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Tom's Guide
08-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
I miss when every other iPhone release featured an S-series — Apple should bring that back
You may have heard the reports claiming Apple is going to change the way it releases new iPhones. Rather than releasing all of its new iPhones at once, the company would reserve the fall launch for its flashier models, such as the iPhone Pro, iPhone Pro Max and iPhone Fold once that foldable iPhone arrives. With fall focused on the marquee devices, other models would launch in the spring. These would be the standard iPhone model along with the E series device and, presumably, future iPhone Air models should an iPhone 17 Air debut this fall. You can understand the thinking behind the rumor, to a point. With Signs point to the e-series being an annual release, rather than the more sporadic updates to the iPhone SE. On top of that, foldable phones are expected to be in Apple's product mix as early as next year, potentially meaning the company has six device to release in any given year. You may like But rather than staggering its releases throughout the year just like Samsung does with its Galaxy S and Galaxy Z devices, I feel Apple should take a different approach. Instead of making each years' phone a big roaring spectacle, Apple should go back to the way things were during the iPhone's first decade — and bring back S-series iPhones. iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus (Image credit: Tom's Guide) Apple's developed a bit of a reputation over the past several years, with accusations that it just "releases the same phone every year." It's all down to the frustrations over minimal changes from one year to the next, despite all the pomp and circumstance that Apple gives each new iPhone. And that's not a problem that's exclusive to Apple. But there was a point in the past where Apple tried to make it obvious that specific phones weren't supposed to reinvent the wheel. I'm talking about the S-series, which started with 2009's iPhone 3Gs and lasted until the iPhone Xs in 2008. These weren't full upgrades, in the same way phones like the iPhone 4 or iPhone 5 were. Apple did its best to hype up each new release, but everyone knew that these phones offered pretty incremental upgrades compared to their immediate predecessors. If you had an iPhone 4, there wasn't really any need to buy an iPhone 4S — it was essentially the same phone with some minor updates aimed at people who hadn't upgraded to the previous model. You were better off waiting for an iPhone 5 the following year, and spending your money on something more substantial. The same was true of jumping from the iPhone 4S to 5S. Buying an iPhone 5 might have its perks, but since you had an S-series model already you were better off waiting for the next one. Developing an S-series iPhone gave Apple the opportunity to release a new model every year, making whatever fixes and upgrades were necessary on the previous release. But that approach came without all the same expectations that would come from changing the phone's number. An iPhone 6S was an extension of the iPhone 6, and judging it on the same level as an iPhone 7 would be pretty foolish. Annual numbered releases create too much expectation (Image credit: Future) I'll admit, I was a little frustrated back in 2011 when Apple unveiled the iPhone 4S instead of the iPhone 5. The rumor mill was filled with talk about what the fabled new "iPhone 5" could have to offer, and since this was the fifth iPhone Apple released, it made sense to give the upcoming device that name. But that's not what happened, and the iPhone 5 ended up being the sixth iPhone overall, and numbering has only gotten messier in the years since. Needless to say, I've long since stopped being pedantic about such things. Apple switched back to a chronological naming system from iPhone 11 onward, and since then we've had an uninterrupted string of numbered iPhones — regardless of how much changes each year. And at this point, it feels like Apple should maybe switch back. Increasing a number every year creates an expectation that something big is going to change. But in reality, there's only so much Apple can really alter from one year to the next. Apple should seriously consider switching back to its old iPhone release approach which was working well enough, to help prospective users temper their expectations. Maybe an iPhone 16S this fall wouldn't have quite the same level of hype as an iPhone 17. But at least there isn't going to be a wave of people disappointed that upgrades X, Y and Z never materialize. It's an S series model, so of course the entry-level iPhone 16S isn't going to get a 120Hz display nor is the iPhone 16S Pro going to get a more powerful telephoto lens. OK, so those are bad examples, since the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro are expected to get both those upgrades. But at least having the S naming convention in play would stop people hoping for specific upgrades every single year, and being disappointed when they inevitably fail to arrive. At the very least, when the iPhone number changes, you'd know that you were in for something worth having on your phone. When it comes right down to it, Apple's going to do exactly what it thinks will sell the most iPhones. Clearly, having a product numbering system that teaches people to only expect significant upgrades every two years led to off-years for iPhone sales. And Apple wants to see that year-over-year sales growth, especially with iPhones accounting for more than half of its revenue. Naturally switching to a biannual release calendar as is currently rumored would be Apple's way of trying to increase the number of sales. That, and making sure that iPhone launch events don't end up being 3 hours long, because of all the phones that need to be announced. Still, from a consumer point of view I can't help but wonder if things are going to change, maybe Apple should switch back to the old way of doing things. If nothing else, it would ensure that consumers (and shareholders) aren't going into iPhone launch events with sky-high expectations that will inevitably leave them disappointed. More from Tom's Guide Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
