Quick Read
- Apple to launch iPhone 17 series in September 2025, including four models.
- iPhone 17 Air will feature a premium titanium-aluminum frame, unlike Pro models.
- Pro models to revert to aluminum frames and adopt horizontal camera layouts.
- iPhone 17 series to include A19 chips and 24MP front cameras across all models.
- Pricing expected to start at $899 for the iPhone 17 Air, with potential increases.
Apple is gearing up for one of its most anticipated launches yet: the iPhone 17 series, set to be unveiled in September 2025. This lineup, which includes the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, promises a mix of design innovation, technical upgrades, and some surprising shifts in strategy. With leaks and rumors dominating the tech landscape, here’s everything we know so far.
Design Shifts: Aluminium Over Titanium
One of the most talked-about changes is Apple’s decision to revert to aluminum frames for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models, moving away from the titanium frames used in the iPhone 15 and 16 Pro series. Surprisingly, the only model expected to feature titanium is the iPhone 17 Air. According to NDTV, the iPhone 17 Air will feature a hybrid titanium-aluminum alloy frame, making it both premium and lightweight. This marks a significant departure from Apple’s tradition of reserving titanium for its Pro lineup.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and other sources have suggested that this change could help Apple cut costs while maintaining a premium feel for the Air model. Meanwhile, the Pro models will adopt a horizontal rear camera layout, drawing comparisons to Google Pixel phones, but with Apple’s signature design refinements. This design overhaul also includes a thinner chassis for the iPhone 17 Air, rumored to be just 5.5mm thick, making it the slimmest iPhone ever.
Release Date and Pricing
Apple has a well-established pattern for its product launches, and the iPhone 17 is no exception. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the launch event is expected to take place between September 8 and 10, 2025, with pre-orders starting by September 12 and a release date around September 19. This timeline aligns with Apple’s traditional post-Labor Day schedule.
Pricing rumors suggest that Apple may finally increase its iPhone prices, with the iPhone 17 Air expected to start at $899 in the US. The Pro models could see a more significant price hike, attributed to new features and design upgrades. The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this year that rising production costs and potential tariffs might also influence global pricing.
Performance and Software Upgrades
The iPhone 17 lineup is expected to feature Apple’s new A19 chip, with the Pro and Pro Max models using an enhanced A19 Pro version. According to Times Now, all models will come equipped with 12GB of RAM, ensuring better performance for demanding applications and Apple Intelligence features.
On the software side, iOS 26 will power the new devices, offering a redesigned interface with a “liquid glass” aesthetic and advanced features like live translation and smarter call handling. However, some key updates, such as a full Siri revamp, have reportedly been delayed until 2026.
Camera and Display Enhancements
Camera improvements are another highlight of the iPhone 17 series. According to The Independent, the Pro models will feature a redesigned triple-camera setup with 48MP sensors for wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto shots, arranged horizontally. Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Air will feature a single 48MP rear camera, emphasizing simplicity and affordability.
All models are expected to receive a significant selfie camera upgrade, moving from a 12MP sensor to a 24MP one. Additionally, the iPhone 17 series will likely feature OLED displays with higher peak brightness and ProMotion technology, bringing 120Hz refresh rates to the entire lineup for smoother visuals.
Battery Life and Additional Features
Despite its ultra-thin design, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to offer battery life comparable to the iPhone 16 series, thanks to hardware and software optimizations. According to The Information, Apple may use a new silicon-anode battery to compensate for the Air’s smaller battery capacity. However, this model might still require more frequent charging compared to other variants.
Another noteworthy feature is the introduction of Apple’s C1 modem, which will be present across the lineup. This modem is expected to improve connectivity and enable support for Wi-Fi 7. Additionally, the Pro models may include a vapor chamber cooling system to manage heat during intensive tasks like gaming or video editing.
As Apple prepares to unveil the iPhone 17 series, the tech world is abuzz with speculation and excitement. Whether it’s the surprising use of titanium in the Air model or the extensive camera upgrades, this launch promises to be a landmark moment for the brand and its loyal user base.