Apple has reached a significant milestone in the development of its upcoming iPhone 17 series, which is anticipated to launch in the fall. While detailed specifications and design changes have yet to be revealed, reports indicate that at least one of the new models has successfully passed the Engineering Validation Testing (EVT) phase. This is an essential step in Apple’s pre-production process, which is followed by the Design Validation Test (DVT) and Production Validation Test (PVT) before mass manufacturing can commence.
The expected lineup for this year continues to feature four models, though with a potential change. The Plus model may be phased out in favor of a new variant called the iPhone 17 Air. The anticipated models are likely to include the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
It is rumored that the base iPhone 17 will maintain a design similar to the iPhone 16, while the Pro models might undergo a redesign featuring a more prominent rear camera island, sparking discussions among enthusiasts. One of the most exciting updates is the introduction of the iPhone 17 Air, which could be Apple’s thinnest model at just 5.4mm. Speculation suggests it may include a single rear camera and could be priced similarly to the outgoing Plus model.
Although this year’s iPhones may present more modest updates overall, significant enhancements are expected, especially for the Pro models. There are rumors of a substantial camera upgrade, potentially featuring a 48 MP telephoto lens to replace the current 12 MP one. Additionally, there is hope that Apple might finally upgrade the base iPhone to a smoother 120Hz display, a feature long overdue in today’s smartphone market.