Here's Everything You Need Know About Apple's New iPhone 17 Series
It’s that time of year again for the new iPhone to be unveiled, and right on schedule, this past Tuesday, Sept. 10, Apple presented the iPhone 17 series smartphone with four distinct models and a new ultra-thin design. There are significant upgrades across display, camera, and AI features in this new series. From my perspective, the iPhone 17 series is undoubtedly the boldest move Apple has made to date, particularly in terms of design and AI implementation. It serves as an indicator of what's to come in the future of mobile tech.
With that said, upon all the information I've gathered. Here's everything you need to know about Apple's new iPhone 17 series smartphones.
The iPhone 17 series smartphone lineup
The iPhone 17 series introduces several new variants, each with unique features. The iPhone 17 has a screen size of 6.3 inches, while the iPhone 17 Air boasts a larger 6.6-inch display and an ultra-thin titanium body. The iPhone 17 Pro is equipped with a triple 48MP camera and supports USB-C charging. The largest model, the iPhone 17 Pro Max, has a display size of 6.9 inches and offers 8X optical zoom camera. Together, these models showcase advancements in design and technology within the series.
The iPhone 17 Series Design and Display
ProMotion 120Hz display technology is available across all models, offering a smoother scrolling and gaming experience.
When it comes to design, the iPhone 17 series features Ceramic Shield 2, which is said to be 3x more scratch-resistant. The borders are much thinner and edges are contoured for a sleeker appearance. The color variations for the iPhone 17 are Lavender, Mist Blue, Sage, Black, and White. For the iPhone Air, the color options are Sky Blue, Light Gold, Cloud, White, and Space Black. The Pro Models will feature Deep Blue, Cosmic Orange, and Silver.
The iPhone 17 Series Camera Upgrades
The iPhone Pro and Pro Max feature a triple 48MP system, with a main, Ultra Wide, and Telephoto lens. Up to 8x optical zoom on Pro Max. It is quite capable of capturing Dolly Vison 4K 60fps video recording. AI now powers object removal and framing.
The iPhone 17 and Air features a 48MP Fusion Main and Ultra Wide camera, as well as a front-facing 18MP Center Stage camera with Dual Capture.
The iPhone 17 Series Performance and Battery
As expected, the iPhone 17 Series upgrades its processor, now featuring the A19 chip, found in the iPhone 17, Air, and Pro models. Bringing significant improvements to the neural engine for faster Apple Intelligence operations.
Regarding battery life, according to Apple, the iPhone 17 is expected to provide up to 30 hours of video playback, 27 hours of video streaming, and a 50 percent charge in 30 minutes. The iPhone Air will deliver up to 27 minutes of video playback, with a 50% charge in 30 minutes. Due to the Air's slim design, the battery is significantly smaller than that of other models.
The Pro edition models offer more battery power, with the iPhone 17 Pro providing up to 33 hours of video playback, up to 30 hours of streaming video, and a 50% charge in 30 minutes. Finally, the iPhone 17 Pro Max offers up to 39 hours of video playback, up to 35 hours of video playback, and a 50 percent charge in 30 minutes. Both the Pro and Pro Max are eSIM-only models, offering extended battery life of 2 hours.
The iPhone 17 Series Apple Intelligence and iOS 26
The iPhone 17 Series will launch with iOS 26, featuring a new 'Liquid Glass' design. Key highlights include Live Translation capabilities through AirPods Pro 3 and advanced AI photo editing features. Smart grouping and contextual Siri are also significant enhancements in this series. The Action Button will allow for customizable shortcuts, including options like Silent Mode and translation.
The iPhone 17 Series Charging and Connectivity
Across the board, the iPhone has USB-C connectivity and charging ports, with USB 2 support for the iPhone 17 and Air. USB 3 for the Pro models. MagSafe support continues along with 5G and WiFi 6E networking connectivity standard.
The iPhone 17 Series Price and Availability
Base model entries for the iPhone 17 Series are as follows: $799 for the 256GB iPhone 17, $999 for the 256GB iPhone 17 Air, $1,099 for the 256 GB iPhone Pro, and $1,199 for the 256GB iPhone 17 Pro Max.
By the time this post is published, Preorders for the iPhone 17 Series will have already begun on September 12th, and shipping will begin on September 19th.
Which iPhone 17 Series Smartphone Should You Get? ‘
Which iPhone 17 series smartphone you should purchase depends solely on your intended use. For everyday users who want flagship features without the Pro model price tag, the iPhone 17 is the option. The iPhone Air is ideal for users who want a minimalist, sleek design that's ultra-thin with a premium feel.
The iPhone 17 Pro is expected to offer the best camera and performance. The best option for creators and power users. If you desire big-screen smartphones and also want a longer battery life, the Pro Max is the best choice.
