2025 could be a turning point for the iPhone, with indications that Apple is planning a bold move with the launch of the iPhone 17 series. After years of limited changes to previous models, we appear to be on the cusp of the biggest leap in iPhone design since the launch of the iPhone X in 2017, along with a host of innovations that could redefine the user experience.

Recent reports from market research firm IDC confirm that the introduction of artificial intelligence features under the name Apple Intelligence wasn't enough to boost sales. However, if rumors about the cancellation of the Plus version and its replacement with a slimmer phone are true, this could be Apple's winning card to regain interest. Let's share our predictions for the iPhone 17 series.

1. iPhone 17 Air

While companies like Samsung and Google are focusing on foldable phones, Apple seems to be taking a different approach. Its 2025 plan is to maintain the traditional design but make a bold move toward ultra-thinness.

Leaks from sites like The Information and Bloomberg indicate that Apple is working on a new phone called the iPhone 17 Air , which will replace the "Plus" version in the series.

While its specs may be similar to the basic iPhone 17, its main appeal will be its ultra-slim design, which could be 2mm thinner than the iPhone 16 Pro . The display will be between 6.55 and 6.65 inches, which is mid-sized between the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. However, it will have a single rear camera instead of the dual cameras found in the larger models, and will have the same processor as the iPhone 17 .

Another expected feature is the integration of Apple's first 5G modem, which could improve battery efficiency and reduce reliance on Qualcomm chips.

If the iPhone 17 Air succeeds in attracting attention, it could be the step that restores Apple's momentum in the entry-level category, especially since the company has relied in recent years on transferring some features of the "Pro" models, such as the Dynamic Island and Action Button, to the cheaper versions to make them more attractive.

2. iPhone 17

In 2025, Apple appears to be reshuffling its plans. With the cancellation of the Plus model, the base iPhone 17 will become larger, with the phone's screen increasing from 6.1 inches to 6.3 inches, a size similar to that of the iPhone 16 Pro .

Therefore, the expected screen sizes for the iPhone 17 series may be as follows:

• iPhone 17 : 6.3-inch screen.
• iPhone 17 Air : 6.6-inch screen (expected).
• iPhone 17 Pro: 6.3-inch screen.
• iPhone 17 Pro Max: 6.9-inch screen.

This move could give users a better variety of sizes, with clear distinction between each category.

3. iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max

Reports indicate that Apple may abandon the titanium frame on the Pro models and return to using aluminum, marking the first change of its kind since 2017, when the iPhone X featured a stainless steel frame. This move could reduce the device's weight and manufacturing costs, as well as impact the final look.

The phone's back is also expected to feature a combination of aluminum and glass, with the upper half made of aluminum and the lower half made of glass to support wireless charging.

The rear camera design also comes in a different form. Instead of the usual square notch, we might see a horizontal oval shape, closer to the design of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL camera, with an aluminum frame instead of glass.

4. iPhone SE 4 with Face ID

For years, the iPhone SE has been a staple choice for those looking to enter the Apple world at a lower price, but its outdated design was one of its biggest weaknesses. So in 2025, it looks like Apple will turn things around with the fourth-generation iPhone SE 4 , which will feature the biggest update in its history in terms of design and specifications.

The most prominent expected changes:

• Modern display with slim bezels : For the first time, the SE will feature a design similar to the latest iPhones, with a 6.1-inch display covering the entire front and eliminating the traditional Home button.
• Face ID instead of Touch ID : The phone will move to facial recognition technology, bringing it closer to high-end models.
• Action Button : The customizable feature that first appeared on the iPhone 15 Pro will be available on this version as well.
• 48MP camera : With 2x optical zoom, along with a 12MP front camera, which is a significant upgrade over the current version.
• Apple Intelligence Support : The phone will support Apple's new artificial intelligence features, which is rare in this price range.
• Apple-developed 5G modem : The SE4 will be the first device to use the company's own 5G modem, a testbed for the technology before it reaches higher-end models.

With these features, the iPhone SE 4 could transform from a mere budget phone into a real contender in the market, especially for users who want strong performance at a reasonable price.

New features in Apple Intelligence

In late 2024, Apple launched its first suite of AI features under the name Apple Intelligence , which included:

• Advanced writing tools for paraphrasing, summarizing, and proofreading.
• Enhance and generate images from text.
• Create custom emojis.
• ChatGPT integration with Siri personal assistant.

But 2025 could mark the beginning of the second phase of this technology, as Apple plans to develop Siri to become more context-aware and more capable of executing commands within apps.

Reports from Bloomberg also indicate that the company is working to support the assistant with advanced language models similar to Google's Gemini and OpenAI's ChatGPT , to provide faster and more natural responses.

However, these capabilities are not expected to reach their full potential before 2026, as Apple prefers to take its time and carefully develop its own solutions, as Tim Cook explained when he likened AI to "pivotal technologies" that are changing the market, such as multi-touch in phones.

The future of the foldable iPhone

Despite years of rumors, a foldable iPhone doesn't appear to be coming in 2025.

Bloomberg confirms that Apple may launch a foldable iPad before any similar phone, and that both projects are still far from commercial launch.

According to reports from the Wall Street Journal , there is already a prototype of a foldable iPhone with a screen larger than 6.9 inches (the iPhone 16 Pro Max could be as large as 7 inches when unfolded), but it is not expected to launch before 2026.

The second project is a device with a 19-inch screen when fully opened, intended as a laptop replacement, and possibly targeting professional users.

Conclusion - Apple in 2025

It's clear that Apple is planning 2025 to be the year it redefines the iPhone experience, through:

• Introducing the thinnest phone in its history ( iPhone 17 Air )
• A comprehensive update for the economic category ( iPhone SE 4 )
• Developing artificial intelligence capabilities ( Apple Intelligence )
• Bold design changes to the Pro models

However, some decisions remain cautious, such as postponing the launch of foldable devices and waiting for Apple's vision to be completed before entering the competition.