Apple iPhone 17 Series: Comprehensive Technical Specifications (2025 Flagship Line-up)
This detailed document outlines the complete technical specifications for the Apple iPhone 17 series, comprising the iPhone 17, the ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air, the iPhone 17 Pro, and the flagship iPhone 17 Pro Max. The information presented is a nuanced and granular breakdown of the hardware architecture, display parameters, imaging systems, and core performance metrics, prepared specifically for technical publication.
1. Core System Architecture: Apple A19 and A19 Pro Bionic Chipsets
The processing power for the iPhone 17 series is differentiated across the line-up by the new A19 and A19 Pro Bionic systems-on-a-chip (SoCs). Both SoCs are fabricated using the advanced 3-nanometer (N3P) process from TSMC, emphasizing performance density and energy efficiency.
1.1. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The CPU structure across the A19 family is a Hexa-core configuration, consisting of two high-performance cores and four high-efficiency cores, utilizing a new microarchitecture.
| CPU Component | A19 Bionic (iPhone 17/17 Air) | A19 Pro Bionic (iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max) |
| P-Cores (Performance) | 2 Cores, up to 4.26 GHz | 2 Cores, up to 4.26 GHz |
| E-Cores (Efficiency) | 4 Cores, up to 2.60 GHz | 4 Cores, up to 2.60 GHz |
| L2 Cache (P-Cores) | 8 MB | 16 MB (Enhanced) |
| L2 Cache (E-Cores) | 4 MB | 6 MB (Enhanced) |
| System Level Cache (SLC) | 12 MB | 32 MB (Greatly Expanded) |
The substantial increase in L2 and System Level Cache in the A19 Pro is designed to improve front-end bandwidth and branch prediction, resulting in superior sustained multi-core performance and significantly accelerated Apple Intelligence tasks running on-device.
1.2. Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
The GPU utilizes Apple’s new Apple 10-series architecture, which features dedicated Neural Accelerators integrated into each core for enhanced machine learning workloads.
| GPU Component | A19 Bionic (iPhone 17/17 Air) | A19 Pro Bionic (iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max) |
| GPU Cores | 5 Cores | 6 Cores (Full Configuration) |
| Execution Units (EUs) | 80 EUs | 96 EUs |
| Arithmetic Logic Units (ALUs) | 640 ALUs | 768 ALUs |
| Peak Clock Speed | $1620\text{ MHz}$ | $1620\text{ MHz}$ |
| Features | Hardware-accelerated Ray Tracing, Dynamic Caching, Mesh Shading | Enhanced Hardware-accelerated Ray Tracing, Dynamic Caching, Mesh Shading |
1.3. Neural Engine and AI Processing
Both chipsets feature an upgraded 16-core Neural Engine, which handles machine learning operations. The A19 Pro variant benefits from enhanced memory bandwidth dedicated to the Neural Engine, enabling faster processing for large-scale generative models and on-device AI functions introduced in iOS 26.
2. Memory (RAM) and Internal Storage Specifications
The iPhone 17 series utilizes LPDDR5X DRAM technology, but memory speed and capacity are scaled based on the device tier.
2.1. Random Access Memory (RAM)
| Model | RAM Capacity | Memory Type & Frequency | Bandwidth (Theoretical) |
| iPhone 17 / 17 Air | 8 GB | LPDDR5X-8533 MT/s | $68.26\text{ GB/s}$ |
| iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max | 12 GB | LPDDR5X-9600 MT/s | $75.80\text{ GB/s}$ |
2.2. Internal Storage Tiers
All models utilize high-speed NVMe flash storage. The 128 GB tier has been eliminated from the line-up, standardizing on higher capacity.
- iPhone 17 / 17 Air: 256 GB, 512 GB.
- iPhone 17 Pro: 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB.
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB.
3. Display Technology and Visual Parameters
All four models feature a next-generation Super Retina XDR Display built on LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) OLED technology.
3.1. Key Display Features (Across All Models)
- ProMotion Technology: Adaptive refresh rates ranging from $1\text{ Hz}$ up to $120\text{ Hz}$.
- Always-On Display: Supported down to $1\text{ Hz}$.
- Dynamic Island: Present in all models.
- HDR Support: HDR10 and Dolby Vision.
- Colour Gamut: Wide colour P3.
- Protection: Ceramic Shield 2 front cover, offering enhanced drop and scratch resistance.
3.2. Size and Resolution Metrics
| Model | Size (Diagonal) | Resolution (Pixels) | Pixel Density (PPI) | Aspect Ratio |
| iPhone 17 | 6.3 inches (15.93 cm) | $2622 \times 1206$ | 460 ppi | 19.5:9 |
| iPhone 17 Air | 6.5 inches | Resolution TBD | TBD (Approx. 460 ppi) | TBD |
| iPhone 17 Pro | 6.3 inches (15.93 cm) | $2622 \times 1206$ | 460 ppi | 19.5:9 |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | 6.9 inches (17.5 cm) | $2868 \times 1320$ | 460 ppi | 19.5:9 |
3.3. Brightness Parameters
- Maximum Typical Brightness (SDR): $1000\text{ nits}$.
- Peak HDR Brightness (HBM): $1600\text{ nits}$.
- Peak Outdoor Brightness: $3000\text{ nits}$ (The highest peak brightness on any iPhone to date).
- Contrast Ratio (Typical): $2,000,000:1$.
4. Imaging Systems and Optical Specifications
The iPhone 17 series features significant advancements in both sensor resolution and computational photography, with a focus on increasing zoom range and low-light fidelity.
