Apple brings high-refresh displays to the base iPhone for the first time, along with a larger screen, A19 chip, and powerful new camera system — starting at $799.
iPhone 17 Gets Its First ProMotion Display
Apple has officially unveiled the iPhone 17, and for the first time, the base model gets ProMotion — Apple’s high-refresh-rate display technology that was previously limited to Pro models.
Display Highlights:
- 6.3-inch screen, up from 6.1 inches on iPhone 16
- 120Hz refresh rate with LTPO technology for dynamic switching
- Peak brightness of 3,000 nits for outdoor visibility
- Protected by Ceramic Shield 2 with improved scratch resistance
This marks a major visual upgrade for the standard iPhone, bringing smoother scrolling, better responsiveness, and improved battery efficiency through adaptive refresh rates.
Powered by the A19 Chip and a New Display Engine
Under the hood, the iPhone 17 runs on Apple’s new 3nm A19 chip, which includes a dedicated display engine to support ProMotion and energy-efficient performance.
This chip improves graphics, processing speed, and power efficiency, making it well-suited for gaming, video editing, and demanding app usage.
Camera Upgrades: 48MP Ultra-Wide and Smarter Selfies
Apple has significantly improved the camera system in the iPhone 17, focusing on versatility and clarity in both rear and front-facing lenses.
Rear Camera System:
- New 48-megapixel ultrawide sensor
- Improved 2x optical telephoto
- Sharper macro photography capabilities
Front Camera Features:
- 18-megapixel square sensor allows for multi-format selfies without switching orientation
- Center Stage support for smoother video framing in FaceTime and calls
- Enhanced video stabilization for vlogging and casual recording
These upgrades will appeal to content creators and anyone who relies on their phone for photography or video communication.
New Colors and Storage Changes
The iPhone 17 introduces a refreshed color palette:
- Lavender
- Mist Blue
- Black
- White
- Sage
Storage starts at 256GB — a notable shift, as Apple has discontinued the 128GB base model for the standard iPhone. The starting price is $799, aligning with the iPhone 16’s price for 256GB.
Availability and Pricing
- Preorders begin Friday
- Shipping and in-store availability starts September 19
- Starting price: $799 (256GB base storage)
This pricing reflects no increase over the equivalent iPhone 16 storage tier, but buyers lose the option of a lower-cost 128GB model.
