Even though we’re still in the middle of Apple’s iPhone 16 buzz, a phone so pricey that a Nigerian minimum wage earner would have to save every penny for 18 months to afford its $799 (₦1.28 million) starting price, whispers about its successor, the iPhone 17 lineup, are already filling the air.
The next-generation iPhones will be officially unveiled in September 2025, which is right on schedule if Apple follows its usual routine.
Thanks to early leaks and industry insiders, we already have a glimpse of what Apple might develop next.
But the real question is, with the recent import bottlenecks and Nigerians becoming more conscious of getting real value for their money, are local Apple fans ready to splurge again?
TL:DR; key takeaways from this article
- All models in the iPhone 17 series are said to get 120Hz ProMotion displays and be powered by Apple’s upcoming A19 chip, with the iPhone 17 Air expected to be Apple’s slimmest iPhone yet.
- Based on current prices of the iPhone 16 and foreign exchange, Nigerians can prepare to spend around N2 million to get any variant of the next series.
- The ongoing US-China trade war can influence availability and affordability.
- The iPhone 17 series could be this design generation’s “final form” before Apple introduces another lineup (no iPhone 18?).
What we know so far: iPhone 17 series ‘leaks’
Apple has not officially revealed what development will come in the iPhone 17 series. However, there are expectations for four models: the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and a new addition, the iPhone 17 Air.
This information is gathered from industry insiders, such as the subscriber-only article at The Information and the latest dummies exhibited by leakers, such as this exceptionally detailed one released in a video by Apple Track.
- They receive these samples from manufacturers in China for a detailed review before their official launch. These samples help case manufacturers better understand upcoming dimensions so they’re ready to sell when the phone hits the market.
Sometimes leaks like these are real, but in many cases, they are fake, so it’s natural to be sceptical.
1. Finally, a different rear camera layout
The juicy detail from leaks is that the iPhone 17 series could feature a new camera layout to make the lineup stand out.
According to these dummies, seen from leakers, the iPhone 17 Air and Pro models may switch to a rectangular or oval-shaped camera module instead of the square layout used in recent years.
Meanwhile, the Pro Max model is expected to introduce a 48 MP telephoto lens — a significant upgrade from the 12 MP version used previously.
The Air model may have just a single rear camera, while the Pro phones are expected to have a new design for their triple camera systems.
2. iPhone 17 Air: Apple’s thinnest phone yet
The ‘hands-on’ case models review from industry insiders, such as Unbox Therapy, reveals a new variant in the iPhone 17 series called the iPhone 17 Air, and it’s shaping up to be their slimmest handset so far.
It measures an astonishing 5.5mm in thickness (thinner than the iPhone 6) and is expected to feature a 6.6-inch display, positioning it between the Pro and Pro Max models.
3. High refresh rate across the board
Apple could finally bring its smooth-scrolling 120Hz ProMotion display to every iPhone 17 model, not just the premium ones. This shift would mean all users can enjoy more fluid animations and enhanced touch responsiveness.
The lineup is also expected to adopt LTPO OLED technology, potentially supporting always-on display capabilities (though it’s still uncertain if this feature will reach the base models).
4. Faster A19 chip
As always, the new iPhones will come with more powerful chips. Under the hood, the iPhone 17 base models are expected to get the A19 chip, while Pro variants may be equipped with an A19 Pro built on a 3nm architecture.
5. A return to an aluminium back?
From what we see in the case models, they highlight the MagSafe portion, which creates an outline for this rectangular section of the back.
That’s because, unlike in previous generations where the whole rear build material is essentially matte glass, it’s expected to be aluminium in iPhone 17 (not titanium) for a more lightweight feel.
What Apple’s official hints might mean
Though Apple hasn’t yet confirmed the iPhone 17 series, subtle hints have emerged.
During the announcement of the company’s fiscal 2025 second quarter that ended March 29, 2025, Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, emphasised investments in on-device AI and sustainability. This would point to a smarter, more eco-conscious iPhone.
