backed Pixel 10 zoom camera.

No more titanium?

Apple made a big deal out of adding titanium to the iPhone 15 Pro's frame, something that it repeated a year later on iPhone 16 Pro. We had thought that the lightweight, durable metal was here to stay but that may not be the case.

According to a bunch of leaks and rumors, Apple will be changing the metal on iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. Not to stainless steel, which was the stuff used pre-titanium. It sounds like it'll actually be some kind of aluminum. Which, while light and inexpensive, isn't the most durable of metals.

Titanium may still make an appearance on iPhone 17 Air, though, since the ultra-thin design might need that little bit more durability than aluminium can offer.

AI is going to make or break iPhone 17

There's argument that Apple has fallen behind in the AI arms race. Our AI Phone face-off showed just how much better the likes of Gemini and Galaxy AI actually are. While it's not too late, my colleague John Velasco has argued that the iPhone 17 could mark a turning point for Apple's AI success.

Apple doesn't need to necessarily catch up, but it does need to put on a show of strength — and make sure that the iPhone 17 is at least competitive. Even if it's not top dog right now.

Because if Apple appears weak, and underperforms on AI for the second year running, then things are not going to be looking good in the near future.

iOS 26 should arrive before iPhone 17 does

Apple is a creature of habit, and that means we should see the official release of iOS 26 sometime before the Awe Dropping event — bringing the new software to just about everyone ahead of the iPhone 17's reveal.

The launch is certainly close, since the iOS 26 beta 8 update was more or less identical to beta 7. That suggests Apple is ready to launch the new update, bringing iOS 26 features like the Liquid Glass redesign, updated AI features, the brand new version of CarPlay and other upgrades out of beta and into the hands of the public.

Which products are being replaced?

New iPhones, and other Apple products are exciting, but it does mean some older stuff ends up discontinued. The iPhone 17 event is going to be no exception.

The main loss comes with the older iPhones, with the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max getting the boot in favor of their iPhone 17 counterparts. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus should stick around, with a small price cut, which means the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus will dissapear from the App Store.

Depending on what Apple announces at the Awe Dropping event, we may also see the Apple Watch Series 10, Watch Ultra 2, Watch SE2 and AirPods Pro 2. In favor of their respective successors.

Do people actually want an iPhone 17 Air?

Apple has always struggled with the idea of a fourth iPhone, whether it was a mini or a Plus-sized model. And my colleague Richard Priday is worried about whether the iPhone 17 Air could go down that same path.

The Air should offer something different, since it's not just a resized version of the standard iPhone 17. But he does wonder whether four iPhones is just too many, and if Apple should follow the example laid out by rival phone companies.

Because the three-flagship release seems to work out ok for them. And if rumors are to be believed, Samsung may revert back to that by scrapping the S26 Plus in favor of the S26 Edge.

Price hikes could be coming

It's something we worry about every year, and it could be happening with iPhone 17 — prices could be going up.

Rumor is that we could see a price increase of around $50 per iPhone 17, which would put the entry-level model price up to $849. Following that lead the iPhone 17 Air could be $949, with the 17 Pro starting at $1,049.

Meanwhile the iPhone 17 Pro Max would be $1,249. While expensive, this would still be cheaper than the $1,299 Galaxy S25 Ultra.

New phone, new accessories

A new iPhone means we may see Apple release a bunch of new accessories out into the world. The first of which are the new "TechWoven" cases, which are designed to fix all the flaws of the controversial FineWoven cases from two years ago. Offering a sustainable, premium feel without compromising durability in the process.

We may also see a new Bumper case, like the one from the iPhone 4, to account for the fact the iPhone Air is so much thinner than its counterparts. Alongside a new Liquid Silicone case and a magnetic "crossbody strap" that seems to merge a wrist strap with a lanyard design — thanks to built-in magnets.

Two older iPhones just got made "vintage"

We have a whole new series of iPhones coming next week, and that means some of the older models have to be sent to a farm upstate. In this case it's the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus that have been sent out to pasture, and have been added to Apple's "vintage" list.

This is standard practise for phones once they hit their 5th birthday, and it's more of a warning sign that a phone is on the verge of being declared obsolete. That officially happens at year 7. There are no immediate consequences, but it does mean that iPhone 8 owners may have trouble getting any kind of support from Apple moving forwards — including repairs.

Considering both phones stopped getting iOS updates a few years back, this may be a sign that you need to upgrade. Maybe the iPhone 17 could tempt you?

More eSIMs across the world

iPhone users in the U.S. are no stranger to being forced to use an eSIM — it's been the policy since iPhone 14. But now international users may also get to expertience it for themselves.

According to one rumor, iPhone 17 could be an eSIM-only device in other regions too. No doubt because the ultra-thin design means there isn't as much space for a physical SIM card tray.

Then again Apple could just be doing a renewed eSIM push, and it'll all depend on whether the entire iPhone 17 lineup is set to be eSIM only around the world.

Redesigns incoming

While the iPhone 17 Air is probably going to be unlike any iPhone we've seen for a long time, it's not the only major change coming. In fact the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are set to get some pretty major redesigns — particularly on the back.

Rather having that square-shaped camera bump, leaks and dummy units show both phones with an extended camera bar instead. The camera lenses haven't moved, but the actual bump itself has been stretched out to the other side of the phone.

Why? We're not entirely sure, and I'm sure Apple has some explanation lined up. But what we do know is that it means that your Pro-tier iPhone is going to look a lot different this year.

Apple enters the smart display game?

Audio may also be getting some attention at the big event too. The big news is that AirPods pro 3 could finally make an appearance at the Apple event, though we have been hearing speculation that another HomePod may also share the spotlight.

Specifically this could be the HomePod with display, which would see Apple enter the smart display game. It'll essentially be a "command center" for your smart home, and could also include FaceTime and the ability to move the screen based on your position in the room.

But the display is supposedly quite reliant on Siri, and with Apple's updated Siri still not set to arrive until sometime next year, this reveal seems a little less likely — though not impossible.

What about Apple Watch?

It's not just iPhones expected to be on show, either. This year could also see a big Apple Watch slate, with the reveal of the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3 and possibly even an Apple Watch SE 3 to go with them.

Apple Watch 11 is the one that's all but guaranteed, since Apple releases a new model every year. It's expected to have the usual array of improvements, like a better screen, blood pressure monitoring, better battery life and maybe even extra connectivity for 5G and satellite SOS features.

A similar set of upgrades could come to the Ultra 3, albeit in a larger and more rugged design than the standard model. As for the SE 3, that's the biggest mystery right now — though it's likely to have similar capabilities as an older flagship Apple Watch model.

Which iPhone 17 is right for you?

With four brand new iPhones on the way, potential buyers are going to have to decide which one they actually want for themselves. And the sooner you figure that out, the sooner you can put your pre-order in.

There are some big changes coming this year, least of which is the new super-skinny iPhone 17 Air. That phone puts style over substance (more than usual), but that means there will be some trade-offs to the sleek ultra-thin design.

Meanwhile the iPhone 17 is expected to come with major upgrades like a 120Hz display, larger screen and improved cameras. If you're more about the Pro models, then you can expect better cameras, more RAM, improved device cooling and the introduction of reverse wireless charging.

Be sure to check out our iPhone 17 vs iPhone 17 Air vs iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone 17 Pro Max breakdown for all the rumored changes on the way.