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Apple’s iPhone 17 Rumours Heat Up Ahead of Launch
Apple is just weeks away from unveiling the iPhone 17, and anticipation is soaring. Alongside the usual lineup, rumours suggest a thinner iPhone 17 Air and refreshed FineWoven accessories could make their debut.
But as exciting as these updates sound, there’s one big question: are these really new innovations, or just Apple catching up with Android?
Slimmer Than Ever: The iPhone 17 Air
One of the most talked-about leaks is the iPhone 17 Air, rumoured to be Apple’s thinnest phone yet. Leaked images show a design nearly as slim as its buttons, an engineering marvel on paper.
Yet, Samsung beat Apple to it earlier this year with the Galaxy S25 Edge, which shares a strikingly similar thin profile. Side by side, the resemblance is hard to ignore.
A Fresh Design with Familiar Inspirations
Apple may also be rethinking its camera design. Reports suggest the iPhone 17 will feature a wide camera bump stretching across most of the phone’s back.
This design tweak echoes the Google Pixel 9, which already sports a similar look. To Apple’s credit, the iPhone’s rumoured bump is more rectangular, but the concept itself is far from original.
Vapor Chamber Cooling: Late to the Party
Another rumored feature is vapor chamber cooling, a system designed to prevent overheating during heavy use. It’s a proven solution in the smartphone world, but not a new one.
The Razer Phone 2 introduced it back in 2018, with Samsung and Google following suit in later years. If true, the iPhone 17 will only now be adopting a feature Android users have enjoyed for almost a decade.
Finally, 120Hz Across the Entire Lineup
For years, Apple has limited its 120Hz ProMotion display to Pro models. This year, every version of the iPhone 17, including the rumoured Air, may finally get a smoother screen.
But once again, Android brands like Samsung and Google have been offering high-refresh-rate displays across their lineups since 2020.
12GB of RAM: Catching Up to Android Powerhouses
Apple is reportedly boosting the iPhone 17’s memory to 12GB of RAM, its biggest jump ever. This upgrade is likely meant to support Apple Intelligence, the company’s AI-driven system in iOS 26.
While impressive, Android flagships hit 12GB years ago, with some Chinese manufacturers pushing as high as 24GB.
Battery Upgrade Finally Hits 5,000 mAh
Another rumored highlight is a larger 5,000 mAh battery for the iPhone 17 Pro Max. If true, this would mark Apple’s most powerful battery yet.
But once again, Android did it first. The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra launched with a 5,000 mAh battery back in 2020, and many competitors have exceeded that threshold since.
iOS 26: A Rare Overhaul
The iPhone 17 will also ship with iOS 26, a major redesign, the first since iOS 7 in 2013. Fans can expect a fresh interface, though opinions remain split on its new look.
In comparison, Android has reinvented itself several times, from Material Design in 2014 to the more recent Material 3 Expressive in 2025.
Industry Voices Weigh In
Tech analysts see these changes as both exciting and overdue.
“Apple doesn’t need to be first, it needs to be best,” said Lisa Tran, a senior analyst at TechRadar. “Even if Android had these features years ago, Apple’s execution often raises the standard.”
Meanwhile, longtime Android users remain skeptical.
“We’ve had vapor cooling, 120Hz, and massive batteries for years,” commented Jake Reynolds, a Samsung fan. “Apple’s just playing catch-up.”
Why the iPhone 17 Still Matters
Despite Android’s head start on many features, the iPhone 17 is still expected to be one of the top-selling smartphones of 2025. Apple’s unmatched ecosystem, brand loyalty, and polished execution ensure that even “late” features feel fresh to millions of users.
And with the introduction of Apple Intelligence, this launch isn’t just about hardware; it’s about how AI will reshape the iPhone experience.
Looking Ahead: Innovation or Iteration?
The iPhone 17 may not be revolutionary, but it represents Apple’s steady march toward refining and perfecting smartphone technology. For some, it’s a case of “better late than never.”
The big question now: Will the iPhone 17’s combination of catch-up features and Apple’s AI vision be enough to keep it ahead in the global smartphone race? We’ll find out when Apple officially takes the stage in just a few weeks.
Read also: Apple’s Bold Move: iPhone 17 Launch Timeline Revealed with Stunning New Design and Slim ‘Air’ Model
