Apple has just launched its 2025 iPhone lineup, featuring several big upgrades, a striking new ultra-thin model, and enhancements across camera, display, performance, and security. Here’s a full rundown of what’s new in the iPhone 17, Pro, Pro Max, and the brand-new iPhone Air.
What’s New & Major Upgrades
Models & Pricing
Apple has introduced four models this round:
- iPhone 17 (standard)
- iPhone 17 Pro
- iPhone 17 Pro Max
- iPhone Air — the new ultra-slim, design-focused model
Starting prices:
- iPhone 17: US$799 (for the base 256 GB model)
- iPhone Air: about US$999
- iPhone 17 Pro: US$1,099
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: US$1,199
Availability: Pre-orders begin September 12, 2025, with general sales starting September 19, 2025.
Design & Build
The iPhone Air is the thinnest iPhone ever, measuring just about 5.6 mm in thickness. It is built with titanium and features the upgraded Ceramic Shield 2 front glass.
The standard iPhone 17 has a slightly larger display compared to its predecessor, slimmer bezels, and improved protective materials that are more scratch resistant.
Display & Refresh Rate
All models now support ProMotion 120 Hz refresh rate with adaptive scaling. Even the standard iPhone 17 now gets what used to be Pro-only display technology.
Displays can scale down to 1 Hz to conserve battery when static content is shown. Peak brightness has been increased to 3,000 nits, making outdoor visibility much better.
Cameras & Photography
The standard iPhone 17 now features a dual 48-MP rear camera system (main + ultrawide) called “dual fusion.”
The Pro models push further with a triple 48-MP setup including an improved telephoto lens, better zoom, and larger sensors.
The front camera has also been upgraded across the lineup with an 18-MP square-sensor design that supports features like Center Stage and adaptive orientation capture.
A new dual-capture video feature allows recording simultaneously from the front and back cameras in certain modes.
Performance & Internals
All models come with the new A19 chip, while the Pro variants get the more powerful A19 Pro.
A new networking chip called N1 brings support for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread for improved connectivity.
Thermal improvements, especially in the Pro models, include vapor chamber cooling to sustain high performance during demanding tasks.
Battery Life & Charging
Apple claims “all-day battery life” for the entire lineup. The iPhone Air offers up to 27 hours of video playback, which can be extended using a MagSafe battery accessory.
Wireless charging has also been improved, with faster speeds supported by both MagSafe and Qi2.
Security & Software
A major new security feature called Memory Integrity Enforcement (MIE) is now built in, offering hardware-level protection against memory safety vulnerabilities.
The new phones ship with iOS 26, which introduces a refreshed “Liquid Glass” design language and updated user interface elements.
Other Features & Notable Changes
- Storage starts at 256 GB across all models
- The iPhone Air drops the physical SIM slot, relying fully on eSIM for its slim profile
- Scratch resistance and anti-glare coatings have been enhanced
Pros & Trade-Offs
Pros
- Significantly faster performance
- Smooth 120 Hz ProMotion display on all models
- Substantial camera upgrades with larger sensors and dual fusion system
- Slimmer, lighter design with premium materials
- Advanced security features
Trade-Offs
- Very thin models may face thermal and battery limitations under heavy use
- Higher prices compared to past generations
- eSIM-only option may not be convenient in all regions
- Some advanced features remain exclusive to the Pro models
Verdict: Who Should Get What
| Type of User | Best Option |
|---|
| Professional photographers, heavy multitaskers, or gamers | iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max |
| Style-focused users who prefer a slim, lightweight phone | iPhone Air |
| Everyday users seeking upgrades without paying Pro prices | Standard iPhone 17 |
If you’re upgrading from an iPhone 15 series, you’ll notice major improvements in display smoothness, cameras, and durability. For users with older devices, the iPhone 17 lineup represents a significant leap forward.
Global Availability & Pricing
The iPhone 17 series will begin shipping worldwide from September 19, 2025. Prices will vary by region depending on local taxes and import duties. The Pro models come with a $100 price hike compared to the previous generation.
The iPhone 17 series is a bold step forward for Apple, combining design innovation with powerful hardware and meaningful software upgrades. The addition of the ultra-slim iPhone Air adds a new dimension to Apple’s lineup, catering to users who want elegance without sacrificing performance. Whether you’re after cutting-edge photography, stylish design, or raw power, the iPhone 17 family has something for you.
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