Apple introduced a slew of new hardware at its September 2025 event, which was dubbed the "Awe-Dropping" keynote. The next generation of iPhones—the entry-level iPhone 17, the expensive iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, and the unexpectedly thin iPhone 17 Air—was the focus of attention. Apple placed a strong emphasis on enhanced camera systems, battery life, display technology (such as ProMotion and always-on), and performance enhancements (thanks to its new A19-series chips) across these models. Here's what you need to know, whether you're thinking about upgrading or are simply interested in what's changed.

iPhone 17 Series

This year, the entry-level iPhone 17 received a major update. There is now a 512 GB version in addition to the previous base option of 256 GB, which is double the storage capacity. The 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR panel display has a ProMotion 120 Hz refresh rate, which greatly improves scrolling and animations. The 18-megapixel "Center Stage" module that Apple added to the front camera has a wider field of view, enables portrait and landscape photography without turning the phone, and supports Dual Capture, which enables simultaneous recording from the front and rear cameras. A 48 MP Main (Fusion) camera with an integrated optical-quality 2× telephoto and a 48 MP Ultra Wide camera for macro or expansive shots make up the dual-Fusion setup on the back. Apple claims that the new Ceramic Shield 2 front cover offers 3x better scratch resistance and less glare for durability. Apple's new A19 chip powers iOS 26 with improved power management, longer battery life, and enhanced performance. Video playback battery life has been increased to approximately 30 hours, and charging is now faster with a 40W Dynamic Power Adapter option that can get you to about 50% in 20 minutes. Lastly, a wider range of colors is available: Sage, Lavender, Mist Blue, White, and Black. The iPhone 17 will go on sale on September 19 after pre-orders open on September 12.

iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max

Perhaps the largest hardware improvements are found in the Pro models. The A19 Pro chip, which is intended for improved sustained performance and efficiency, is shared by the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. Apple's lightweight yet robust aluminum unibody, made of 7000-series aluminum, has a vapor chamber cooling system built in to better handle heat. This allows them to maintain high performance even under heavy load. Significant improvements have been made to the camera systems: the Pro Max has an 8× optical-quality zoom, and the three 48 MP Fusion cameras (Main, Ultra Wide, and a brand-new Telephoto) provide what Apple referred to as the "equivalent of eight lenses." Additionally, the 18 MP Center Stage front camera has been upgraded. Both models retain ProMotion (up to 120 Hz), Always-On (down to 1 Hz when idle), and enhanced scratch resistance through Ceramic Shield 2, which now shields the back as well. Because of the Pro Max's larger internal battery, more efficient chip, and improved thermal design, battery life has improved the most in the lineup to date. Additionally, storage options are expanded, with the Pro Max offering up to 2 TB. The Pro models have higher starting prices; depending on configuration, the Pro costs about $1,099, while the Pro Max costs about $1,199. Preorders open on September 12, and full availability is on September 19, just like the regular model.

iPhone 17 Air

The new wildcard is the iPhone 17 Air, which replaces the previous "Plus" line and is targeted at consumers who value portability, elegant design, and a large screen, in addition to strong performance. Its thinness, with a polished titanium body and a thickness of approximately 5.6 mm, makes it the thinnest large-screen iPhone ever. It features the A19 Pro chip under the hood, a 6.5-inch OLED ProMotion display at 120 Hz, and many of the camera upgrades found in the Pro line (including an excellent 48 MP rear camera and an enhanced front camera with Center Stage), despite its thin profile. Some compromises were made to keep things thin, such as a smaller battery capacity than the Pro Max, but Apple makes up for that with cutting-edge features and efficiency. In many areas, it also replaces physical SIM cards with eSIMs, supports wireless charging and MagSafe, and boasts a Ceramic Shield front and protective back for durability. The Air is priced between the regular iPhone 17 and the Pro, with a starting price of about $999. The same preorder and release schedule as the rest of the lineup applies to availability.