This time, I really feel that Apple "dares to play"

 First impression: Apple is making a big move this time!

The iPhone 17 series has been abuzz with gossip lately. Let's review the hottest leaks and see if they're worth the wait:

All four models will be released, and the Plus series will be a thing of the past.

This year, Apple is expected to release the iPhone 17, 17 Air (ultra-thin version), 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max, officially retiring the Plus series. The Air isn't a direct replacement for the Plus, but rather a new option in the lineup that emphasizes aesthetic design.

Air: An incredibly thin and light work of art

Reports suggest the iPhone 17 Air could be just 5.5mm thick, so thin you'll wonder if you're holding a power bank.

It could feature a 6.6-6.7-inch OLED screen, a single-lens 48-megapixel camera, no bottom-mounted speaker, possibly Wi-Fi 7 support, and a self-designed 5G chip.

The Pro and Pro Max feature major overhauls.

In terms of design, the camera module has evolved from the classic "bathroom heater" design to a horizontal "camera bar," making it instantly recognizable.

In terms of materials, the body has returned from titanium to an aluminum alloy, and there may even be a metal back with a special coating, marking the first departure from tradition in a decade.

A leap forward in photography, battery life, and performance:

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to feature a 48-megapixel telephoto camera with 5x-8x optical zoom, possibly with a removable lens; a LiDAR and flash module integrated into the camera module.

The battery capacity has surpassed 5000mAh for the first time, setting a new record.

The Economic Times

The cooling system has been upgraded, supports 25W wireless charging, and introduces Vapor Chamber (VC) heat sink technology.

Powered by the A19 Pro chip, or a tiered design featuring the A19 (standard model) and A18 (basic model), the Pro series is expected to include 12GB of RAM and support Apple Intelligence AI capabilities.

Comprehensive Upgrades: Screen and Connectivity

The entire lineup is expected to feature 120Hz ProMotion OLED displays, with the base model no longer lagging behind.

In addition, some models are beginning to adopt Wi-Fi 7, with the Air likely being the first to adopt it, and are experimenting with in-house developed 5G modems.

Release Schedule & Pricing Fluctuations

Apple has scheduled a September 9th event (possibly), with pre-orders starting at the end of the year and releases on the 19th; the Pro series may see a price increase of ~$50.

Estimated prices are as follows:

iPhone 17: Approximately $799–829 (starting price is the same as the previous generation);

iPhone 17 Air: $949 (with a "design premium");

iPhone 17 Pro: $1049;

iPhone 17 Pro Max: $1249

A New Color Trend Arrives

Pro series mockups have surfaced in several new colors, including orange, dark blue, and a copper-like hue. It looks like the year's most vibrant iPhone will be arriving with the 17th generation.

As a longtime Apple fan, seeing all the "firsts, biggest, revolutionary" announcements this time has truly ignited my hope:

Design Reshapes the Face

The horizontal camera bar and the incredibly thin and light Air feel like the iPhone has shed its baggage, becoming more agile and more like a piece of high-end design art.

Performance and Experience Seamlessly Blended

With a 120Hz refresh rate across the board, Wi-Fi 7, the A19 Pro, and AI capabilities, future gaming, creative projects, and photography will surely be a blast.

Photography and Battery Life Go Hand in Hand

With a 48MP telephoto lens, a 5000mAh battery, and a vapor chamber (VC), it not only allows for long-range shooting but also lasts longer, finally alleviating the "performance anxiety" associated with a big halo.

Pricing Increases, But They're Reasonable

If both the Pro and Pro Max increase by $50, given their significant hardware upgrades, while it might hurt, you'll know the upgrade is worth it.

The colorful design says no to sameness.

The orange color almost makes me feel like I'm back in the days of the iPhone 5c, when girly things were all over the place!