Apple is reportedly gearing up for one of the most significant iPhone design overhauls since the introduction of the iPhone X in 2017. The 2025 lineup is expected to feature a completely new model—the iPhone 17 “Air”—which will showcase a slimmer profile, a redesigned camera layout, a fresh display size, and other notable aesthetic changes. In total, four models are anticipated for the 2025 launch: the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the brand-new iPhone 17 Air.
Apple is said to be discontinuing the “Plus” variant, likely due to underwhelming market reception. The iPhone 17 Air won’t serve as a direct successor to the Plus model but will instead emerge as a completely new addition to the lineup, offering consumers a distinct alternative with a sleek new form factor.
iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max Launch date:
Apple typically unveils its latest iPhone models during the second week of September, favoring early weekdays—Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday—for its high-profile launch events. A glance at recent release patterns highlights this trend: the iPhone 16 was introduced on Monday, September 9, 2024; the iPhone 15 arrived on Tuesday, September 5, 2023; the iPhone 14 made its debut on Wednesday, September 7, 2022; and the iPhone 13 was launched on Tuesday, September 14, 2021.
Following its consistent rollout routine, Apple is also expected to begin pre-orders that same week on a Friday, with retail sales commencing the following Friday.
If the tech giant maintains its usual cadence, the iPhone 17 series is anticipated to be announced between September 8 and 10, with pre-orders likely opening on Friday, September 12, and in-store availability starting Friday, September 19.
iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max prices in India, UAE and the USA:
The upcoming iPhone 17 lineup is expected to launch in India with an entry price of approximately Rs 79,900. However, both the regular and Pro models could see a price increase, with industry insiders pointing to revised trade tariffs first introduced under the Trump administration as a contributing factor. With ongoing geopolitical friction between the U.S. and China, the rising cost of producing iPhones in China is likely to push prices higher across global markets.
In the United States, the starting price for the base iPhone 17 model is anticipated to be around $899, while in the UAE, the device is expected to hit shelves at roughly AED 3,799.
Camera:
As for camera updates, Apple is said to be working on an updated 24-megapixel front-facing camera with a six-element lens, and the iPhone 17 Pro could include an upgraded 48-megapixel Telephoto camera, which would be an improvement over the current 12-megapixel sensor. The iPhone 17 is expected to have the same Wide and Ultra Wide cameras, while the iPhone 17 Air is expected to get a single-lens 48-megapixel rear camera.
Design:
The iPhone 17 is expected to retain a design similar to that of the current iPhone 16, with the majority of buzz surrounding the iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 17 Pro variants. According to leaks, the base iPhone 17 will come with a slightly larger 6.3-inch display, a step up from the 6.1-inch screen on its predecessor. This updated size aligns it with the iPhone 16 Pro, which shares the same dimensions as the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro.
Apple is reportedly phasing out the Plus model, streamlining the lineup to a single entry-level iPhone 17. As for the complete lineup, the expected screen sizes are:
6.3 inches for both the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro
6.6 inches for the all-new iPhone 17 Air
6.9 inches for the iPhone 17 Pro Max
This marks a notable shift in Apple’s display strategy, offering more size variety while simplifying model choices.