The Sun
23-04-2025
- The Sun
Brand new ‘never seen' iPhone colour ‘coming this year' as leak reveals exact shade and top Apple fans may recognise it
Sean Keach, Head of Technology and Science Published: Invalid Date, APPLE'S next smartphone might come in a brand new colour never seen on the iPhone. The tech giant is reportedly preparing a surprise paintjob for its upcoming iPhone 17. This next-gen iPhone hasn't been officially confirmed, but is expected to debut in September. And a prominent Apple leaker known online as "Majin Bu" says that the iPhone 17 Pro model will come in a new hue. This fresh colour is called Sky Blue, and it's being described by the leaker as "inspired by the clear sky of a spring morning". Keen Apple fans will know that Sky Blue is available right now on Apple's latest laptop. In fact, The Sun's 2025 MacBook Air review featured the laptop in that exact colour. Apple has released blue iPhones in the past, but never a Sky Blue option. For contrast, last year's iPhone 16 Pro models were available in Desert Titanium, Natural Titanium, White Titanium, and Black Titanium. They're all very plain colours, so a Sky Blue option could make this year's iPhone line-up more vivid. "Sources close to the supply chain confirm that several iPhone 17 Pro prototypes have been made in various colors, with Sky Blue currently the frontrunner," Majin Bu explains. "In prototypes, it reportedly looks even more stunning than the much-loved Sierra Blue of the iPhone 13 Pro, with a brightness and refinement that make it irresistible. I've tested the iPhone 16 – the battery is insane but another model is even better "Unless Apple changes course at the last minute, this will be the star of the September 2025 launch event." Sadly it's impossible to know exactly whether the "leak" is correct or not. Apple won't even confirm the dates of the launch event until much later in the year – and will wait for the big day before revealing the iPhone 17. WHAT ELSE DO WE KNOW ABOUT THE IPHONE 17? Apple plays its cards close to its chest with new iPhone models. 5 5 But the company is a creature of habit – and leaks are common – so we can make some good guesses. For instance, last year The Sun's tech editor Sean Keach made a prediction for the exact iPhone 17 release date. It's not a total shot in the dark. Apple usually announces its iPhone on a Tuesday or Wednesday in the first half of September. Pre-orders typically go live on the Friday of that week, followed by a full release the Friday after that. Here's how iPhone screen sizes have changed over the years – as measured in inches diagonally from corner to corner... iPhone (2007) – 3.5 inches iPhone 3G (2008) – 3.5 inches iPhone 3GS (2009) – 3.5 inches iPhone 4 (2010) – 3.5 inches iPhone 4S (2011) – 3.5 inches iPhone 5 (2012) – 4 inches iPhone 5S (2013) – 4 inches iPhone 5C (2013) – 4 inches iPhone 6 (2014) – 4.7 inches iPhone 6+ (2014) – 5.5 inches iPhone 6S (2015) – 4.7 inches iPhone 6S+ (2015) – 5.5 inches iPhone SE (2016) – 4 inches iPhone 7 (2016) – 4.7 inches iPhone 7+ (2016) – 5.5 inches iPhone 8 (2017) – 4.7 inches iPhone 8+ (2017) – 5.5 inches iPhone X (2017) – 5.8 inches iPhone XS (2018) – 5.8 inches iPhone XR (2018) – 6.1 inches iPhone XS Max (2018) – 6.5 inches iPhone 11 (2019) – 6.1 inches iPhone 11 Pro (2019) – 5.8 inches iPhone 11 Pro Max (2019) – 6.5 inches iPhone SE 2nd gen (2020) – 4.7 inches iPhone 12 Mini (2020) – 5.4 inches iPhone 12 (2020) – 6.1 inches iPhone 12 Pro (2020) – 6.1 inches iPhone 12 Pro Max (2020) – 6.7 inches iPhone 13 Mini (2021) – 5.4 inches iPhone 13 (2021) – 6.1 inches iPhone 13 Pro (2021) – 6.1 inches iPhone 13 Pro Max (2021) – 6.7 inches iPhone SE 3rd gen (2022) – 4.7 inches iPhone 14 (2022) – 6.1 inches iPhone 14 Plus (2022) – 6.7 inches iPhone 14 Pro (2022) – 6.1 inches iPhone 14 Pro Max (2022) – 6.7 inches iPhone 15 (2023) – 6.1 inches iPhone 15 Plus (2023) – 6.7 inches iPhone 15 Pro (2023) – 6.1 inches iPhone 15 Pro Max (2023) – 6.7 inches iPhone 16 (2024) – 6.1 inches iPhone 16 Plus (2024) – 6.7 inches iPhone 16 Pro (2024) – 6.3 inches iPhone 16 Pro Max (2024) – 6.9 inches iPhone 16e (2025) – 6.1 inches Picture Credit: Apple / The Sun So our best guess is: Apple iPhone 17 event announcement – Tuesday, August 26, 2025 Apple iPhone 17 event day – Tuesday, September 9, 2025 iPhone 17 pre-orders – Friday, September 12, 2025 iOS 19 release date – Monday, September 15, 2025 iPhone 17 release date – Friday, September 19, 2025 In terms of upgrades, we're expecting a long list of new iPhone 17 features. Based on rumours and leaks, that list includes: Bigger battery Scratch-resistant screen Rectangular camera bump 24-megapixel selfie camera 48-megapixel telephoto camera Aluminium frame 12GB RAM Improved cooling Apple A19 Pro chipset Apple Wi-Fi 7 chip Of course these changes aren't guaranteed, and even if they are true, Apple often makes changes in the run up to its gadget launches. So we won't know for sure until September 2025.
