This year, you can expect the base model iPhone 17 to come equipped with the A18 chip already found in the iPhone 16 base model, according to Apple analyst Jeff Pu from GF Securities. If you were hoping for a significant upgrade under the hood, that might sound a bit underwhelming since the chip will continue to be manufactured using TSMC’s second-generation 3nm process, known as N3E, just like its predecessor.

In the matter of memory, you should expect the base iPhone 17 to feature 8GB of RAM, matching the iPhone 16. This update comes after some uncertainty regarding whether Apple would increase the RAM to 12GB as suggested by another analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo. Kuo had indicated that the iPhone 17 Air and the Pro models would bring the 12GB RAM upgrade, but you may find that the base model sticks with 8GB, based on Pu’s latest information.

If you’re curious about the rest of the lineup, the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature the newer A19 chip, while the iPhone 17 Pro models will have the even more advanced A19 Pro chip. Both would be manufactured with TSMC’s third-generation 3nm process, called N3P, giving the higher-end models an edge in performance and efficiency over the base model.

Your iPhone 17 base model is also set to see some improvements beyond the processor and RAM. You’ll get to enjoy a 120Hz display, which is a noticeable upgrade over the 60Hz refresh rate on the iPhone 16. Plus, the front camera is rumored to be upgraded to a 24-megapixel sensor, doubling the resolution from the 12-megapixel front camera on the previous base model.

In terms of size, the base iPhone 17 is anticipated to feature a 6.3-inch display, making it slightly larger than the 6.1-inch display on the iPhone 16. This change might make your viewing experience more immersive without making the device feel dramatically different in your hand. Display expert Ross Young is the source behind this particular prediction, which should give you confidence in the accuracy of the size update.

The overall design of the base iPhone 17 isn’t expected to see significant changes, meaning that your new device might look very similar to your current iPhone 16, but with modest internal upgrades and a few key feature enhancements. This suggests Apple is aiming for a steady but not revolutionary improvement for the base model this year.

You can expect the full iPhone 17 series, including the base, Air, and Pro models, to be officially unveiled in September. If you’re looking to upgrade and want to understand what changes and improvements the base iPhone 17 will bring, this balance of familiar and new elements might influence your decision.