Apple Unveils iPhone 17, Including First-Ever iPhone Air
Apple has unveiled the iPhone 17 lineup, introducing the ultra-thin iPhone Air alongside major upgrades to its flagship smartphones, all powered by the new A19 chip and featuring advanced camera systems and display technologies.
Apple revealed its latest iPhone 17 series on September 9, 2025, marking a significant evolution in its smartphone lineup with the debut of the iPhone Air, the company's thinnest and lightest iPhone to date. The announcement, made at Apple's annual September event, also included the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, each bringing notable hardware and software advancements.
The iPhone Air stands out as a new category for Apple, boasting a 5.6mm profile and a lightweight titanium frame. Available in four finishes—space black, cloud white, light gold, and sky blue—the Air features a large, high-resolution display and a precision-milled plateau on the back to house its camera and speaker components. Apple emphasized the Air's "breakthrough design" and "pro performance," powered by the same A19 Pro chip found in the Pro models. The device starts at $999 and is offered in storage options up to 1TB.
Major Upgrades Across the iPhone 17 Lineup
The standard iPhone 17 introduces a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology, offering a brighter screen (up to 3,000 nits) and improved scratch resistance. The new Center Stage front camera, featuring an 18MP sensor, enables advanced selfie capabilities and AI-powered group shots, while the rear camera system includes a 48MP Fusion Main and Ultra Wide lens for high-resolution photography. The A19 chip, built on a 3nm process, delivers a 20% boost in GPU performance and improved energy efficiency, resulting in longer battery life and faster charging.
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max push performance further with the A19 Pro chip and a new vapor chamber cooling system, designed to enhance gaming and intensive tasks. These models feature a triple 48MP camera array, including the longest optical-quality zoom ever on an iPhone (8x), and support for advanced video features like ProRes RAW and Apple Log 2. Storage options now reach up to 2TB on the Pro Max, and both models feature a new Ceramic Shield 2 front and back for enhanced durability.
Market Position and Availability
Apple's 2025 iPhone lineup reflects a strategic push to address both mainstream and premium segments. The iPhone 17 starts at $799, the iPhone Air at $999, and the Pro models at $1,099 and above. Pre-orders for all models begin September 12, with general availability set for September 19 in over 60 countries and regions. Apple is also offering expanded trade-in and carrier deals to incentivize upgrades.
Industry analysts note that the iPhone Air's ultra-thin design and high-end features position it as a direct competitor to other flagship "thin" smartphones, while the Pro models target professional users and content creators. Early hands-on impressions highlight the Air's unique feel and the Pro models' significant camera and performance improvements. However, some skepticism remains regarding the real-world durability of the Air's ultra-thin chassis and the practical benefits of the new AI-driven camera features.
Apple's latest launch underscores its ongoing focus on design innovation, camera technology, and performance, while also responding to consumer demand for more durable, versatile, and powerful smartphones.