Apple iPhone 17: 6 Speculated Features That Could Be Postponed or Scrapped
As excitement rises for the arrival of Apple’s iPhone 17 series, anticipated in the upcoming months, technology aficionados are keen to discover the advancements the Cupertino-based company has planned. Throughout the past year, various leaks and speculations have emerged regarding the forthcoming devices, hinting at numerous thrilling new functionalities. However, not every one of these proposed enhancements is expected to be included in the final version.
Here’s a breakdown of six eagerly awaited iPhone 17 features that Apple has reportedly postponed or completely abandoned.
1. Scratch-Resistant, Anti-Reflective Display
One of the most frequently discussed possible enhancements for the iPhone 17 Pro models was a new scratch-resistant, anti-reflective display. This characteristic was anticipated to compete with Samsung’s Gorilla Glass Armor, which made its debut on the Galaxy S24 Ultra and significantly diminished screen glare while enhancing durability.
Initially, reports suggested that Apple was developing a similar display technology for its premium iPhones. However, newer updates imply that Apple has canceled these initiatives due to limitations in the supply chain. The company reportedly faced challenges in procuring sufficient anti-reflective panels to fulfill production requirements, leading to a delay or outright cancellation of the feature.
2. Solid-State Buttons
Solid-state buttons—components that don’t physically move but create the sensation of a click through haptic feedback—have been rumored for the iPhone for quite some time. This concept aligns with Apple’s vision for a streamlined, portless design and was expected to make its debut on the iPhone 15 or iPhone 16.
Despite ongoing speculation, Apple has reportedly scrapped plans to implement solid-state buttons in the iPhone 17 as well. Technical difficulties and manufacturing intricacies seem to be the primary factors influencing this decision. Although the company may reconsider this concept in the future, it’s improbable that we will see this feature in 2024.
3. Portless Design
Apple has been gradually moving toward a completely portless iPhone for several years, particularly with the advent of MagSafe charging and the elimination of the headphone jack. The iPhone 17 Air was speculated to be the first model to go entirely portless, depending exclusively on wireless charging and data transfer.
However, regulatory issues—especially from the European Union—have reportedly compelled Apple to halt these plans. The EU’s initiative for universal charging standards, such as USB-C, may have impacted Apple’s choice to retain physical ports for the time being. Consequently, the vision of a portless iPhone will need to be postponed.
4. Under-Display Face ID
Another forward-looking feature that has been speculated for multiple iPhone generations is under-display Face ID. This technology would enable Apple to conceal the Face ID sensors beneath the display, removing the necessity for a notch or Dynamic Island.
While some reports indicated that Apple was experimenting with this technology for the iPhone 17 Pro models, more recent leaks suggest that under-display Face ID won’t be ready until at least 2025. Technical challenges concerning sensor precision and display clarity are thought to be the key hurdles.
5. Periscope Zoom for All Models
The iPhone 15 Pro Max introduced a periscope-style telephoto lens, delivering significantly enhanced optical zoom capabilities. Many anticipated that Apple would extend this feature to all iPhone 17 Pro models, including the smaller Pro variant.
However, supply chain analysts now suggest that the periscope zoom lens will remain exclusive to the larger iPhone 17 Pro Max. Manufacturing limitations and cost factors appear to influence this verdict, resulting in users of the smaller Pro model missing out on improved zoom capabilities for another year.
6. A19 Chip for All Variants
Early speculation hinted that Apple would equip the entire iPhone 17 lineup with the upcoming A19 chip, thereby delivering consistent performance across all models. This would have represented a shift from Apple’s recent practice of reserving the latest chips for Pro models.
Unfortunately, it seems Apple will continue to distinguish its lineup by utilizing the A19 chip solely in the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. The standard iPhone 17 and 17 Plus are projected to feature a slightly older chip, possibly a variant of the A18. This approach helps Apple control production costs but may disappoint users wishing for premium performance in the base models.
Conclusion
While the iPhone 17 is still anticipated to provide significant enhancements in performance, battery life, and camera technology, several highly awaited features may not be realized this year. From cutting-edge display technology to a portless design, Apple seems to be adopting a more cautious strategy—likely due to technical, supply chain, and regulatory obstacles.
As always, Apple’s choices are shaped by a blend of innovation, practicality, and market readiness. Enthusiasts will need to wait a bit longer for some of these advanced features to materialize. In the meantime, the iPhone 17 lineup will likely concentrate on refining existing technologies and ensuring a seamless user experience.