4.1. Pro Camera System (iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max)
The Pro models utilize a Triple 48MP Pro Fusion Camera System augmented by a LiDAR Scanner.
| Lens Module | Resolution | Aperture | Focal Length (35mm Equiv.) | Sensor Size (Approx.) | Stabilization | Key Features |
| Main (Wide) | 48 MP | $f/1.78$ | $24\text{ mm}$ | $1/1.28^{\prime\prime}$ | Second-Gen Sensor-Shift OIS | 100% Focus Pixels, 24MP/48MP HEIF/ProRAW support. |
| Ultra Wide | 48 MP | $f/2.2$ | $13\text{ mm}$ | $1/2.55^{\prime\prime}$ | Standard OIS | 120° Field of View, Macro photography support. |
| Telephoto | 48 MP | $f/2.8$ | $100\text{ mm}$ | $1/2.55^{\prime\prime}$ | 3D Sensor-Shift OIS (Tetraprism) | 4x Optical Zoom, 8x Optical-Quality Zoom (via sensor crop). |
Zoom Range (Pro/Max): 8x optical-quality zoom range; Digital zoom up to 40x.
4.2. Standard Camera System (iPhone 17 / 17 Air)
The standard models feature a Dual 48MP Fusion Camera System.
| Lens Module | Resolution | Aperture | Focal Length (35mm Equiv.) | Stabilization |
| Main (Wide) | 48 MP | $f/1.6$ | $26\text{ mm}$ | Sensor-Shift OIS |
| Ultra Wide | 48 MP | $f/2.2$ | $13\text{ mm}$ | Standard OIS |
Zoom Range (Standard/Air): 4x optical zoom range (achieved by 2x in, 2x out); Digital zoom up to 10x.
4.3. Front-Facing Camera (All Models)
- Resolution: 18 MP.
- Aperture: $f/1.9$.
- Focus: Autofocus with Focus Pixels.
- Key Feature: Supports Centre Stage functionality for video calls, utilizing a multi-aspect sensor.
4.4. Video Recording Capabilities (Pro Models)
- Maximum Video Resolution: $4\text{K}$ at $60\text{ fps}$ (Frames Per Second) in Dolby Vision HDR.
- ProRes Video: Up to $4\text{K}$ at $60\text{ fps}$ on internal storage, or up to $4\text{K}$ at $120\text{ fps}$ via external recording (USB-C).
- Slow Motion: $1080\text{p}$ at $120\text{ fps}$ or $240\text{ fps}$.
- Spatial Video: Capture for Apple Vision Pro is supported.
5. Physical Design, Materials, and Dimensions
The iPhone 17 series introduces a significant form factor variation with the "Air" model.
5.1. Materials and Durability
- iPhone 17 / 17 Air: Aerospace-grade Aluminium frame with colour-infused glass back.
- iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max: Grade 5 Titanium frame with ceramic glass back.
- Ingress Protection: All models are rated IP68 under IEC standard 60529 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes).
5.2. Dimensions and Weight (iPhone 17 Standard)
| Parameter | Metric (mm) | Imperial (Inches) |
| Height | $149.6\text{ mm}$ | $5.89\text{ in}$ |
| Width | $71.5\text{ mm}$ | $2.81\text{ in}$ |
| Depth (Thickness) | $8.0\text{ mm}$ | $0.31\text{ in}$ |
| Weight | $177\text{ g}$ | $6.24\text{ oz}$ |
5.3. iPhone 17 Air Ultra-Slim Profile
The iPhone 17 Air is notable for its reduced depth, achieved through internal component redesigns, including a specialized battery pack:
- Approximate Depth: $5.6\text{ mm}$.
- Approximate Weight: $146\text{ g}$.
5.4. External Buttons and Connectors
- Action Button: Customizable physical button for quick access to various functions (introduced in iPhone 16 generation, still present).
- Camera Control: New dedicated two-stage button for focusing and capturing photos/videos.
- Connector: USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 ($10\text{ Gbps}$ throughput) on Standard/Air models. USB Type-C / Thunderbolt 4 (up to $40\text{ Gbps}$ throughput) on Pro/Max models.
6. Wireless Connectivity and Communications
6.1. Networking
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO, providing significantly lower latency and higher theoretical throughput than previous generations.
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth 6.0 for improved power efficiency and range.
- Cellular: 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO support.
- Location Technology: Precision dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou, and NavIC.
- UWB: Apple’s Second-Generation Ultra Wideband chip for enhanced spatial awareness and secure device location.
6.2. SIM Technology
- International Models: Dual eSIM support (no physical SIM slot).
- China/Specific Regions: Nano-SIM and eSIM support.
Battery and Charging
Battery and Charging
1. How Does Charging Work? (Fast Charging Explained)
- Wired Charging (with a cable): This is very fast. If you use a 40 W certified charger, your phone can charge from 0% to 50% in about 20 minutes. This is very useful in emergencies.
- Wireless Charging (without a cable):
- Pro Models: Charge at 20 W using MagSafe.
- Other Models: Charge at 15 W using MagSafe and Qi2 chargers.
2. How Long Does the Battery Last? (Video Playback Time)
This is the approximate time the battery will last if you continuously watch videos:
- Standard iPhone 17: You can watch videos for up to 30 hours before the battery runs out.
- Larger iPhone 17 Pro Max: You can watch videos for up to 39 hours before the battery runs out.
8. Operating System and Security Biometrics
8.1. Software
- Operating System: iOS 26 (Pre-installed).
- Security: Face ID (Facial recognition enabled by the True Depth camera system).
8.2. Sensors
- Face ID
- LiDAR Scanner (Pro models only)
- Barometer
- Three-axis gyro
- Accelerometer
- Proximity sensor
- Ambient light sensor
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