Apple’s annual September event is always a highlight for tech enthusiasts, and 2025 is no exception. The upcoming “Awe Dropping” keynote on September 9 promises to be one of the most exciting yet, with the official debut of the iPhone 17 series. Whether you're a long-time Apple fan or just curious about the latest innovations, here’s your complete guide to what’s coming.

iPhone 17 Launch Timeline

Key Dates to Remember

  • Event Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2025
  • Pre-orders Begin: Friday, September 12, 2025
  • In-store Availability: Friday, September 19, 2025

Apple will stream the event live from Apple Park via its website, YouTube, and Apple TV app. Expect the keynote to kick off at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET.

The iPhone 17 Lineup: Four Models, Four Experiences

Apple is introducing four distinct models in the iPhone 17 family:

iPhone 17 (Standard Model)

  • Display: 6.27-inch LTPO OLED, 120Hz refresh rate
  • Processor: A19 chip
  • Camera: Dual 48MP rear cameras, 24MP TrueDepth front camera
  • Battery: ~3,200mAh
  • Colors: Black, White, Steel Gray, Green, Purple, Light Blue
  • Price: Starting at $849

iPhone 17 Air (New Ultra-Thin Model)

  • Design: Just 6.25mm thick, titanium-aluminum alloy frame
  • Display: 6.65-inch LTPO OLED, 120Hz
  • Camera: Single 48MP rear, 24MP front
  • Battery: ~2,800mAh
  • Connectivity: eSIM-only
  • Colors: Black, White, Light Blue, Light Gold
  • Price: Starting at $899

iPhone 17 Pro

  • Display: 6.27-inch LTPO OLED with ProMotion and Always-On
  • Processor: A19 Pro chip with vapor chamber cooling
  • RAM: 12GB
  • Camera: Triple 48MP rear cameras including telephoto with 3.5x zoom
  • Colors: Black, White, Gray, Dark Blue, Orange
  • Price: Starting at $999

iPhone 17 Pro Max

  • Display: 6.86-inch LTPO OLED, 120Hz ProMotion
  • Battery: Massive 5,000mAh capacity
  • Build: Steel body for heat dissipation
  • Processor & RAM: A19 Pro, 12GB RAM
  • Camera: Same triple setup as Pro, with enhanced zoom
  • Price: Starting at $1,199

Design & Display Upgrades

Sleeker, Smarter Screens

All iPhone 17 models feature LTPO OLED displays with 120Hz refresh rates, even the base model. The Dynamic Island remains a staple, and the Always-On Display is exclusive to the Pro and Pro Max.

The iPhone 17 Air stands out with its ultra-thin profile, making it the slimmest iPhone ever. It’s designed for users who prioritize portability and aesthetics, though it sacrifices some battery capacity.

Performance: A19 and A19 Pro Chips

Apple’s new A19 and A19 Pro processors are built on a 3nm architecture, delivering:

  • 25% faster performance than A18
  • Improved energy efficiency
  • Enhanced AI capabilities for Apple Intelligence features
  • Better thermal management in Pro models via vapor chambers

The Pro models also boast 12GB of RAM, ideal for multitasking, gaming, and creative workflows.

 

Camera Innovations

Front and Rear Camera Upgrades

  • All models get a 24MP TrueDepth front camera, doubling the resolution from iPhone 16.
  • iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max feature a 48MP telephoto lens with 3.5x optical zoom and 7x crop zoom.
  • A new camera bar design spans the width of the Pro and Air models, giving them a bold, modern look.
  • Rumors suggest a mechanical aperture for Pro models, offering more control over depth of field.

 

Charging & Battery Life

Faster MagSafe Charging

  • 50W MagSafe charging across all models
  • Reverse wireless charging expected on Pro models
  • Battery capacities:
    • iPhone 17: ~3,200mAh
    • iPhone 17 Air: ~2,800mAh
    • iPhone 17 Pro: ~4,500mAh
    • iPhone 17 Pro Max: 5,000mAh — the largest ever in an iPhone

iOS 26: Smarter, More Personalized

All iPhone 17 models will ship with iOS 26, which introduces:

  • Apple Intelligence: On-device AI for smarter Siri, photo editing, and predictive actions
  • New widgets and lock screen customization
  • Improved privacy controls
  • Satellite messaging support for emergencies (select models)

 

Color Options: More Personality Than Ever

Apple is expanding its color palette with Pantone-certified hues tailored to each model:

  • Standard iPhone 17: Green, Purple, Light Blue, Steel Gray
  • iPhone 17 Air: Light Gold, Light Blue
  • Pro Models: Dark Blue (Mood Indigo), Orange (Papaya)

These colors reflect Apple’s push toward personalization and style.


What’s Missing?

While the iPhone 17 series is packed with upgrades, some features are being saved for future models:

  • Foldable iPhone expected in 2026
  • Under-display Face ID still in development
  • No physical SIM slot on the Air model — a shift toward full eSIM adoption

Final Thoughts: Should You Upgrade?

If you’re using an iPhone 14 or older, the iPhone 17 series offers a compelling upgrade in performance, camera quality, and design. The iPhone 17 Air is perfect for minimalists, while the Pro Max is a powerhouse for creators and professionals.

For SUPCASE fans, this launch is also a great time to explore new protective cases tailored to each iPhone 17 model. With thinner bodies and new camera layouts, a rugged case that fits perfectly is more important than ever.

Stay Tuned with SUPCASE

We’ll be covering the event live and releasing new case designs for the iPhone 17 lineup immediately after launch. Follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter for updates, giveaways, and exclusive discounts.

 

Kristel Silang
Kristel Silang is the Content Marketing Manager for SUPCASE. She has been in the marketing industry for 12 years with expertise on content marketing, search engine optimization, and photography. Previous publications she has contributed to include The Manila Times, Compound Butter, and Livingston County CVB.


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