Apple has officially launched this iPhone 17 serieswhich puts an end to months of speculation and leaks. This year the company introduced four models: the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
While the regular iPhone 17 retains the usual features, the Pro models have a striking new back design and the Air replaces the old “Plus” with an ultra-slim profile. In addition to the phones, Apple also introduced this AirPods Pro 3, Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch SE 3And Apple Watch Ultra 3.
So what’s new about the iPhone 17 family? Let’s break it down.
iPhone 17: Familiar face, smarter upgrades
The entry-level iPhone 17 may look like its predecessor, but Apple has made significant improvements under the hood.
- Design: Similar to iPhone 16, but with a vertical dual camera system.
- Cameras: Two 48 MP sensors (main sensor with 2x telephoto + ultra wide angle) plus a sharper sensor 18MP front camera with center stage. You can even take portrait or landscape selfies without turning the phone over.
- Advertisement: Now 6.3 inches with Super Retina XDR, HDR10, Dolby Vision and up to 3,000 nits brightness.
- Durability: The latest from Apple Ceramic sign is three times harder than before.
- Smoothness: The normal iPhone is finally getting one 120Hz refresh rate– goodbye 60 Hz!
- Perfomance: Driven by the Apple A19 chip (3 nm) and promises up to 50% faster CPU performance than the A18.
- Connectivity: The new N1 chip adds Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 support, improving AirDrop and Wi-Fi performance.
- Storage: Only 256GB and 512GB– no more 128GB option.
In short, the iPhone 17 offers smoother performance, a brighter display, and sharper selfies, making it a solid upgrade for regular users.
iPhone 17 comes in five colours (image: Apple)
iPhone 17 Pro: A new look and more power
The iPhone 17 Pro steals everyone’s attention with its newly designed rear wall. Instead of the usual square bump, Apple has extended the camera system across the top of the phone.
- Triple cameras: All three rear cameras are 48MP Fusion sensorsincluding the telephoto lens.
- Front camera: Same 18 MP in focus Upgrade as base model.
- Build and Display: Aluminum frame, ceramic shield back and a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR panel with 120 Hz and 3,000 nits brightness.
- Chip: The A19 Pro (3nm) with a 6-core CPU, a 6-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine. Apple says it’s about time 40% faster than the A18 Pro.
- Cooling: A new one Steam chamber system helps keep the heat under control.
- Storage: 256GB, 512GB and 1TB Options (rumored 12GB RAM).
- Colors: Dark blue, cosmic orange and silver.
The Pro is designed for developers, gamers and power users who demand premium performance and durability.
iPhone 17 Pro Max: Bigger and more spacious
If you prefer larger screens, this is iPhone 17 Pro Max delivers.
- Advertisement: A huge one 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR panelThis makes it the largest display in the range.
- Specifications: Almost identical to the Pro model.
- Storage: Goes beyond the Pro with a new one 2TB storage optionperfect for photographers and videographers.
This is the ultimate choice for those who want the most powerful iPhone experience.
iPhone 17 Air: The slim star
Apple abandoned the name “Plus” and introduced this iPhone 17 Air instead. It’s all about elegance here:
- Thickness: At just 5.6mm, it’s the thinnest iPhone Apple has ever made.
- Advertisement: A stretched one 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR screen.
- Camera: Just one 48MP rear camera– a compromise for its slim design.
- Target user: Ideal for anyone who wants a sleek, lightweight iPhone without the bulk of the Pro models.
iOS 26: Liquid Glass interface
All models ship with iOS 26 and introduce Apple’s new Liquid Glass UI. This update brings smoother animations, smarter widgets, and tighter integration with AI-driven features.
Highlights include:
- Smarter Siri suggestions powered by the A19’s Neural Engine.
- Improved multitasking features.
- Customizable lock screens with live widgets.
iPhone 17 series pricing and availability
Pre-orders for the iPhone 17 series begin on September 12, 2025official sales begin September 19, 2025, in the USA
Here is the starting price for each model:
- iPhone 17: $799
- iPhone 17 Air: $999
- iPhone 17 Pro: $1,099
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: $1,199
Other announcements
Apple also used the event to refresh its audio and wearable lineup. The following was also announced:
- AirPods Pro 3
- Apple Watch Series 11
- Apple Watch SE 3
- Apple Watch Ultra 3
We will publish separate detailed articles on each of these topics shortly. Do you want us to prioritize the AirPods or the watches?
Should you upgrade?
- Comes from the iPhone 16: The upgrade is subtle for the base iPhone, but tempting if you want 120Hz and better cameras.
- From iPhone 14 or older: The leap is huge – faster chips, brighter displays, improved durability and the new features of iOS 26 are worth it.
- Pro User: If you edit videos, play games, or need a lot of storage space, the Pro and Pro Max models are the clear winners.
- Minimalists: The iPhone 17 Air could be the perfect solution if you want something slim and stylish.
Final thoughts
Apples iPhone 17 series balances familiarity with meaningful upgrades. The base iPhone 17 is finally catching up with 120Hz displays, while the Pro models push boundaries with a bold new design, vapor chamber cooling and larger storage options. The Air ushers in a new chapter of sleek, minimalist iPhones.
With stronger chips, brighter screens and smarter software, the iPhone 17 family shows that Apple is still at the forefront of smartphone innovation.
