The wait is nearly over — the iPhone 17 range will be unveiled at Apple’s annual event on Tuesday, 9 September 2025 at 19:00 (SAST).
Apple prepares to launch the iPhone 17
According to MacRumors, the line-up will include the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Pre-orders are expected to open on Friday, 12 September at 14:00 (SAST), with official release and deliveries set for Friday, 19 September 2025.
What to expect from the iPhone 17 models
iPhone 17
- Same design as the iPhone 16.
- New A19 chip for faster processing.
- Bigger 6.3-inch screen with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate (this means scrolling and animations will look more fluid).
- Upgraded 24MP selfie camera for sharper photos.
iPhone 17 Air
- A brand-new model described as ultra-thin and lightweight.
- 6.6-inch 120Hz display, A19 chip, and 12GB of RAM (for smoother multitasking).
- A single 48MP rear camera and a 24MP front camera.
- Optional battery case for extra power on the go.
iPhone 17 Pro
- Redesigned camera bump with three 48MP lenses.
- New A19 Pro chip for advanced performance.
- Aluminum frame and potential vapor chamber cooling to keep the device from overheating.
- Higher brightness displays for easier use in direct sunlight.
iPhone 17 Pro Max
- Includes all Pro features.
- Thicker design with a larger battery, rumored to be over 5,000mAh — making it the longest-lasting iPhone yet.
Pricing expectations
Analyst Samik Chatterjee from J.P. Morgan predicts the following US prices:
- iPhone 17: $799 (same as iPhone 16).
- iPhone 17 Air: $899–$949 (slightly higher than the iPhone 16 Plus).
- iPhone 17 Pro: $1,099 (up $100, but with 256GB storage as the base model).
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: $1,199 (same as last year).
Why the iPhone 17 is important
Apple has not raised iPhone prices in the US for years, but the Pro model may now be more expensive due to storage upgrades. Fans are also watching closely to see how the new Air model fits into the line-up.
Performance improvements, better cameras, and brighter screens suggest that Apple is targeting both casual users and professionals who rely on their phones for photography, gaming, and work.
