The iPhone 17 series is gearing up for its big reveal this September, and expectations are sky-high. The lineup will likely include the standard iPhone 17, a slimmer iPhone 17 Air (or Slim), and the more premium iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models. However, a recent leak suggests that one exciting upgrade for the Pro models has been cancelled. Here’s everything you need to know.
Coating
Earlier reports hinted that Apple would introduce a new scratch-resistant, anti-reflective coating for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max displays. Sadly, it now looks like that plan has been scrapped.
According to MacRumors, Apple faced significant scaling problems while trying to implement this new coating. Manufacturing it at the scale required for iPhone production was reportedly too time-consuming and complicated, leading Apple to pull the plug on the feature for this year’s Pro models.
For now, Apple will continue using its familiar fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating, which has been around since the iPhone 11 series launched in 2019.
Technology
The new anti-reflective coating was supposed to bring a big boost in durability. Tipster Instant Digital had previously suggested that Apple was working on a “super-hard” layer that would not only reduce reflections but also offer better scratch resistance than the current Ceramic Shield technology.
This innovation would have been similar to the Gorilla Glass Armor used on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, known for being four times more scratch-resistant than other cover glasses. It sounds like Apple’s version was ambitious but just not ready for mass production.
Here’s a comparison overview:
| Feature | Planned New Coating | Current Oleophobic Coating |
|---|---|---|
| Scratch Resistance | Higher | Moderate |
| Anti-Reflective | Yes | Limited |
| Production Feasibility | Difficult | Established |
Specifications
Even without the new display tech, the iPhone 17 Pro series still has plenty of upgrades to look forward to. According to leaks:
- The iPhone 17 Pro models will have an aluminium frame instead of stainless steel.
- They will be powered by the new A19 Pro chipset.
- Expect 12GB of RAM for the Pro and Pro Max models.
- The standard iPhone 17 and Air/Slim models might run on A18 or A19 chips with 8GB RAM.
Launch
As always, Apple is expected to officially reveal the iPhone 17 lineup in September. Despite the cancelled display upgrade, the upcoming models promise new designs, better performance, and notable improvements across the board.
FAQs
What happened to the iPhone 17 Pro display upgrade?
Apple cancelled the new scratch-resistant coating due to production issues.
What coating will iPhone 17 Pro models have?
They will continue to use the fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating.
What chipset will power the iPhone 17 Pro models?
The iPhone 17 Pro models will feature the A19 Pro chipset.
Will the iPhone 17 series have 12GB RAM?
Only the Pro models are expected to have 12GB RAM.
When will Apple launch the iPhone 17 series?
The iPhone 17 series is expected to launch in September 2025.
