Apple event 2025: Four key upgrades the iPhone 17 needs to beat the Galaxy S25

Apple has officially announced that its highly anticipated September event will occur on September 9, and the focus will likely be on the upcoming iPhone 17 series. This lineup is expected to feature the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, with the Air model set to take the place of the previous Plus variant. As competition intensifies, particularly with the Samsung Galaxy S25 being viewed as a significant upgrade over the iPhone 16, the iPhone 17 must incorporate key features to remain competitive. A recent report from TechRadar highlights four critical areas where Apple could enhance its latest device. First and foremost, the absence of a 120Hz display in the standard iPhone models is a notable drawback. Samsung has equipped its flagship devices with high-refresh OLED screens since 2020, making Apple's 60Hz display seem outdated as we approach 2025. To ensure the iPhone 17 offers compelling value, introducing ProMotion technology across all models would be a smart move. Additionally, Apple has historically reserved optical zoom capabilities for its Pro devices. Meanwhile, Samsung has included telephoto lenses in its standard Galaxy S series since 2019. With mobile photography becoming an essential selling point, adding optical zoom to the iPhone 17 would not only be timely but also a logical step as Apple continues to enhance its camera technology, including the capacitive shutter button. In terms of memory, the Galaxy S25 boasts 12GB of RAM, whereas the iPhone 16 is limited to 8GB. Although Apple’s software optimization helps mitigate this gap, the rising needs for multitasking and artificial intelligence functionalities make a compelling argument for increasing the physical RAM in the iPhone 17. Apple's AI initiative, dubbed Apple Intelligence, is still developing, and more RAM could facilitate its advancement. While Apple has never struggled with performance, the Galaxy S25's integration of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite sets a high benchmark. The iPhone 17 is expected to feature the new A19 chip, but Apple typically designates its most robust processors for Pro models. A notable upgrade from the A18 would be essential for Apple to keep pace with its Android counterpart. With the September 9 event approaching, Apple has a history of surprising its audience with innovative features. However, given Samsung's current edge in display technology, camera capabilities, memory, and overall performance, the iPhone 17 must demonstrate its ability to compete effectively in 2025.