Apple iPhone 17 series: What to know about the release date, cost and features

iPhone 17 Rumoured to Bring Apple’s Biggest Shake-Up in Years
Cupertino, California – August 8, 2025 — Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 lineup, expected to launch in September, could mark the company’s most significant redesign in years. Leaks suggest a radical overhaul across all four models, major camera upgrades, and the introduction of an ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air.
Release Date and Launch Event
Apple’s launch events have traditionally taken place in early September, and industry analyst Mark Gurman predicts the iPhone 17 will be unveiled between September 8 and 10, 2025 — most likely on Tuesday, September 9. Pre-orders are expected to open on September 12, with an official release on September 19.
Design and Display Changes
The most talked-about addition is the iPhone 17 Air, reportedly just 5.5mm thick, making it the slimmest iPhone ever. Rumours indicate it will feature:
- A single 48MP rear camera in a horizontal pill-shaped bar
- A 6.6-inch OLED ProMotion display with Dynamic Island
- Matte finishes across the lineup
- An off-center USB-C port to fit its slimmer body
The rest of the iPhone 17 range is expected to maintain current display sizes — 6.1in for the standard model, 6.3in for the Pro, and 6.9in for the Pro Max — but could switch to aluminium frames instead of titanium, a change that some see as a downgrade in durability.
Camera Upgrades for Creators
Leaks suggest a major focus on photography and video creation:
- 8x optical zoom on the Pro models, up from 6x
- 48MP telephoto lens with continuous zoom
- New pro-level camera app to rival Halide and Filmic Pro
- Ability to record video using front and rear cameras simultaneously
- 24MP front-facing cameras across all models
A second camera control button on the top edge could improve quick-access shooting for professionals and vloggers.
Performance and Battery Life
All models are rumoured to feature the A19 chip, with Pro versions getting the A19 Pro and 12GB of RAM to support upcoming Apple Intelligence features. The iPhone 17 Air may debut Apple’s silicon-anode battery technology, offering higher density in a smaller form factor. However, its ultra-slim build could still result in shorter battery life, with Apple possibly releasing a dedicated battery case.
Colour Options
According to multiple leaks, expected finishes include:
- Base Models: Black, white, steel grey, light blue, green, purple
- iPhone 17 Air: Black, white, pale sky blue, soft gold
- Pro Models: Black, white, grey, navy blue, and a bold orange inspired by the Apple Watch Ultra
Possible Price Increase
While Apple has resisted price hikes in recent years, reports from The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg suggest the iPhone 17 series may see a cost increase due to design changes and potential U.S. tariffs. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to start at $899 in the U.S. (£899 in the U.K.), replacing the Plus model.
Final Outlook
If the leaks are accurate, the iPhone 17 could be one of Apple’s most exciting updates in recent history, with slimmer designs, creator-focused camera tools, and next-generation performance. However, the move to aluminium frames and potential price increases could spark debate among loyal fans.
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