Apple has officially launched the iPhone 17 series during its event themed 'Amazing.' The lineup features four models—standard iPhone 17, slim iPhone 17 Air, and high-end iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Unlike online rumors that speculated on 'radical designs,' the new series retains the design language of its predecessor, iPhone 16, while introducing a few fresh color options.
The tech giant from Cupertino has rolled out multiple enhancements in design, performance, display, and camera capabilities, aiming to attract both mainstream users and tech enthusiasts. Pre-orders will begin on September 12, with deliveries expected to start on September 19.
The star of the event was the iPhone 17 Air, which Apple claims is the thinnest and lightest iPhone ever made. With a mere thickness of 5.5mm and a weight of 145g, it’s exceptionally slim and portable. Despite its compact form, it features a 6.6-inch LTPO OLED display and a durable titanium-aluminum alloy body, blending strength with portability. According to the Cupertino-based giant, this device is tailored for users seeking a premium iPhone experience in a more compact and lightweight package.
Camera improvements this year are also significant. All models now come equipped with an 18MP front-facing camera for sharper selfies and improved low-light performance, while the rear camera system includes a 48MP main lens. The lineup supports 8K video recording and simultaneous front and rear camera capture, offering new possibilities for content creators.
The iPhone 17 finally features a 120Hz display—a capability that has been available on the Pro models for several years and is notably behind offerings from other smartphone manufacturers. The iPhone 17 series is powered by Apple's new A19 chip, while the Pro variants are equipped with the upgraded A19 Pro for enhanced performance. These chips incorporate Apple-designed modem and Wi-Fi components, ensuring faster connectivity and greater efficiency. The Pro models come with up to 12GB of RAM and start with 256GB of storage.
The iPhone 17 series runs on iOS 26, which introduces new AI-driven features through Apple Intelligence and debuts the 'Liquid Glass' interface for smoother animations and more responsive touch interactions. However, despite including advanced AI functions like visual intelligence, real-time translation, and AI-enhanced shortcuts, Apple's capabilities still lag behind some competitors in certain areas. For example, Google's Magic Editor and Samsung's AI-powered photo enhancement tools offer more sophisticated editing and creative options.
In the U.S., pricing starts at $799 for the iPhone 17, $999 for the iPhone 17 Air, $1,099 for the iPhone 17 Pro, and $1,199 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max. In India, prices are set at ₹82,900 for the iPhone 17, ₹1,19,900 for the iPhone 17 Air, ₹1,34,900 for the iPhone 17 Pro, and ₹1,49,900 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Interestingly, despite being locally assembled in India, consumers face higher price tags. This pricing strategy is influenced by several factors, including Apple’s premium positioning and the costs associated with advanced features and components. Although Apple has expanded local manufacturing in India, most high-end models and components are still imported. Additionally, global supply chain challenges and inflationary pressures have contributed to the overall cost increases.
