As anticipation builds for Apple’s next major iPhone release, early leaks are offering a glimpse into what the iPhone 17 lineup might look like—literally.
Highlights
- New Colors in Testing: Apple is internally sampling purple (lavender/lilac) and green (muted/natural) color options for the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air—only one is expected to launch, with purple currently in the lead.
- iPhone 17 Air Incoming: A new model dubbed the “iPhone 17 Air” is expected to replace the Plus, possibly with a 6.3-inch 120Hz display and powered by the A19 chip.
- Refined Design, Familiar Aesthetic: Leaks suggest Apple will retain the iPhone 16/16 Plus rear design while introducing fresh colors for visual differentiation.
- Pro Models May Get Sky Blue: The iPhone 17 Pro line could receive a new Sky Blue finish, continuing Apple’s trend of color-based tier distinction.
- Expected Specs: Rumors point to an A18 chip (A19 for Air), 8GB RAM, 120Hz screen, and possibly a 24MP front camera. iOS 26 will ship out of the box.
- Timeline: Launch is expected between September 11–13, 2025, with pre-orders opening shortly after.
According to recent reports, Apple is testing new color options for its upcoming base models, with purple and green finishes currently being evaluated.
The information comes from well-known tipster Majin Bu, who claims that both colors are being sampled internally for the iPhone 17 and the rumored “iPhone 17 Air.”
But, only one of the new shades is expected to make it to the final release. Based on internal trends, purple appears to be the frontrunner.
Subtle Visual Shift, Familiar Design
Leaked mock-ups suggest Apple may retain the overall rear design language of the current iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, keeping visual continuity while experimenting with new tones.
This approach aligns with Apple’s history of introducing subtle but refreshing aesthetic changes year to year.
The purple being tested is described as a lavender or lilac tone—similar to the well-received purple variants from earlier models like the iPhone 12 and 14 Pro. It’s a softer, more elegant take that balances vibrancy with a refined aesthetic.
In contrast, the green shade is described as a natural, muted tone, likely appealing to minimalist users. Still, sources suggest that Apple is leaning toward the bolder purple option for mass production.
iPhone 17 Air
The rumored iPhone 17 Air is expected to replace the current Plus variant and may offer more than just a new name. Reports indicate that it could feature a 6.3-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, although it may not include Apple’s ProMotion technology, which remains exclusive to the Pro series.
Performance-wise, the base iPhone 17 is expected to ship with the A18 chip, while the Air variant might be powered by the newer A19 processor, potentially creating a more noticeable performance gap between the two non-Pro models.
Expanding the Pro Palette?
In addition to the base models, Majin Bu also hinted at a new Sky Blue finish for the iPhone 17 Pro—suggesting that Apple may be using color not only for visual refreshes but also to further differentiate tiers within the lineup.
Currently, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are available in Black, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine, and White, while the Pro lineup features Titanium finishes such as Black, Desert, Natural, and White. A lavender or green model could add a unique visual identity to the iPhone 17 without altering its form factor.
Expected Specs & Timeline
Leaks suggest the iPhone 17 could launch between September 11–13, 2025, with pre-orders starting soon after.
- 6.3-inch 120Hz display
- A18 processor (with A19 for Air)
- 8GB of RAM
- Possibly a 24MP front-facing camera
- iOS 26 out of the box
While new colors may seem like a minor update compared to internal hardware changes, they play a significant role in consumer perception—especially in a mature smartphone market where annual refreshes tend to be incremental.
