iPhone 17 Base Model to Feature Very Small Upgrades: What to Expect

Efe Udin

May 31, 2025

Recent leaks and analyst insights are beginning to shape Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 lineup. However, you might want to have lower expectations if you’re interested in the base model of the Apple iPhone 17. Numerous reports, including one from Jeff Pu, an analyst at GF Securities, indicate that the standard iPhone 17 will only slightly alter the iPhone 16.

A familiar chip with familiar performance

The iPhone 17 base model will reportedly stick with the A18 chip, the same processor used in the iPhone 16. Manufactured using TSMC’s N3E second-generation 3nm process, the A18 is expected to deliver solid performance, but without the leap some users may have hoped for.

In contrast, Apple’s more premium offerings in the iPhone 17 lineup will use A19 and A19 Pro chips, built on TSMC’s newer N3P third-generation 3nm process, offering likely improvements in performance and power efficiency.

RAM remains 8GB for the base model

While Apple considered upgrading the base iPhone 17 to 12GB of RAM, the company has reportedly decided to stick with 8GB, the same as the iPhone 16. This decision further emphasizes the base model’s incremental nature. By comparison, the iPhone 17 Air and both Pro models are expected to come with 12GB of RAM.

Design and display changes

The iPhone 17 base model will, however, come with some notable changes. The screen will be larger, growing from 6.1 inches on the previous model to 6.3 inches according to industry expert Ross Young. It will also feature an enhanced refresh rate of 120 Hz, which has long been reserved for the Pro models. Rumour has it that the iPhone 16’s 12MP selfie camera will be replaced with a 24MP one.

Read Also: Apple Testing 200MP Camera Ahead of iPhone Redesigns

However, you will agree that these are just minimal upgrades and nothing significant. Some analysts believe that Apple is deliberately keeping the upgrade on the lower side. This will encourage consumers to tilt towards the higher-end models like the Pro models and the iPhone 17 Air. These versions will come with premium features, more powerful chips, and more RAM. Apple usually banks on its high-end models because they bring a higher profit margin.

Final Thoughts

If you’re using an older iPhone, the iPhone 17 may still feel like an upgrade, thanks to its improved display and camera. However, for iPhone 16 users, the changes are likely too small to justify a switch. The base model looks to be a solid but safe release in a market where users increasingly expect more year-over-year.

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