iPhone 17 series dummy units. | Image credit – PhoneArena
In just a few days, Apple is set to take the stage for the iPhone 17 series launch and all signs point to four new models again making their debut on September 9. But this time, there is a twist: instead of another Plus model, Apple is expected to unveil a brand-new iPhone 17 Air alongside the standard iPhone 17, the iPhone 17 Pro and the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
And with the event right around the corner, we’ve already got a pretty solid idea of what Apple has planned. So let’s break down what to expect across all four models.
iPhone 17 vs iPhone 17 Air vs iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max
The iPhone 17 lineup might not be a total reinvention this year, but there are still some solid changes on the way, especially for the Pro models. The brand-new iPhone 17 Air is also entering the mix, and since this is the first time we’re seeing it, my focus here is more on what it could bring to the table rather than direct upgrades over a predecessor.
But overall, if you are wondering how everything stacks up, the table below breaks down the full list of expected features across all the models – showing which upgrades are coming to the regular iPhone 17, the slimmer Air, and of course the Pro and Pro Max versions.
Another big change? A new 24 MP front-facing camera across the entire lineup. Apple’s selfie camera has been stuck at 12 MP since the iPhone 11, so this would be a long-overdue upgrade.
iPhone 17 Air dummy unit. | Image credit – PhoneArena
Thinnest iPhone ever
12 GB of RAM
Titanium frame
Apple's C1 cellular modem
A19 chipset
120Hz refresh rate
Faster charging
Single 48 MP rear camera
After the underwhelming runs of the Mini and Plus iPhones, Apple is giving it another shot with the iPhone 17 Air. This new model is expected to be the thinnest iPhone ever, measuring just 5.4mm. That’s crazy thin, but it does come with some trade-offs.
For starters, the Air might only have one rear camera instead of the usual dual setup. Its battery is also rumored to be on the smaller side – 2,800mAh, which is definitely below modern flagship standards.
Still, it’s not all compromises. The Air will feature a 6.6-inch display, making it larger than the regular iPhone 17 despite its ultra-slim body. It will also share the 24 MP selfie camera upgrade.
Interestingly, the iPhone 17 Air could be the only model to ship with Apple’s C1 cellular modem, which first appeared in the iPhone 16e, helping save space inside the slim frame. And while rumors suggest the Pro models might ditch titanium this year, the Air could actually be the one to keep it.
Yep, the standout change is the telephoto lens, which is rumored to jump from 12 MP to 48 MP on the Pro models. With a periscope-style setup, this should allow for up to 10x lossless zoom and much better performance in low-light or long-range shots.
Durability is also being addressed. The new Pro models could feature a tougher screen with an anti-reflective coating, offering better scratch resistance, less glare outdoors, and improved drop protection.
On top of that, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to come with advanced cooling – a vapor chamber paired with a graphite sheet – designed to keep temperatures in check under heavy use, especially with demanding AI features and performance-hungry chips.
Tsveta, a passionate technology enthusiast and accomplished playwright, combines her love for mobile technologies and writing to explore and reveal the transformative power of tech. From being an early follower of PhoneArena to relying exclusively on her smartphone for photography, she embraces the immense capabilities of compact devices in our daily lives. With a Journalism degree and an explorative spirit, Tsveta not only provides expert insights into the world of gadgets and smartphones but also shares a unique perspective shaped by her diverse interests in travel, culture, and visual storytelling.
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