After years of user complaints - particularly from gamers and professional users - Apple may finally be addressing the iPhone’s overheating issues.

According to sources, the iPhone 17 Pro will feature a completely new cooling system that disperses heat more effectively during demanding tasks such as 3D gaming or video rendering.

This technology reportedly relies on a vapor chamber, already widely used in high-end gaming laptops.

If implemented successfully, the iPhone would be able to sustain stable performance even while handling complex AI tasks.

In other words, creating a Genmoji won’t make your phone feel like it’s overheating anymore.

Ultra-slim and lightweight design

While this year’s Pro models are expected to be slightly thicker to accommodate larger batteries and upgraded camera systems, Apple is also set to introduce an entirely new variant named the iPhone 17 Air.

According to multiple sources, the iPhone 17 Air will be the slimmest iPhone ever, measuring just 5.5mm at its thinnest point.

To achieve this level of thinness, Apple has employed advanced engineering techniques to miniaturize internal components. Despite its thin profile, the phone will still be equipped with the powerful A19 chip found in other iPhone 17 models.

However, this slimness comes at a cost: a smaller battery and only a single rear camera. This model is clearly targeted at users who prioritize lightweight design over multi-lens photography.

Dramatically improved selfie camera

It’s been years since the iPhone’s front-facing camera saw a major leap in resolution. The last significant upgrade was in the iPhone 14, which featured a larger sensor and autofocus support.

The good news: a major change is coming to the iPhone 17. Apple is expected to upgrade the front camera from 12MP to 24MP, delivering sharper selfies and clearer FaceTime calls.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has revealed that the new camera will include a 6-element lens (up from 5 in the iPhone 15 and 16), improving image quality in low-light conditions. This will be a huge plus for content creators, especially vloggers.

Next-gen high-performance chip

Apple is likely to continue its chip tiering strategy to encourage users to opt for higher-end models. The base iPhone 17 will reportedly use the A19 chip, while the 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max will feature the more powerful A19 Pro.

Both chips are built on TSMC’s N3P process, offering better energy efficiency than the N3/N3E nodes used in previous generations. However, the A19 Pro will stand out with a stronger GPU and 12GB of RAM (compared to 8GB on the standard version).

This means the most demanding tasks - video editing, 3D gaming, and on-device AI - will run more smoothly, especially when combined with the new cooling system.

Apple’s in-house wireless connectivity

While the iPhone 16 already supports Wi-Fi 7 and 5G, the iPhone 17 is expected to take connectivity a step further with Apple’s first in-house 5G modem, called the C1.

Leaks suggest at least one model - likely the iPhone 17 Air - will be equipped with the C1 modem, which first appeared in the iPhone 16e.

This modem significantly improves battery life compared to Qualcomm’s, helping offset the limitations of a smaller battery in ultra-thin devices.

Additionally, analyst Jeff Pu predicts the entire iPhone 17 lineup will feature a new Wi-Fi 7 chip designed by Apple, which optimizes energy consumption and boosts connection speeds.

While none of these details have been officially confirmed by Apple, the mounting leaks suggest the iPhone 17 could mark a turning point for the brand, offering features never before seen in Apple’s smartphone history.

From a brand-new cooling system and ultra-slim design to a doubled-resolution selfie camera, high-powered A19 Pro chip, and in-house modem technology, Apple is setting the stage for an exciting fall season for the global tech community.

If the leaks materialize, the iPhone 17 won’t just be another annual upgrade – it could redefine Apple’s strategy in the AI smartphone era and next-gen connectivity.

Hai Phong