Article: iPhone 17 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Worth the Wait?
With Apple’s next launch looming in September 2025, the rumour mill is churning, and all eyes are on the iPhone 17 Pro. If you’re holding an iPhone 16 Pro right now and wondering, “Should I upgrade?”, you’re not alone, so let’s break it down.
Design Tweaks: Subtle, But Slick
The 16 Pro already nailed the sleek look - titanium frame, 6.3" OLED, buttery 120 Hz display. The 17 Pro? It’s rumoured to go even cleaner, with slimmer bezels, possibly a smaller Dynamic Island, and a fresh rear camera bar design. Not dramatic, but definitely a glow-up.
If you like a fresh face without a full makeover, the 17 Pro could tempt.
Speed & Power: Gearing Up
The 16 Pro runs on Apple’s A18 Pro chip with 8 GB RAM. It’s no slouch. But the 17 Pro might roll in with a next-gen A19 Pro and a juicy 12 GB RAM. Think faster switching, snappier AI features, and maybe even Mac-level multitasking.
Oh and it might finally get a vapour chamber cooling system to stop things overheating during gaming or video shoots. Hot stuff, minus the hot phone.
What’s Powering It?
Inside, sources suggest the Air will be powered by Apple’s upcoming A19 chip, with up to 12 GB of RAM, which would bring it closer to the Pro line in performance.
We’re also hearing the Air will drop the SIM tray altogether, moving to an eSIM-only setup, even in the UK. That’s a first for Apple here and a nudge towards a future where ports and trays are a thing of the past.
Connectivity is said to include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and Apple’s own new C1 modem. Whether that means faster speeds or better battery efficiency remains to be seen.
Camera Talk: Say Cheese (Again)
The 16 Pro boasts a triple threat: 48 MP wide, ultra-wide, and a 12 MP telephoto. Lovely stuff. The 17 Pro? Rumour says all three lenses will jump to 48 MP, with a new 3.5x zoom lens in the mix and a 24 MP selfie camera up front.
There’s even a whisper of 8K video and dual front-and-back recording. TikTokers, vloggers and photo buffs, this one’s calling your name.
Battery Life: Finally, More Juice?
One of the biggest leaks? The 17 Pro might bring a massive battery boost, up to 5,000 mAh in the Pro Max model, and maybe something similar for the Pro. For context, the 16 Pro runs on a 3,582 mAh cell. Bigger battery = more binge-watching, more snapping, more “just one more scroll”.
Charging might get a speed boost too, up to 35W wired and maybe 50W wireless.
So, Should You Upgrade?
If you're using the iPhone 15 or older, this feels like a solid leap forward. Faster, cooler (literally), and smarter in just about every way.
If you’ve got the 16 Pro already? It depends. The upgrades look real, but incremental. If you’re not fussed about new camera tricks or a little more battery, you might want to wait another round.
But if you love being on the cutting edge? The 17 Pro could be your next perfect match.
And Don’t Forget Your Case
Whether you stick with your 16 or eye up the 17, it deserves to be dressed for the occasion. At Snakehive, we handcraft genuine leather phone cases that feel as good as they look, designed for everyday elegance and protection, without bulking up your pocket.
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