The company’s marketing leaned into spatial computing, highlighting deeper Vision Pro compatibility. These clues align with rumours of major hardware redesigns and AI integration.
How iPhone 17 series will compare to previous models
Based on informed speculations, we can compare previous models, particularly the iPhone 14 and up to the present, to see how the anticipated iPhone 17 series can measure up.
| iPhone 14 series | iPhone 15 series | iPhone 16 series | iPhone 17 series | |
| Launch Year | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
| Chipset | A15 Bionic | A16 Bionic | A15 Bionic | A19 Bionic (2nm) – All models (rumored) |
| Display | Super Retina XDR | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED | Thinner bezels, LTPO OLED, Dynamic Island or under-display Face ID |
| Rear Camera Layout | Diagonal (Base), Triangle (Pro) | Diagonal (Base), Triangle (Pro) | Diagonal (Base), Triangle (Pro) | Flush vertical bump |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C wired and wireless charging | USB-C wired, Wireless and reverse wireless |
| Build Material | matte glass back, aluminium frame | matte glass back, aluminium frame | matte glass back, aluminium (or titanium) frame | Partial aluminium and glass back design |
Pricing, availability, and the Nigerian consumer’s reality
It’s difficult to say exactly how much the iPhone 17 series will cost at launch, but it’s expected to be more expensive than the iPhone 16 lineup.
When the iPhone 16 launched, the starting price was $799 (about ₦1.28 million) for the 128GB version. The iPhone 16 Plus went for $899 (₦1.44 million), the iPhone 16 Pro for $999 (₦1.6 million), and the top-tier iPhone 16 Pro Max for $1,199 (₦1.92 million).
Owning one of these phones is a big financial stretch for many Nigerians, especially minimum wage earners. Someone earning the national minimum wage (₦70,000 per month) would need to save every single naira for 18 months just to afford the base model.
It’s a slightly different story in other African countries. According to a recent report by SBM Intelligence, someone earning minimum wage in South Africa (about $248.12/month) would need to save just over three months.
In Morocco, it’s nearly three months ($285.61/month); in Egypt, a bit over five months ($156.57/month); and in Algeria, close to six months ($140.85/month).
Looking ahead, a safe guess would be that:
- The iPhone 17 might start at $1,099
- The iPhone 17 Pro at $1,299
- The iPhone 17 Pro Max at $1,399
However, this is just a rough estimate. The official retail prices could be different once the phones launch.
Despite the high cost, the iPhone 17 will likely do well in Nigeria.
Many young Nigerians see owning the latest iPhone as a status symbol, and this trend has helped boost the sales of previous models (except for the iPhone 14 lineup, which didn’t perform as strongly in 2022).
NOTE: Prices are presented using the exchange rate of N1,603/$1 on May 4.
How the US-China tariff war could affect iPhone 17 prices
The ongoing trade tensions between the US and China could also affect the upcoming price of the iPhone 17 series in Nigeria.
The tariff war might cause tech product prices, including iPhones, to rise sharply, possibly even tripling in some cases.
Since Nigeria imports most of its electronic devices and smartphones, any increase in global prices will likely be felt here too.
The higher cost could mean fewer sales and smaller profits for local retailers and telecom companies that bundle iPhones with data or call plans.
So…
For many Nigerians who are die-hard Apple fans, it’s more about anticipation. They just want to be surprised by an iPhone (for once), as that hasn’t happened in years. So, fingers crossed.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max already seems to be just a few upgrades away from peak refinement.
Suppose the iPhone 17 Pro Max delivers even better battery life, a 48MP telephoto lens (to match the main and ultrawide), a 24MP front camera, and Apple’s in-house modem chip for Wi-Fi and 4G/5G connectivity (like the C1 chip in the iPhone 16e that’s already showing improved battery efficiency). Wouldn’t that pretty much complete the package?
In other words, the iPhone 17 Pro Max might just be the “final form” of the current iPhone design before Apple takes a brand-new direction.
What do you think about Apple’s anticipated launch of the iPhone 17 series? You can use the comment box below to share your opinion.
