The upcoming iPhone 17 lineup is shaping up to be more than just a modest upgrade. 
According to new leaks from trusted Weibo source Digital Chat Station, Apple plans to bring Pro-level design features and exclusive software enhancements to its standard models-something rarely seen before.
One of the biggest visual changes coming to the iPhone 17 and the new iPhone 17 Air is the introduction of ultra-thin bezels, matching those found on the current iPhone 16 Pro lineup. This is a significant design upgrade that puts the base models on par with their premium siblings, at least from the front-facing view.
But it doesn’t stop there. While Apple stayed quiet at WWDC 2025 about any Dynamic Island changes, insiders suggest the company is planning secret updates for the iPhone 17 lineup, tied directly to iOS 26. These may include subtle UI and interaction tweaks that are unavailable on older devices. Though no visual redesign of the Island is expected just yet, its functionality could quietly improve.
Apple’s signature Liquid Glass aesthetic in iOS 26 already promises a sleeker experience, and these enhancements exclusive to the iPhone 17 will help set the new phones apart-especially when there’s increasing pressure for base models to justify their price tags.
There’s also chatter about a possible increase in refresh rate for the iPhone 17 display. However, it likely won’t use the LTPO panels found in the Pro series, meaning Always-On Display still won’t be available. Nonetheless, this still signals a step forward for the non-Pro models in terms of responsiveness and smooth scrolling.
For hardware purists, the iPhone 17 Pro Max remains the top-tier choice, possibly with an even more compact Dynamic Island-though reports suggest this may not materialize until the iPhone 18 generation.
As Apple approaches the 20th anniversary of the iPhone, it’s clear they’re not waiting for a single flagship to push the envelope. With thinner bezels, iOS 26 perks, and a continued push toward an all-screen design, the iPhone 17 series might be the most polished standard model lineup yet.