Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 series, set for release in September 2024, continues to generate buzz, with the latest insights coming from Jeff Pu, a well-known analyst at Haitong International. His recent research note provides a detailed look into the iPhone 17 lineup, including the iPhone 17 Slim (or iPhone 17 Air) and the higher-end iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. Alongside these updates, Apple has also rolled out the latest visionOS 2.1 beta, with significant improvements to its Vision Pro headset.
iPhone 17 Slim/Air: New Design and Upgraded Hardware
The iPhone 17 Slim, also referred to as the iPhone 17 Air (if Apple adopts its tablet naming conventions), is expected to debut as a sleek, redesigned addition to Apple’s lineup. It is rumored to replace the iPhone Plus model, offering a fresh alternative to users who prefer a larger screen without stepping up to the Pro models.
Key features of the iPhone 17 Slim/Air:
- Chipset: It will be powered by the A19 chip (not the A19 Pro like the iPhone 17 Pro models), delivering solid performance for everyday tasks.
- RAM: 8GB of RAM, ensuring that Apple’s integrated intelligence features and machine learning capabilities will work smoothly.
- Cameras: The device will feature a single 48 MP rear camera for high-quality photos and a 24 MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.
- Build and Display: It will come with an aluminum frame and a 6.6-inch display, making it both lightweight and durable.
- Face ID: Face ID will continue to be the primary biometric security option, providing a secure and convenient way to unlock the phone and authenticate purchases.
iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max: Powerful Specs and Refined Design
Pu’s report also shed light on the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models, which will follow the same screen sizes as their predecessors but with upgraded internals and a refined design.
Here’s what you can expect from these high-end devices:
- Chipset: Both the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will feature the A19 Pro chip, designed to offer top-tier performance, especially for demanding apps and tasks like gaming and video editing.
- RAM: These models will come with 12GB of RAM, providing even more speed and multitasking power.
- Camera System: The Pro models will sport a 48 MP telephoto camera, enhancing zoom capabilities, and the same 24 MP selfie camera as the iPhone 17 Slim.
- Face ID and Dynamic Island: The iPhone 17 Pro Max will introduce a narrower Dynamic Island, thanks to a new Face ID system, giving the display a cleaner look.
visionOS 2.1 Beta 6 Released: What’s New?
In addition to the iPhone 17 leaks, Apple has rolled out visionOS 2.1 beta 6, the second update this week for developers working with the Vision Pro headset. While the update doesn’t introduce many new features, it focuses on enhancing performance and fixing bugs to ensure a smooth user experience ahead of its public release.
- Expected Public Release: The full release of visionOS 2.1 is expected by the end of October, likely alongside iOS 18.1 on October 28.
- Key Improvements: Though visionOS 2.1 is light on new features, it aims to refine the Vision Pro experience through performance optimizations.
- Future Updates: Later this year, in December, visionOS 2.2 is expected to bring significant upgrades to the Mac Virtual Display feature, making it a highly anticipated update for power users.
Conclusion: What to Expect in 2024
With the iPhone 17 series and visionOS updates on the horizon, 2024 is shaping up to be another exciting year for Apple fans. The iPhone 17 Slim (or Air) is likely to attract attention with its fresh design and balance of power and affordability, while the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will continue to cater to those seeking top-tier performance. Meanwhile, the steady improvements to visionOS show Apple’s commitment to refining its augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) ecosystem, especially with the Vision Pro headset.
As we await official announcements, these leaks give us a glimpse into what the future holds for Apple’s hardware and software ecosystem. Keep an eye on future beta releases for more updates on the Vision Pro and the launch of the iPhone 17 lineup.
