The iPhone 17 Pro will likely be powered by the A19 Pro chip, coupled with upgraded 12GB RAM and up to 1TB internal storage. The Pro model will run on iOS 26 update, bringing new AI capabilities. Since the smartphone may get thicker and heavier, we expect a bigger battery size as well.

Just when it seemed clear exactly what was coming when for the new iPhones, a new part of the puzzle has become apparent.

The iPhone 17 is reportedly rumored to be announced in September, meaning Californians may be just weeks away from their next upgrade. Last year, Apple introduced its iPhone 16 range on Sept. 9, with the new phones ready for pre-order later that week. In September of 2023, Apple unveiled its iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

OS 26 adds a variety of new battery-related features for your iPhone, but they seem especially perfect for the forthcoming iPhone 17 launch.

As is typical with the feature gap between standard and pro models, rumors suggest the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max (as well as the Air) will get the newest A19 chip, while the regular iPhone 17 will get the same A18 chip that powered last year's iPhone 16.

Along with the iPhone 17 lineup, Apple is expected to announce updates to the Apple Watch, AirPods, Apple TV, and HomePod.

The base model iPhone 18 might not make its debut until spring 2027, reportedly so Apple can showcase new foldables. Higher-end iPhone 18 models are still on tap for 2026, though.

Commentary: I've been writing about the iPhone for over a decade. I'm ready to see Apple step it up in this perhaps unexpected way.