The iPhone Air: A New Design Direction
A standout feature of this year’s launch is the introduction of the iPhone Air, which is positioned as Apple’s thinnest-ever iPhone. At just 5.6mm thick, it is designed for users who prioritize a sleek and lightweight form factor. The iPhone Air features a 6.6-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology (120Hz adaptive refresh rate) and a new, more durable Ceramic Shield 2 front cover. It is powered by the same A19 chip found in the standard iPhone 17.
Apple has officially launched its highly anticipated iPhone 17 series at the “Awe Dropping” event, which took place on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. This year’s lineup includes four models: the standard iPhone 17, the iPhone 17 Pro, the iPhone 17 Pro Max, and a new, ultra-thin model, the iPhone Air. The launch marks a significant refresh for the iPhone lineup, with major updates to design, camera systems, and performance across all models.
Performance and Chipset Upgrades
All models in the iPhone 17 series are powered by Apple’s next-generation silicon. The standard iPhone 17 and iPhone Air feature the new A19 chip, while the Pro and Pro Max models are equipped with the more powerful A19 Pro. The A19 Pro is designed for high-performance tasks and advanced gaming, featuring a new vapor-cooled thermal management system for improved sustained performance. All new iPhones also come with an updated Neural Engine to power new on-device AI features, collectively known as Apple Intelligence.
Significant Camera Enhancements
The iPhone 17 series introduces a number of camera upgrades. The standard iPhone 17 and iPhone Air feature a new 48MP dual fusion camera system with a 2x optical-quality telephoto lens. The Pro models take it a step further, with all three rear cameras—Wide, Ultra Wide, and Telephoto—being 48MP sensors. The Pro and Pro Max also introduce a dual-filming mode that allows users to record from the front and rear cameras simultaneously. For selfies and video calls, a new 24MP front-facing camera with “Center Stage” technology has been introduced across the entire lineup.
Pricing and Availability
Pre-orders for the iPhone 17 series are scheduled to begin on Friday, September 12, with general availability starting on Friday, September 19.
Here is a breakdown of the starting prices for the base 256GB storage models:
- iPhone 17: $899 USD
- iPhone 17 Air: $999 USD
- iPhone 17 Pro: $1,499 USD
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: $1,999 USD
Apple has made 256GB the new base storage for all models, a significant upgrade from previous generations. While the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air prices are relatively stable compared to their predecessors, the Pro models have seen a notable price increase, which analysts attribute to the enhanced features and higher base storage.
Other Notable Features
- Display: All models now feature a ProMotion display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The displays also boast a peak outdoor brightness of 3,000 nits, the highest ever on an iPhone.
- Design: The iPhone 17 and iPhone Air have a sleek, contoured-edge design. The Pro models have returned to an aluminum frame, which is said to be lighter and better for heat dissipation than the previous titanium frame.
- Software: The new iPhones will ship with iOS 26, which includes new features like “Liquid Glass” for a dynamic user interface, an enhanced Lock Screen, and on-device generative AI capabilities.
- Battery: The Pro Max model, in particular, has seen a substantial battery increase, with a capacity of over 5,000mAh, making it the largest battery ever in an iPhone.
