While the spotlight is currently on the iPhone 16 series, some analysts are already looking further ahead to what the 2025 iPhone 17 Pro might bring. A closer look at Apple’s design philosophy, along with the recurring visual themes found in its branding, is giving hints of where the company could be headed. If the analysis is correct, two major features stand out: under-display Face ID and a new anti-reflective screen. Both would mark significant changes to the iPhone’s look and usability.
Key Takeaways
- Analysts believe under-display Face ID could arrive with the iPhone 17 Pro, creating a true all-screen appearance.
- A new anti-reflective and scratch-resistant screen is another expected upgrade.
- These insights are drawn from a mix of supply chain reports and analysis of Apple’s design patterns.
- The change would remove most of the Dynamic Island, leaving only a small camera cutout.
A Cleaner Display on the Horizon
One of the strongest reports about the iPhone 17 Pro, highlighted by display industry expert Ross Young, points to under-display Face ID. This technology would allow Apple to hide the complex facial recognition sensors beneath the display, making them invisible during daily use. If Apple moves forward with this, the Dynamic Island could disappear almost entirely, with only a small circular cutout remaining for the front-facing camera.
That idea fits with Apple’s long-standing preference for simplicity. The company often leans on clean visuals, layered effects, and subtle transparency in its design language. To some, these cues reflect Apple’s broader ambition of hiding advanced technology under a minimal, uncluttered surface. A seamless all-screen design has been the goal for many smartphone makers, and the iPhone 17 Pro could be the device where Apple makes that vision real.
A Tougher, Clearer Screen
The second expected feature is a screen material that is both tougher and easier to see outdoors. Since the launch of Ceramic Shield with the iPhone 12, Apple has improved drop protection, but scratches and screen glare remain challenges. Reports now suggest Apple is preparing a new coating that would resist scratches more effectively and reduce reflections.
Such a change would make the iPhone screen less vulnerable to everyday wear and tear, such as micro-scratches from coins or dust in a pocket. The anti-reflective quality would also improve outdoor visibility, something users often struggle with in bright sunlight. Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra has already set the bar with its Corning Gorilla Armor display, which has been praised for its low reflectivity. Apple may be preparing a similar or even more advanced solution.
Interestingly, some have noted that Apple’s recent graphics often feature polished textures and metallic-like finishes, which could be subtle hints toward a stronger, clearer display material. Of course, with more than a year until the iPhone 17 Pro is expected, plans could still change. Even so, the signals coming from industry reports and design trends point toward a future where the iPhone combines a cleaner display with a screen that is both tougher and more practical in everyday light.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is under-display Face ID?
A1: Under-display Face ID is a technology that places the sensors for facial recognition (like the dot projector and infrared camera) under the phone’s screen. This makes them invisible to the user, allowing for a display without a large notch or cutout.
Q2: Will the iPhone 17 Pro have no notch or Dynamic Island?
A2: According to current reports, the iPhone 17 Pro will likely eliminate the pill-shaped Dynamic Island. It is expected to feature only a small, circular cutout for the front camera, with the Face ID sensors hidden under the display.
Q3: What is an anti-reflective screen?
A3: An anti-reflective screen has a special coating that reduces glare and reflections from external light sources, such as the sun or indoor lights. This makes the display easier to view, especially in bright conditions, and can make colours appear more vibrant.
Q4: Are these iPhone 17 Pro features confirmed by Apple?
A4: No, Apple has not confirmed any features for the iPhone 17 Pro. All the information is based on reports from supply chain analysts, industry insiders, and interpretations of the company’s technology patents.
Q5: When is the iPhone 17 expected to be released?
A5: Following Apple’s traditional release schedule, the iPhone 17 lineup is expected to be announced and released in September 2025.
