Look, it happens every single year. You just finished setting up your new phone, and then the rumors about the next one start trickling in. But this time, the chatter surrounding the iPhone 17 feels different. It’s not just about a slightly faster chip or a new shade of "desert titanium." We are actually looking at a fundamental shift in how Apple builds its lineup.
Honestly, if you're sitting there with an iPhone 13 or 14 and wondering if you should pull the trigger on a current model or hold out, the answer isn't as simple as "newer is better." It depends on whether you care about the death of the 60Hz screen or if you’ve been dreaming of a phone that’s actually thin again.
The iPhone 17 Air: A Total Wildcard
For years, the "Plus" model has been the awkward middle child of the Apple family. It has a big screen, sure, but it’s basically just a larger version of the base model. That's reportedly changing. According to multiple supply chain leaks, the Plus is being killed off in favor of the iPhone 17 Air (some are calling it the iPhone 17 Slim).
This isn't just a rename. We’re talking about a device that aims to be the thinnest iPhone ever made—potentially as slim as 5.6mm. To put that in perspective, the current models feel like bricks in comparison. But there’s a catch. To get it that thin, Apple might have to sacrifice some camera tech, possibly sticking to a single rear lens. It's a "fashion-first" phone. If you value aesthetics and pocketability over having three different zoom lenses, this is the one you’ve been waiting for.
The End of the "Slow" Screen
This is the big one. This is the reason I’ve been telling my friends to wait. For years, Apple has gatekept its 120Hz ProMotion displays. If you didn’t buy a Pro, you were stuck with a 60Hz refresh rate that feels "choppy" once you’ve seen the smooth alternative.
The iPhone 17 is expected to finally bring 120Hz refresh rates to the base model.
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Basically, this means the $799 phone will finally feel as smooth as the $1,100 phone. It’s a massive quality-of-life upgrade. Scrolling through Instagram or just swiping through your home screen will feel significantly more responsive. If you aren't a power user who needs a telephoto lens, the base iPhone 17 might actually be the smartest buy in years because the "display gap" between Pro and non-Pro is finally closing.
Under the Hood: RAM and AI
We can't talk about a 2026 phone without talking about AI. Apple Intelligence is hungry. It eats RAM for breakfast. While the current iPhone 16 lineup moved to 8GB of RAM to handle these features, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are rumored to jump to 12GB of RAM.
Why does this matter for you?
- Longevity: More RAM means the phone will stay fast for 5 or 6 years instead of starting to chug after 3.
- On-Device AI: More of the "smart" features will happen on your phone rather than the cloud, which is better for privacy and speed.
- Multitasking: You won't have your apps closing in the background as often when you're jumping between a heavy game and a 4K video edit.
The Selfie Camera Jump
Most people ignore the front-facing camera until they’re in a dimly lit restaurant trying to take a group photo. The iPhone 17 series is tipped to move to a 24MP selfie camera. That’s double the resolution of current models. This isn't just about more pixels; it’s about a six-element lens that should drastically improve low-light performance and detail. If you spend half your life on FaceTime or TikTok, this is a legitimate reason to wait.
Is It Worth the Wait?
So, should you actually hold off?
If you are using an iPhone 15 Pro, honestly, probably not. You already have a great screen and plenty of power. But if you’re using an older base model (like an iPhone 12 or 13) and you’ve always been jealous of the Pro's smooth screen, wait for the iPhone 17. The jump from 60Hz to 120Hz on the standard model is the biggest "everyday" difference you will notice in a decade.
Also, if you’re tired of phones getting thicker and heavier every year, the iPhone 17 Air is the first time Apple has actually tried to make a "cool" thin phone since the iPhone 6 days.
Next Steps for You:
Check your current trade-in value. If your phone is worth more than $400 right now, you might want to lock in a deal today on a current model. But if you can stomach another few months with your current device, the iPhone 17's display upgrades alone make it a much better long-term investment. Keep an eye on the supply chain reports in early spring—that's usually when the final designs for the "Air" model get locked in.