iPhone 17 brings a bigger and brighter ProMotion display, a faster A19 platform, upgraded cameras, and a streamlined lineup that now includes a thin and light iPhone Air in place of the Plus model. Preorders begin September 12 with availability on September 19, so this guide covers what changed and how to choose the right model with confidence.
What changed at a glance
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Bigger screen with ProMotion on iPhone 17 at 6.3 inches for smoother scrolling and an always on option.
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A19 chip in iPhone 17 and A19 Pro in Pro models for faster performance and Apple Intelligence features.
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New Center Stage front camera and upgraded 48 MP Fusion systems on the rear for sharper photos and video.
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Ceramic Shield 2 for tougher scratch resistance and reduced glare on the front cover.
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iPhone Air replaces the Plus with a thin profile and a 6.5 inch display as the new mid tier option.
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Pro and Pro Max add a new design with a vapor chamber for better thermals and longer battery life.
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Longest optical quality zoom yet on iPhone via the new Telephoto system on the Pro lineup.
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Storage starts at 256 GB across the board for more headroom without an immediate upgrade.
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New colorways across models including black, lavender, mist blue, sage, white, and bold Pro finishes.
iPhone 17 highlights
The standard iPhone 17 moves to a 6.3 inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion up to 120 Hz, bringing smoother motion and enabling an always on mode that was previously reserved for Pro devices. Apple’s A19 chip drives speed gains and improved efficiency for everyday tasks, gaming, and on device AI features under the Apple Intelligence umbrella. A new Center Stage front camera helps keep faces framed for selfies and video calls, while a 48 MP Fusion Main camera and a 48 MP Ultra Wide elevate detail and low light results.
The lineup at a glance
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iPhone 17: 6.3 inch display, A19, 48 MP Fusion cameras, Center Stage front camera, 256 GB starting storage, five colors.
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iPhone Air: 6.5 inch display in a very thin and light design that replaces Plus, positioned between iPhone 17 and Pro.
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iPhone 17 Pro: A19 Pro with new thermals, triple 48 MP system including a new Telephoto, and pro video features.
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iPhone 17 Pro Max: 6.9 inch display with the longest optical quality zoom on iPhone and the biggest battery of the family.
Prices and key dates
Apple lists iPhone 17 from 799 dollars, iPhone Air from 999 dollars, iPhone 17 Pro from 1099 dollars, and iPhone 17 Pro Max from 1199 dollars, with double the entry storage now at 256 GB. Preorders open September 12 and in store availability begins September 19 in core launch markets.
Display and durability
iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro both feature brighter Super Retina XDR panels with ProMotion for fluid UI and gaming, plus improved peak outdoor brightness for visibility. Ceramic Shield 2 on the front cover targets higher scratch resistance, and Apple says glare is reduced for better readability in harsh light.
Cameras and video
Apple boosts the main and ultrawide sensors to 48 MP on iPhone 17, with optical quality 2x for natural looking zoom. Pro models add a third 48 MP Telephoto with the longest optical quality zoom on iPhone, and new video features like Apple Log 2 and ProRes RAW support advanced workflows.
Performance and cooling
The A19 chip advances CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine capabilities in iPhone 17, while A19 Pro in Pro models is paired with a vapor chamber to keep performance steady under load. Apple highlights longer battery life on Pro and Pro Max as a result of design and thermal changes along with platform efficiency gains.
Storage and colors
Apple doubles base storage to 256 GB on iPhone 17 and Pro, with options up to 512 GB on 17 and up to 2 TB on Pro Max for creators. Colors include black, lavender, mist blue, sage, and white for iPhone 17, and bold Pro finishes like deep blue and silver for Pro models.
iPhone 17 vs iPhone Air vs Pro vs Pro Max
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Pick iPhone 17 if a balanced phone with ProMotion, strong cameras, and better value is the priority.
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Pick iPhone Air if the thinnest and lightest feel in the hand matters most in a mid tier package.
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Pick iPhone 17 Pro if camera flexibility, sustained performance, and pro video tools are worth the premium.
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Pick iPhone 17 Pro Max if the biggest screen, the longest optical quality zoom, and the largest battery are must haves.
Which model fits you best
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Everyday user: iPhone 17 gives the flagship experience with ProMotion and A19 at the best price point in the lineup.
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Travelers and creators: iPhone 17 Pro delivers triple 48 MP cameras, longer battery life, and serious video features on the go.
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Big screen fans: iPhone 17 Pro Max combines the largest canvas with the longest optical quality zoom and the strongest battery.
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Minimalist design seekers: iPhone Air offers a larger screen than iPhone 17 with a thin profile that is easy to hold all day.
Buying tips and timing
If preordering, check storage needs first since base storage now starts at 256 GB and pro video files can add up quickly on Pro models. If unsure between Pro and Pro Max, decide whether the extra reach of the longest optical quality zoom and the biggest screen will be used daily or only rarely. If moving from iPhone 14 or older, the jump to ProMotion and the new camera systems on iPhone 17 will feel significant without paying Pro prices.
