Everything You Need to Know about Apple’s iPhone 17 Launch

Apple has officially unveiled its new iPhone 17 line-up at its annual launch event in California, introducing a thinner iPhone Air and the priciest iPhone yet.

Tim Cook, Apple’s chief executive, presented the company’s latest devices, which include the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the new ultra-thin iPhone Air.

The line-up introduces advanced features such as simultaneous front-and-back video recording, designed to appeal to livestreamers and selfie enthusiasts, as well as automatic translation powered by Apple’s new AI technology.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max, Apple’s most powerful model, sets a new record as the most expensive iPhone ever, priced at £1,999 for the 2TB version.

While a foldable iPhone remains in development and is expected to be released in 2026, the company has also refreshed its AirPods Pro headphones and Apple Watch range.

The iPhone 17 family will be available to pre-order on Friday, with retail sales beginning on September 19.

The iOS 26 software update rolls out on September 15.

The standard iPhone 17 introduces a modest refresh with a 6.3-inch brighter display, upgraded ProMotion technology, and an improved 18-megapixel selfie camera.

Powered by the new A19 chip, it promises 20% faster performance.

On the back, the iPhone 17 carries a 48-megapixel ultrawide camera alongside a 12-megapixel telephoto lens with 2x zoom.

Colour options include lavender, mist blue, black, white, and sage.

The iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max step up performance with the A19 Pro processor, larger batteries, and lighter aluminium bodies.

The Pro Max boasts a 6.9-inch screen, compared to 6.3 inches on the Pro.

Both Pro models debut “dual capture” video recording, enabling users to film with front and rear cameras simultaneously, a feature tailored for YouTube creators and influencers.

The iPhone Air is the standout addition. With its 6.5-inch screen, titanium frame, and 5.6mm thin design, it is Apple’s slimmest phone yet.

Unlike previous models, the Air eliminates physical SIM cards, relying exclusively on eSIM technology.

On its back is a single 48-megapixel camera, with dual capture also included.

Though its compact size limits battery capacity, the Air is supported by the A19 Pro chip and Apple’s new in-house modem, offering double the connectivity speed and 30 per cent better power efficiency.

The iPhone Air will be available in Frost and Shadow colours, priced at £999 for 256GB, £1,199 for 512GB, and £1,399 for 1TB storage.

Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 starts at £799 for 256GB, while the iPhone 17 Pro begins at £1,099.

The Pro Max starts at £1,199 and reaches £1,999 for the 2TB version.

With its bold design shift and premium price tag, Apple’s latest launch positions the iPhone 17 range as both a status symbol and a technological leap.