iPhone 17 Pro, Max, and Air: Everything we know about Apple's new phones
Apple's iPhone 17 lineup, set for a fall reveal, includes the Air, Pro, Max, featuring new designs and iOS 19 innovations.
Apple is preparing to launch its latest flagship smartphones, the iPhone 17 series, in September 2025, maintaining its tradition of September announcements. The anticipated lineup will include several models such as the base iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. A notable newcomer to the lineup is the iPhone 17 Air, described in leaks as an ultra-thin smartphone likely named to align with Apple's ultralight laptop designations. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, a reliable source on Apple leaks, the iPhone 17 Air will incorporate a basic A19 chip and feature only a single camera lens. Additionally, it may utilize Apple's new in-house modem, which was first introduced in the iPhone 16e announced in February 2025.
The iPhone 17 Air, often discussed in the context of its design changes, seems poised to replace the potential iPhone 17 Plus by offering a different take on the current models. The device won't eliminate the charging port, meaning users are not expected to depend solely on wireless connectivity, a decision praised by Bloomberg as a fortunate course correction by Apple. The Air will reportedly have a 6.6-inch screen, include the Dynamic Island feature, and a Camera Control button. Its price is set at around $900, making it more expensive than the standard iPhone 17, yet cheaper than the Pro model.
Prospective software innovations will accompany these hardware updates, particularly with the release of iOS 19. Jon Prosser at Front Page Tech has hinted at a major redesign of the Camera app, suggesting an ambitious overhaul of the existing operating system. An entire visual refresh is anticipated, inspired by visionOS with rounded home screen icons and new Control Center sliders. Despite these changes, efforts will be made to keep the user experience familiar to avoid alienating long-time users. Prosser's insights also point to enhanced fluid animations within apps like Music and a new feature for the Messages app, relocating the search box beneath chat threads.
Exciting prospects for iOS 19 include the introduction of a feature allowing simultaneous video recording using both front and rear cameras, drawing inspiration from older models like the Samsung Galaxy S4. This capability is expected to be exclusive to the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, offering a competitive edge over rival products. Additionally, Apple's focus on integrating artificial intelligence into its ecosystem signals ongoing improvements in their Apple Intelligence suite and Siri updates, aiming to harness AI tools for improved functionality. Such developments are expected to be prominently featured during the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025, predicted to occur in early June.
With Apple constituting a significant part of the technological ecosystem, users and enthusiasts alike are eager to see how the next generation of iPhones will redefine the smartphone market. Revamped designs, innovative features, and superior software enhancements underline Apple's commitment to innovation and design excellence. The anticipation builds as Apple prepares to disclose comprehensive details about its newest offerings at its annual product unveiling event.
Sources: Engadget, Bloomberg, Front Page Tech