While the iPhone 16 has only just arrived to the first customers, rumors are already flying about the next generation, the iPhone 17. According to renowned analyst Ross Young, a display specialist, Apple is planning several major improvements for 2025.
Under-screen Face ID, finally a reality on the iPhone 17 Pro?
There has been talk for several years about a Face ID sensor hidden under the iPhone screen. This technology would get rid of the notch, or the punch-hole that replaces it on the latest Pro models. But so far, Apple has not taken the plunge.
According to Ross Young, this would be done in 2025 on the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max. The analyst, who has already been right about the screen sizes of the iPhone 14 and 16 Pro, seems confident. Face ID would thus become completely invisible, leaving only a tiny hole for the front camera, like some recent Android smartphones.
It remains to be seen what would happen to the Dynamic Island in this scenario. Apple has bet a lot on this new contextual interface around the screen cutout. It’s hard to imagine it disappearing so quickly.
ProMotion on all iPhone 17?
Another revelation from Ross Young is that the non-Pro models of the iPhone 17 would also be entitled to LTPO screens with adaptive refresh rate up to 120 Hz. A technology previously reserved for the most high-end versions.
This means that the “classic” iPhone 17, but also the highly anticipated ultra-thin iPhone 17 “Air”, would benefit from the advantages of ProMotion. Namely increased display fluidity and potentially an always-on mode to always have the time and notifications in front of you.
Yes, although the 17 and 17 Slim should also have LTPO and 120Hz…
— Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) September 19, 2024
While the iPhone 17 Air should have an elite price positioning to justify these refinements, it is more surprising to see them arrive on the standard iPhone 17. Is Apple looking to make its non-Pro models even more attractive? Answer in a year!
Of course, all of this is still to be taken with a grain of salt. But the fact that Ross Young is reiterating these predictions so close to the iPhone 17’s release is a good sign. Apple still has time to refine these display technologies before fall 2025.
