Gurman stated, “Apple is likely to hold its iPhone 17 keynote on Tuesday, September 9, or Wednesday, September 10.” Pre-orders are expected to begin by Friday, 12 September, with global retail availability likely from 19 September.
While Apple has yet to confirm India-specific dates, the Pro model is widely expected to follow the global timeline. Early estimates suggest pricing in India will start at ₹1,45,000.
iPhone 17 series: Four models and one clear standout
This year’s lineup will include four models: the iPhone 17, the slimmer iPhone 17 Air, the iPhone 17 Pro, and the top-end iPhone 17 Pro Max. The Pro models, especially the iPhone 17 Pro, are at the centre of attention.
The Air variant, expected to be the slimmest iPhone ever at just 5.5mm, will cater to those prioritising sleek design. However, the trade-off could be reduced battery life, as early leaks suggest only 60 to 70 percent of users might get through a full day on a single charge.
The Air will come with a 6.6-inch OLED screen, Dynamic Island, and a single 48MP rear camera. A dedicated battery case might also be in the works, aimed at compensating for the smaller cell.
New A19 pro chip brings smarter, cooler performance
At the heart of the iPhone 17 Pro is the new A19 Pro chipset, built on TSMC’s third-generation 3nm process. Apple is also reportedly developing a 2nm version, but the A19 Pro remains the highlight for this release cycle.The Pro models will come with 12GB RAM, compared to 8GB on the standard versions. This increase is designed to power upcoming Apple Intelligence features and enable better multitasking. The Pro models are also said to include a vapour chamber cooling system for improved thermal performance during demanding tasks like gaming.
Digit reports, “The iPhone 17 Pro is said to feature A19 Pro chipset along with 12GB RAM to smoothly run Apple Intelligence features. It may also get a vapour cooling chamber for better thermal management.”
The iPhone 17 Pro will ship with iOS 26, which is currently in beta testing.
iPhone 17 pro: Features
The iPhone 17 Pro will feature Apple’s most significant design change in years. According to MacRumors and other sources, the rear camera layout will now be arranged horizontally across the top of the phone, in a triangular formation. This is a marked departure from the current vertical or square stacks seen in recent models.
Ashish Singh at Digit notes, “You can expect a rectangular camera bump with triangular camera setup. It could launch in silver, black, grey and dark blue, plus a new copper-like orange colour.”
Beyond copper-orange, Apple is also testing pastel finishes across the entire series. Standard models might arrive in pastel purple and green, while the Pro variants could launch in a muted sky blue finish.
Other tweaks include a repositioned Apple logo and a hybrid aluminium-glass back for a more refined build.
Display sizes remain steady, with minor adjustments
The iPhone 17 Pro will retain a 6.3-inch screen, slightly larger than the standard iPhone 17’s 6.1 inches. The Pro Max will keep its 6.9-inch display. The Air, at 6.6 inches, will sit between the Pro and Pro Max in size, but will be significantly thinner.
On the front, the Dynamic Island is rumoured to shrink slightly, with narrower bezels offering a cleaner, more modern look.
Camera upgrades: More detail, more versatility
Apple is overhauling its entire camera system for the iPhone 17 series. All models, including the base iPhone 17, are expected to get a 24MP front-facing camera, doubling the resolution of the iPhone 16’s.
The iPhone 17 Pro will include a triple-camera setup, each sensor rated at 48MP: wide, ultrawide, and a new telephoto with 3.5x zoom. The Pro Max may continue with its periscope lens for longer zoom range.
Apple’s Fusion tech will still play a role in image processing, enhancing detail in low or mixed lighting conditions. Dual-camera video recording from both the front and rear cameras at the same time is also likely to be exclusive to the Pro models.
Digit confirms, “The device is said to get a triple camera setup including a 48MP wide, 48MP telephoto and 48MP ultrawide sensor. It can also get a 24MP selfie shooter.”
All models in the iPhone 17 range are expected to support Wi-Fi 7 and will be equipped with Apple’s new C1 modem. For the Air, battery capacity might be scaled back due to its thin build, but Apple is reportedly working with TDK to introduce a high-density silicon-anode battery that can deliver comparable performance.
Battery life across the board should improve with more efficient chipsets and software-level enhancements, but the Pro and Pro Max will likely have the upper hand in longevity.
Reports suggest Apple is likely to begin mass production of the iPhone 17 series in August 2025. While final India launch dates are unconfirmed, the company usually synchronises its global releases across major markets.
The iPhone 17 Pro, sitting between the standard and Pro Max in the lineup, appears to be Apple’s key focus this year. With better cameras, a new design, and a boost in processing power, it aims to push the iPhone’s boundaries once again.
As Mark Gurman noted, Apple is “sticking to its long-standing tradition of releasing new iPhones in the second week of September.” And this year, all signs point to the iPhone 17 Pro being front and centre.
(With inputs from Bloomberg, TOI)
