Every September, Apple fans hold their breath. Will it be a small design tweak or a revolution in our pockets? For 2025, it looks like we’re in for something big. On September 9, 2025, Apple’s “Awe Dropping” event will unveil the iPhone 17 lineup, and leaks suggest Apple is mixing bold design changes with performance upgrades across the board.
We’re talking four models this year:
- iPhone 17 (standard)
- iPhone 17 Air (a new ultra-thin variant)
- iPhone 17 Pro
- iPhone 17 Pro Max
Let’s dive deep into what to expect, from specs and design to pricing and release dates.
The Big Picture
The iPhone 17 lineup seems to follow Apple’s tradition: small upgrades for the base model, bold innovation in Pro models, and a surprise twist with the brand-new iPhone 17 Air. The theme? Sleeker, thinner, and smarter phones with new camera designs, AI-powered iOS 26, and bigger batteries (except for the Air).
iPhone 17 (Standard Model)
Design
- A familiar but refined look, with a pill-shaped vertical camera bump.
- Slimmer bezels and a brighter display.
Display
- 6.3-inch 120Hz OLED display (finally, ProMotion for all models, not just Pro).
Processor & Performance
- A19 chip with 8GB RAM.
- Faster, more efficient, with improved thermal control.
Cameras
- Upgraded 48MP main sensor.
- 24MP selfie camera for sharper portraits and video calls.
Battery
- Bigger than the iPhone 16, with smarter management thanks to iOS 26.
Pricing
- Expected starting price: $800 / £899.
Verdict: The standard iPhone 17 is the “safe bet” for most users, now more powerful, smoother, and more camera-friendly.
iPhone 17 Air (New Entry!)
Apple is replacing the “Plus” with the iPhone 17 Air.
Design
- Just 5.5mm thin, Apple’s slimmest iPhone ever.
- Lightweight, sleek, and made for portability.
- Horizontal camera bar with a single main lens.
Display
- 6.6-inch 120Hz OLED display.
Processor & RAM
- Same A19 chip as the standard iPhone 17.
- 8GB RAM.
Battery
- Naturally smaller due to the slim body.
- Optimised software helps stretch usage, but don’t expect Pro Max longevity.
Unique Factor
- eSIM only in many regions, no physical SIM tray.
- Ultra-thin design may appeal to minimalists and travellers.
Verdict: The iPhone 17 Air is Apple’s bold design play, sacrificing battery size for sleekness. Perfect for those who value looks over longevity.
iPhone 17 Pro
Design
- A dramatic new horizontal camera bar spanning the width of the phone.
- Hybrid glass-aluminium chassis.
Display
- 6.3-inch 120Hz ProMotion OLED.
Processor & RAM
- A19 Pro chip, built on a 3nm process.
- 12GB RAM for multitasking and heavy apps.
Cameras
- Enhanced triple-lens system with 8x optical zoom.
- Potential support for 8K video recording.
- Major upgrade to low-light photography.
Storage
- Starts at 256GB, up to 1TB.
Price
- Starting around $1,100 / £1,199.
Verdict: A creator’s dream, blistering performance, stunning cameras, and plenty of storage.
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Design
- Largest of the lot, with a 6.9-inch OLED display.
- Slightly thicker frame to house a bigger battery and advanced cooling.
Display
- 120Hz ProMotion OLED, HDR10+, Dolby Vision.
Processor & RAM
- A19 Pro chip with 12GB RAM.
Battery
- Huge 5,000 mAh battery.
- New vapour chamber cooling to prevent overheating.
Cameras
- The ultimate Apple camera system:
- 48MP main sensor
- 8x optical zoom telephoto
- Advanced computational photography
- 48MP main sensor
- Designed to compete with Samsung’s Galaxy Ultra and Google Pixel Pro Max.
Price
- Expected to start at $1,250 / £1,349.
Verdict: The Pro Max is for professionals, content creators, and anyone who wants the best iPhone money can buy.
Design Innovations Across the Lineup
- Horizontal Camera Bar: Pro models will flaunt this bold redesign, a departure from the square camera bumps of recent years.
- Colour Options: New shades expected, including navy blue, orange, and deep purple.
- Slimmer Bezels: More immersive displays across all variants.
- Materials: Lighter aluminium frames on Pro models for better handling.
iOS 26: The Perfect Companion
All iPhone 17 models ship with iOS 26, which introduces:
- Liquid Glass UI: a dynamic, translucent interface.
- Apple Intelligence upgrades: live translation, AI-enhanced Messages, smarter call screening.
- New Games app: consolidating Apple Arcade and achievements.
- Upgraded Maps with “Visited Places” tracking.
iOS 26 makes the iPhone 17 lineup feel even more futuristic.
Battery & Charging
- Faster charging: up to 35W wired, 50W wireless (Pro models).
- Better battery life across all models, except the Air, which focuses on design over endurance.
- Pro Max leads with nearly all-day, heavy-use capacity.
Release Dates & Pre-Orders
- Event Date: September 9, 2025
- Pre-Orders Start: September 12, 2025
- Shipping Begins: September 19, 2025
| Model | Display | Processor | RAM | Battery | Cameras | Price(est) |
| iPhone 17 | 6.3″OLED | A19 | 8GB | 4000 mAh | 48MP + 24MP front | $800 / £899 |
| iPhone 17 Air | 6.6″OLED | A19 | 8GB | Smaller | Single-lens horizontal | $900 / £999 |
| iPhone 17 Pro | 6.3″OLED | A19 Pro | 12GB | 4500 mAh | Triple lens, 8K video | $1,100 / £1,199 |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | 6.9″OLED | A19 Pro | 12GB | 5000 mAh | Best-in-class 8x zoom | $1,250 / £1,349 |
So, Which iPhone Should You Buy?
- iPhone 17: For most users, a safe and powerful upgrade.
- 17 Air: For those who want the thinnest, lightest iPhone ever.
- 17 Pro: For creators and power users who need more performance.
- Pro Max: For those who want the absolute best Apple has to offer, battery, cameras, display.
This year, Apple isn’t just polishing the iPhone, it’s reinventing it with bolder designs, smarter software, and more choice. Whether you’re a casual user or a pro-level creator, there’s an iPhone with your name on it.
