Apple officially unveiled the much-awaited iPhone 17 series on September 9, 2025, at its grand “Awe-Dropping” event. This year’s launch has created a buzz worldwide, especially with the introduction of the iPhone 17 Air, which Apple claims is its slimmest and lightest iPhone ever. Alongside this, Apple has improved the design, cameras, performance, and display technology across the lineup.
The iPhone 17 series will be available globally starting September 19, 2025, with pre-orders from September 12. In India, the starting price for the iPhone 17 is expected to be ?84,900, while the iPhone 17 Air begins at ?1,09,900, the iPhone 17 Pro at ?1,24,900, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max at ?1,64,900.
From a design perspective, the iPhone 17 Air is the biggest highlight. It features a new part-glass, part-aluminum body with an ultra-slim build. The base iPhone 17 now comes with a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, supporting 120Hz ProMotion and a peak brightness of 3,000 nits—features previously reserved for Pro models. The Pro and Pro Max variants sport a redesigned rear with a larger camera module.
Camera upgrades are among the most exciting improvements. The iPhone 17 now houses a 48MP Dual Fusion sensor, which combines main and telephoto capabilities, delivering 2x optical-quality zoom. This is paired with a 48MP ultrawide camera, offering four times better resolution than its predecessor. On the front, Apple has introduced a 12MP “Center Stage” selfie camera, which dynamically adjusts framing in both portrait and landscape. The Pro models enhance this even further with advanced sensors and improved night photography.
Performance-wise, the iPhone 17 is powered by the A19 Bionic chip, while the Air, Pro, and Pro Max get the more advanced A19 Pro chip. The base model now has 8GB RAM, while the higher-end models come with 12GB RAM. Battery life has also improved, with the iPhone 17 featuring about 3,500mAh capacity and the Pro Max going up to 5,000mAh.
All models run on iOS 26 and come with storage options ranging from 128GB to 2TB. New features include an always-on display, macro and stereoscopic video modes, and enhanced Apple Intelligence integration. The iPhone 17 Air and Pro models are eSIM-only, confirming Apple’s move away from physical SIMs.
Apple’s pricing strategy has been affected by US tariffs, resulting in a $50–$100 increase, the first hike in five years. However, Apple is counterbalancing this by increasing production in India. The launch of the iPhone 17 Air signals Apple’s focus on both portability and premium design innovation.
In summary, the iPhone 17 series feels like one of Apple’s most balanced lineups in recent years. The base iPhone 17 now brings Pro-level display and camera features, while the iPhone 17 Air offers unmatched portability. For creators and power users, the Pro and Pro Max remain the ultimate choices. With this launch, Apple has once again strengthened its lead in design, innovation, and performance.
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? FAQs about iPhone 17 Launch
Q1. When was the iPhone 17 launched?
The iPhone 17 series launched on September 9, 2025, at Apple’s “Awe-Dropping” event.
Q2. What is the price of the iPhone 17 in India?
The base iPhone 17 starts at ?84,900, iPhone 17 Air at ?1,09,900, iPhone 17 Pro at ?1,24,900, and iPhone 17 Pro Max at ?1,64,900.
Q3. What is special about the iPhone 17 Air?
The iPhone 17 Air is Apple’s slimmest and lightest iPhone yet, featuring a unique part-glass, part-aluminum design.
Q4. What chipset powers the iPhone 17?
The iPhone 17 uses the A19 Bionic chip, while the Air, Pro, and Pro Max models run on the A19 Pro chip.
Q5. Does the iPhone 17 support eSIM?
Yes, the iPhone 17 Air and Pro models are eSIM-only, while the base iPhone 17 may still support physical SIM in some regions.
