Apple has been making headlines this week, with news of iPhone 17 production shifting to India, CEO Tim Cook’s optimistic outlook on China performance, and the release of iOS 18.1 with its new AI features. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the week’s top Apple stories.
Apple has initiated early manufacturing efforts for the upcoming iPhone 17 in India, a first for the tech giant. This move, involving the ‘new product introduction’ (NPI) phase, marks a significant shift away from China as Apple seeks to diversify its production base and reduce dependence on a single location. The decision comes amidst growing geopolitical tensions between the US and China.
Apple is reportedly working on a significantly thinner iPhone, dubbed the iPhone 17 Air, with a single 48MP rear camera, 8GB of RAM, and a powerful A17 chip. Expected to debut in September 2025, the iPhone 17 Air aims to break from Apple’s stagnant design and compete with foldable devices from Samsung, Google, and others.
Rumor has it that Apple might be considering bolder color options for the iPhone 17 Pro, including Dark Green, Teal, and Green. While exciting, this leak is still early and may not be indicative of the final design choices. It’s also worth noting that Apple typically reserves brighter colors for the standard iPhone lineup, not the Pro series. We may have to wait and see if these vibrant hues will make their way to the Pro models or perhaps find their home on a different iPhone release.
Apple’s entry-level iPhones have been criticized for their lack of a 120Hz refresh rate, a feature found on the Pro models. But according to reports, this will change next year, with all iPhone 17 models, including the standard and the new iPhone 17 Air, boasting a smoother 120Hz experience.
Apple is expected to introduce 120Hz ProMotion displays on its upcoming iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air models, according to a leak from display analyst Ross Young. This upgrade will bring smoother scrolling and a more responsive user experience, putting Apple in line with competitors offering 120Hz displays. The move is anticipated to boost sales for Apple, particularly with the introduction of the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air.
Apple is gearing up to unveil the iPhone 16 series on September 9th, but leaks suggest the iPhone 17 Pro Max will be the real game-changer. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts a massive upgrade with 12GB of RAM, advanced vapor chamber cooling, and a potential redesign for the entire iPhone 17 lineup. The rumors also point to a new, ultra-thin iPhone 17 Slim model, further adding to the intrigue.
According to a report from The Information, Apple may be planning to release a thinner iPhone 17 model in 2025. Codenamed D23, this device is expected to feature a major redesign, potentially as significant as the iPhone X was in 2017. One of the key changes is a very thin body, similar to the recently unveiled 13-inch iPad Pro. The display is also rumored to have a smaller cutout, and the rear camera may be moved to the top center of the device. Despite its thinner design, the D23 iPhone is expected to be more expensive than even the iPhone 17 Pro Max, due to its unique features and potential consolidation of the Plus and Pro Max models.
According to sources, Apple is planning to replace the physical buttons on the iPhone with capacitive versions. The change is expected to improve durability, water resistance, and provide a fresh selling point for the iPhone 17. Apple has reportedly secured a contract with Advanced Semiconductor Engineering to provide the necessary components.
