Rumors and Speculation Surrounding Apple’s Upcoming Handset

As Apple is expected to unveil its next iPhone, the question on everyone’s mind is: should you buy the current iPhone 16 or wait for the iPhone 17? The answer, much like the iPhone 17 itself, remains shrouded in mystery. However, based on rumors and speculation, we can make some educated guesses about what to expect from Apple’s next flagship device.

One of the most significant changes rumored for the iPhone 17 is the addition of a 120Hz display, which would be a welcome upgrade for the baseline model. Currently, only the Pro models boast this higher refresh rate, leaving the baseline and Plus models stuck with a 60Hz display. This upgrade could also prompt Apple to bring the always-on display to the baseline model, making it easier to quickly glance at the time and notifications without waking the screen.

Another potential change is the camera upgrade, which could see the selfie camera bumped up to 24 megapixels, compared to the current 12 megapixels on the iPhone 16. While megapixels aren’t the only determining factor for good-quality photos, this upgrade could make taking selfies or shooting videos for social media on the front-facing camera less of a compromise.

Rumors also suggest that the iPhone 17 will have an aluminum frame, similar to the iPhone 16, and may use a new compact “metalens” technology for the proximity sensor, which could reduce the size of the Face ID sensor and Dynamic Island. This could give slightly more real estate to the top of the 17’s display.

One key element that could remain unchanged across both phones is the processor, with the iPhone 17 rumored to pack an A18 chip, just like the iPhone 16. However, with Apple’s plans to expand its Apple Intelligence suite of AI capabilities, it’s possible that the iPhone 17 lineup could come with 12GB of RAM, instead of the current 8GB.

Speaking of Apple Intelligence, a new AI-powered Adaptive Power feature arriving with iOS 26 can help conserve battery life by making “small performance adjustments,” like allowing some activities to take a little longer. The next iPhone is expected to arrive with the upcoming operating system onboard, but you’ll also be able to download iOS 26 on the iPhone 16, as well as some older iPhones, once it becomes available publicly.

Color options for the iPhone 17 are also rumored to include black, blue, silver, purple, and green, compared to the iPhone 16’s black, white, pink, teal, and ultramarine options.

While we think we know what to expect from the iPhone 17, it’s essential to remember that all this is still speculation. Apple tends to debut newer features on its Pro models before eventually rolling them out across the full lineup, so any shiny new capabilities will likely land on its more premium phones first.

Ultimately, the decision to buy the iPhone 16 now or wait for the iPhone 17 comes down to personal preference and your immediate needs. If you’re in desperate need of a new phone and can’t wait any longer, go for it. But if you can hang tight until September, you might be able to score the flashy new device or get a discount on the iPhone 16, which could be around $100 cheaper.

The wait will be worth it, some might argue, as Apple is reportedly “preparing a major shake-up” of the phone’s design for its 20th anniversary, including a foldable version.