Technologies

How Will the iPhone 17 Compare to the iPhone 16? Here’s What to Expect

Apple will likely unveil its next phone in September. Is it worth waiting for?

Over the weekend, I went to the Verizon store and saw a startling number of people buying a new iPhone 16. It took everything in me not to chime in with, «Are you sure you don’t want to wait and see what Apple has planned for the iPhone 17?»

With the anticipated launch of the iPhone 17 in September, it could be a good idea to hang tight and either purchase the new phone or get the iPhone 16 at a discounted price. Apple still hasn’t confirmed the existence of the iPhone 17, and we don’t have any official specs or features, but here’s how it could compare to the iPhone 16, according to rumors and speculation.

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 17: Key rumored specs compared

We still don’t have any confirmed details about the iPhone 17 but that hasn’t stopped the rumor mill from churning and purported leaks from making the rounds. Speculation extends across the entire iPhone 17 lineup, from the Pro models to what could be a thinner «Air» version (which may be Apple’s answer to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge). But I’m going to focus on the baseline iPhone 17.

Screen differences

One of the most highly anticipated changes could be that the iPhone 17 adds a 120Hz display, which would be very welcome. Currently, only the iPhone Pro models have that higher refresh rate, while the baseline and Plus models are stuck with a 60Hz display. Bumping that refresh rate could also prompt Apple to bring the always-on display to the baseline model, making it easier to quickly glance at the time and your notifications without waking your display.

There’s been some back-and-forth on whether the iPhone 17 will have a scratch-resistant, antireflective display. But the most recent reports suggest that feature will only be available on the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, not the baseline iPhone 17 (or the Air). So there may not be major discrepancies between the iPhone 16 and 17 on that front.

Camera differences

It’s possible the iPhone 17’s selfie camera will get a bump to 24 megapixels, instead of the current 12 megapixels found in the iPhone 16’s front-facing shooter. Megapixels aren’t the only determining factor for good-quality photos but if it is an upgrade, that could make taking selfies or shooting videos for social media on the front-facing camera less of a compromise.

There’s also been some conversation about the camera bump on Apple’s upcoming iPhone lineup. It’s likely that only the Pro models’ cameras will be nestled in a new, larger panel that stretches horizontally across the back of the phone (perhaps evoking the «Geordi Visor» on the Google Pixel 9) and that the baseline will maintain a similar camera arrangement to the iPhone 16. Only time will tell.

Design differences

Rumors suggest that like the iPhone 16, the iPhone 17 will have an aluminum frame. (In fact, it’s possible that’ll be the case for the entire lineup, apart from the iPhone 17 Air, which could have a titanium frame to make it lighter.)

There have also been reports that the iPhone 17 will use a new compact «metalens» technology for the proximity sensor, which could reduce the size of the Face ID sensor and the Dynamic Island. That could give slightly more real estate to the top of the 17’s display.

Processor and RAM

One key element that could remain unchanged across both phones is the processor. The iPhone 17 is rumored to pack an A18 chip, just like the iPhone 16.

With Apple’s plans to expand its Apple Intelligence suite of AI capabilities, it’s possible the iPhone 17 lineup could come with 12GB of RAM instead of the current 8GB — or at least part of it could.

In April, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the iPhone 17 Air and Pro models would sport 12GB of RAM but that Apple was still deciding whether to equip the baseline model with that higher amount too. In May, analyst Jeff Pu noted the baseline would remain at 8GB. We’ll have to wait to see what Apple ultimately decides.

Speaking of Apple Intelligence, a new AI-powered Adaptive Power feature arriving with iOS 26 can help conserve the battery by making «small performance adjustments,» like «allowing some activities to take a little longer,» according to Apple. The next iPhone is expected to arrive with the upcoming operating system onboard but you’ll also be able to download iOS 26 on the iPhone 16, as well as some older iPhones, once it becomes available publicly. That should help to stretch your battery life on either device.

Color options

What’s on the inside may be most important but people also want to know what fun colors the iPhone 17 could sport. Rumors suggest the upcoming device could come in black, blue, silver, purple and green.

For comparison, the iPhone 16 is available in black, white, pink, teal and ultramarine.

Everything we think we know about the iPhone 17 is still just speculation so we’ll have to see what Apple unveils this fall.

Should you buy an iPhone 16 now or wait for the iPhone 17?

If you’re in desperate need of a new phone and can’t wait any longer, who am I to stop you? But if you can hang tight until September, when Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 17, you can either score the flashy new device or get a discount on the iPhone 16. (In previous years, the company dropped the price on older models by about $100.)

It’s likely the changes between the iPhone 16 and 17 will be relatively modest. Apple tends to debut newer features on its Pro models before eventually rolling them out across the full lineup, like it did with the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max and the Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. So any shiny new capabilities will likely land on its more premium phones first, such as the rumored antireflective display and redesigned cameras on the iPhone 17 Pro models.

But perhaps the biggest changes could arrive next year with the 20th anniversary of the iPhone, for which Apple is reportedly «preparing a major shake-up» of the phone’s design, according to Bloomberg. That includes a (long-rumored) foldable version and a «bold new Pro model that makes more extensive use of glass.» The iPhone 17 may not even be announced yet but it’s never too early to be looking even further ahead.

