21 Oct 2025
The iPhone 17 series was finally introduced alongside significant updates to AirPods and Apple Watch models, revealing advancements across key Apple product lines. These new devices feature notable improvements in display technology, camera capabilities, processing power, and user experience, despite the overall event being described as subdued.
The iPhone 17 maintains the same appearance as the iPhone 16. Its screen measures 6.3 inches and now features a 120 Hz refresh rate, a significant upgrade for the display.
The main camera is 48-megapixel, capable of capturing a wider focal length similar to a 24-35mm range. A 12-megapixel telephoto camera provides 2x zoom and supports macro photography.
An 18-megapixel selfie camera features a redesigned sensor reception, using three squares instead of four. It offers different ratios for wider images, akin to iPad technology, expanding photography and videography options.
The A19 processor offers a 203% increase over its predecessor, though the difference is less noticeable in everyday tasks. Apple claims the battery provides all-day power and charges 50% in 20 minutes for 50% capacity.
The iPhone 17 Air is the thinnest iPhone in history, measuring only 5.6 millimeters thick, making it 20 millimeters thinner than the S25 Edge. It features a universal camera protrusion and is constructed entirely from titanium with Ceramic Shield Version 2 glass on the front and back for enhanced durability.
The iPhone 17 Air is equipped with an A19 Pro chip featuring 5 GPU cores, which is less powerful than the A19 Pro in the Pro and Pro Max models. It includes N and Cyan X chips, supporting Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth P, and improved cellular data, hotspot, and AirDrop functionalities.
This model does not support a physical SIM card, relying solely on eSIM, which makes it impractical for use in regions like Iran due to unresolved regulatory and legislative issues.
The Pro and Pro Max models feature a unique Pokuwar design with a large fabric protrusion housing three lenses. Their bodies are made of titanium-coated aluminum, with a rectangular glass piece on the back for mask attachment.
These models feature the most complete A19 Pro processor, claimed to be the most powerful in the universe and comparable to a MacBook Pro in processing capabilities. It offers improved speed, a better cooling system designed for heavy tasks without overheating, and fuels Apple's AI.
All sensors are 48 megapixels, with significant advancements in the telephoto lens, offering 4x and 8x optical zoom and up to 40x digital zoom with optimized images. Video recording supports 120 frames per second and Prores for professional raw videos, alongside Gen Lock for multi-camera subject tracking.
The iPhone 17 Pro has a 6.3-inch screen, while the Pro Max has a 6.9-inch screen. Available colors include white, orange, and navy, notably lacking a black option.
The iPhone 17 is priced at $800 ($799), the iPhone 17 Air at $99 or $100, the iPhone 17 Pro at $110, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max at $120. They are scheduled for global market release on September 19, corresponding to September 18.
New AirPods Pro models incorporate multiple microphone sensors for double the noise cancellation, are lighter, and offer extended battery life (8 hours with ANC, 10 hours without). They feature a sensor for health tracking during exercise and support live translation between users or via an app.
The Apple Watch Series 11 includes blood pressure and heart rate sensors, though these are non-functional in over 150 regions. It features a more resistant screen and improved sleep tracking. The Apple Watch SE gains Always On Display, a larger screen with smaller bezels, better battery life, and an enhanced G satellite help system.
Apple's event was described as subdued and less exciting compared to previous years, with iPhones generally focusing on optimizations rather than significant upgrades. The ultimate value of the new products will be determined upon their market release and subsequent reviews.
The iPhone 17 Air is the thinnest iPhone in history, currently the thinnest phone available from a major brand globally, with a thickness of only 5.6 millimeters.
| Product | Key Feature/Change | Impact/Detail |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 (Standard) | 120 Hz Display & 48MP Main Camera | Major display upgrade from 60 Hz; main camera supports wider focal lengths for enhanced photography. |
| iPhone 17 Air | Thinnest iPhone Ever | Measures 5.6mm in thickness, 20mm thinner than the S25 Edge; designed to integrate the Mipa chip for better battery. |
| iPhone 17 Air (SIM) | eSIM Only | Lacks a physical SIM slot, limiting usability in regions like Iran due to unresolved regulatory issues. |
| iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max (Processor) | A19 Pro Chip | Considered the most powerful processor, claimed to rival MacBook Pro performance with improved cooling for heavy tasks. |
| iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max (Camera) | Advanced Telephoto & Video | Features 4x/8x optical zoom and 40x digital zoom, Prores raw video, and Gen Lock for multi-camera subject tracking. |
| AirPods Pro | Health Tracking & Live Translation | Enables exercise monitoring, calorie tracking, and real-time cross-language communication with or without other AirPods. |
| Apple Watch Series 11 | Health Sensors & Durability | Includes blood pressure/heart rate sensors (functionality limited in over 150 regions) and a more resistant screen. |
| Overall Event | Event Tone | Described as tired, subdued, and lacking the usual excitement compared to previous Apple product launches. |
