All you need to know about the iPhone 17 lineup

Apple has officially launched its highly anticipated iPhone 17 series at its September event, introducing four powerful new models that represent significant upgrades over the iPhone 16 generation. The lineup includes the standard iPhone 17, the ultra-thin iPhone Air (replacing the Plus model), iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, all featuring substantial improvements in performance, cameras, and battery life.

iPhone 17 standard model brings pro-level features

The iPhone 17 features a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology, offering an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz - a major upgrade from the static 60Hz display of the iPhone 16. The screen reaches a peak brightness of 3,000 nits and incorporates Ceramic Shield 2 with 3x better scratch resistance than the previous generation.

Performance and storage upgrades

Powered by the new A19 chip, the iPhone 17 delivers 20% faster performance than the iPhone 16's A18 chip. The A19 features a six-core CPU built on a 3-nanometer process with an improved Neural Engine for enhanced AI capabilities. Storage options have doubled from the previous generation, now starting at 256GB with a 512GB option.

Enhanced camera system

The iPhone 17 includes a 48MP dual fusion camera system with a 48MP Ultra Wide camera and a 12MP 2x telephoto lens. The front-facing camera has been upgraded to an 18MP Center Stage camera designed to revolutionize selfie photography.

iPhone Air: The standout thin model

The iPhone Air represents this year's most innovative addition, featuring slightly better specifications than the standard iPhone 17. It's powered by the A19 Pro chip, offering superior performance and efficiency compared to the standard A19. The chip's GPU cores include neural accelerators that deliver three times the peak output of the A18 Pro found in last year's iPhone 16 Pro models.

The iPhone Air is also the only model in the lineup to feature Apple's upgraded C1 chip, the company's internally developed 5G modem that debuted in the iPhone 16E. Storage configurations include 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB options.

iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max: Professional powerhouses

The Pro models feature a striking new design with an Apple-designed vapor chamber laser-welded into a strong, lightweight, and thermally conductive aluminum unibody. Both models are powered by the A19 Pro chip, described as the most powerful and efficient chip for iPhone yet.

Camera excellence

The Pro models boast three 48MP Fusion cameras - Main, Ultra Wide, and an all-new Telephoto - offering the equivalent of eight lenses. The telephoto system provides the longest optical-quality zoom ever on iPhone at 8x. Like other models in the lineup, they feature the 18MP Center Stage front camera.

Professional video features

New industry-first video capabilities include ProRes RAW, Apple Log 2, and genlock, making the iPhone integrate seamlessly into professional productions of all sizes.

Design and display improvements across the lineup

All iPhone 17 models receive significant design updates:

• iPhone 17: Camera bump redesign with vertical pill-shaped ovoid housing two cameras
• iPhone Air: Ultra-thin design at just 5.6mm thick with single main camera
• iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max: Larger horizontal camera bump extending across the phone's width

Every model features enhanced displays with 3,000 nits maximum brightness, up from 2,000 nits in the iPhone 16 lineup, making screens easier to see in bright sunlight.

Battery life and charging improvements

Battery performance has been significantly enhanced across the lineup:

• iPhone 17: Up to 30 hours of video playback
• iPhone Air: Up to 27 hours of video playback
• iPhone 17 Pro: Up to 33 hours of video playback
• iPhone 17 Pro Max: Up to 39 hours of video playback

All models support fast charging, reaching 50% charge in just 20 minutes with compatible adapters.

Pricing and availability

The new pricing structure reflects significant changes in Apple's lineup strategy:

• iPhone 17: \$799
• iPhone Air: \$999
• iPhone 17 Pro: \$1,099 (increased \$100 from iPhone 16 Pro)
• iPhone 17 Pro Max: \$1,199

Pre-orders begin Friday, September 12, with availability starting Friday, September 19. All new iPhone 17 models start with 256GB of storage, doubling the baseline from previous generations.

Frequently asked questions

What's new in the iPhone 17 camera system?

The iPhone 17 features upgraded 48MP cameras across all models, with the Pro versions offering 8x optical zoom - the longest ever on iPhone. All models include an improved 18MP front-facing camera with Center Stage technology.

How thin is the iPhone Air?

The iPhone Air measures just 5.6mm thick, making it significantly thinner than other models in the lineup while maintaining impressive battery life of up to 27 hours of video playback.

Which iPhone 17 model offers the best value?

The standard iPhone 17 at \$799 offers excellent value with ProMotion display, A19 chip, and enhanced cameras. The iPhone Air at \$999 provides premium features in an ultra-thin design for those prioritizing portability.

What colors are available for each model?

The iPhone 17 comes in five colors: lavender, light blue, dark gray, silver-white, and green. The iPhone Air offers four options: light blue, light gold, black, and white. The Pro models come in three colors: white, dark blue, and bright orange.

Do all iPhone 17 models support Apple Intelligence?

Yes, all iPhone 17 models support Apple Intelligence features and launch with iOS 26, which includes the new Liquid Glass interface redesign and enhanced AI capabilities.

The iPhone 17 lineup represents Apple's most comprehensive upgrade in recent years, with every model receiving significant improvements in display technology, processing power, camera capabilities, and battery performance, setting new standards for smartphone technology in 2025.