Technologies

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Wednesday, Aug. 6

Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for Aug. 6

Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.

I struggled with a few of today’s Mini Crossword clues. 3-Down, with the clue «Fab!» really stumped me. I eventually got it, thanks to the other clues filling in some letters. Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? Read on. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.

The Mini Crossword is just one of many games in The Times’ games collection. If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.

Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword

Let’s get to those Mini Crossword clues and answers.

Mini across clues and answers

1A clue: Stylish
Answer: HIP

4A clue: Something a beach umbrella provides
Answer: SHADE

6A clue: ___ Banks, North Carolina
Answer: OUTER

7A clue: Unlikely to keep you up at night, in a way
Answer: DECAF

8A clue: The eruption of Mount St. Helens released 520 million tons of it
Answer: ASH

Mini down clues and answers

1D clue: Come out of one’s shell
Answer: HATCH

2D clue: Bright ___
Answer: IDEA

3D clue: «Fab!»
Answer: PERF

4D clue: Starry or Squirt
Answer: SODA

5D clue: Color tones
Answer: HUES

Technologies

Samsung Acknowledges Its ‘Upcoming’ Tri-Fold Phone on Earnings Call

It’s reportedly «preparing to introduce» the unique form factor later this year.

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 may have just come out, but it appears the company is already teasing its next foldable phone that takes things to a whole other level.

In an earnings call last week, which Seeking Alpha shared, Samsung noted it’s pushing forward with its triple-screen foldable, which has been rumored for months. It also acknowledged the imminent arrival of its Project Moohan mixed reality headset, which it’s developing with Google. Samsung reportedly said it’s «preparing to introduce» the products this year.

«We will drive sales of our premium mobile AI devices, including our newly launched foldables and aim to lead the market by expanding our ecosystem through innovative form factors like the upcoming Tri-Fold device and our first XR headset,» the company reportedly said on the call.

A representative for Samsung didn’t immediately respond to CNET’s request for comment.

Last month, Android Authority reported that a Samsung executive said the new foldable is «ready to go.» That person reportedly told the publication: «We’ve had a tri-fold for some time, designed and everything. So it’s not a new concept to us. What we’re debating is the viability. When I say the viability, is there really a demand for this form factor?»

It’s an interesting consideration, as there arguably hasn’t been overwhelming demand for thinner phones, and yet Samsung still debuted the slim Galaxy S25 Edge in May — and then carried over that sleek design to the Z Fold 7. But it’s possible that, as Samsung said when it debuted its latest book-style foldable, «feeling is believing,» and people might be keen to get their hands on a phone that feels more innovative than many other devices currently on the market.

Android Authority cites a South Korean publication that says the rumored tri-fold will have a 10-inch OLED display, a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and a triple camera system with a 200-megapixel main camera, a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera and a 10-megapixel telephoto camera — just like the Z Fold 7. It could also have a 10-megapixel selfie camera. Rumors suggest it could cost around $3,000. It could first launch in China and South Korea before the company determines whether to extend availability elsewhere.

Like thin phones, tri-folds are having a moment. Last month, Chinese company Tecno showed off its tri-fold concept, the Phantom Ultimate G Fold. There’s also the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate, which is available now outside the US.

In a press conference during Samsung Unpacked in July, Roh Tae-moon, the acting head of Samsung Electronics’ Device Experience Division, reportedly confirmed plans for the company to launch a tri-fold phone by the end of this year. The device has been dubbed the «Galaxy G Fold,» though Samsung seemingly hasn’t confirmed anything about that naming.

«We are now focusing on perfecting the product and its usability, but we have not decided its name,» The Korea Times quoted Roh. «As the product nears completion, we are planning to make a final decision soon.»

We’ll see if Samsung ends up dropping more teasers in the coming months, like it did in the lead-up to the Z Fold 7.

Technologies

Today’s NYT Connections Hints, Answers and Help for Aug. 6, #787

Here are some hints and the answers for the NYT Connections puzzle for Aug. 6, #787.

Looking for the most recent Connections answers? Click here for today’s Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands puzzles.

Today’s NYT Connections puzzle has one of those purple categories at which the New York Times’ editors are experts. They love to add letters to related words to make other words, and it can be tough to see that connection — which is the point of the puzzle. Read on for clues and today’s Connections answers.

The Times now has a Connections Bot, like the one for Wordle. Go there after you play to receive a numeric score and to have the program analyze your answers. Players who are registered with the Times Games section can now nerd out by following their progress, including the number of puzzles completed, win rate, number of times they nabbed a perfect score and their win streak.

Read more: Hints, Tips and Strategies to Help You Win at NYT Connections Every Time

Hints for today’s Connections groups

Here are four hints for the groupings in today’s Connections puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group, to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.

Yellow group hint: Maybe a nametag.

Green group hint: Joking around.

Blue group hint: Think Ali or Tyson.

Purple group hint: Think Schwarzenegger.