iPhone 17 Pro/ representational image Photo credit: @asherdipps & Amazon
Accessory-maker Spigen has inadvertently revealed a significant detail about Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17: its display size. In a recent update to its product listings, Spigen included compatibility for the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro under a screen protector designed for the iPhone 16 Pro, all suggesting a 6.3-inch display.
What Spigen’s Product Listing Revealed
Spigen’s listing, which briefly appeared on an e-commerce site, stated that its screen protector model is suitable for the iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 17, and iPhone 17 Pro—implying all three devices will share the same display size of 6.3 inches. This is a notable shift for the base iPhone model, which currently features a 6.1-inch screen.
Tech observers and Apple watchers believe this confirms previous industry leaks and insider reports that the iPhone 17 lineup will undergo subtle but meaningful changes to its display dimensions.
Display Analysts Confirm the Change
Respected display analyst Ross Young had earlier predicted that Apple would increase the display size of the standard iPhone 17 to approximately 6.27 inches—rounded off to 6.3 inches. This change aligns the base model with the current Pro model’s screen size and indicates a possible effort by Apple to reduce the gap between base and Pro variants.
Young also mentioned that the iPhone 17 Pro will retain the same 6.3-inch size, while Apple is developing an iPhone 17 Air with a 6.55-inch display and a Pro Max model potentially reaching 6.86 inches.
Why the Display Size Matters
1. Better Visual Experience
A 6.3-inch screen brings more real estate to the user without a significant increase in the overall body size. It allows for a better multimedia experience—whether you’re streaming video, gaming, reading, or multitasking. Users who find the Pro Max too large may now consider the base iPhone a more viable option.
2. Strategic Lineup Alignment
Bringing the base iPhone’s display closer in size to the Pro model may be Apple’s way of simplifying its lineup and offering better value without dramatically increasing production costs. With a similar form factor across multiple models, accessory compatibility and internal part standardization become more efficient.
3. Competitive Advantage
With mid-tier smartphones from competitors offering larger displays, Apple’s move to a 6.3-inch screen allows the company to stay competitive in terms of screen real estate, especially in markets like Asia where larger displays are preferred.
What’s Still Unconfirmed
While Spigen’s listing gives a solid clue about the display size, many details remain unclear:
- Display Technology: Will the iPhone 17 feature the same ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate, LTPO, or always-on display tech found in the Pro models? At present, it’s likely that only the Pro models will retain these premium features.
- Design Changes: Leaks have hinted at a thinner and lighter chassis for the iPhone 17, but Apple has not confirmed any changes in materials or form factor.
- Model Differentiation: With both the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro rumored to share screen size, the key differences may come down to performance, camera hardware, battery life, and advanced display features.
Expected Launch Timeline
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series in September 2025, following its traditional launch cycle. With screen size now effectively confirmed, focus will shift to other anticipated upgrades like the new A19 Bionic chip, improved AI features in iOS 19, and possibly under-display Face ID in higher-end models.
Final Thoughts
The confirmation that the iPhone 17 will have a 6.3-inch display marks a significant development in Apple’s smartphone strategy. By aligning the base model with the Pro variant in terms of size, Apple is poised to offer more value to mainstream consumers while streamlining its product lineup.
As Apple refines its design and feature set, the iPhone 17 could emerge as a balanced choice—offering Pro-level dimensions without the Pro-level price. All eyes are now on Apple’s fall event, where the full picture will finally be revealed.
