With Apple’s “Awe Dropping” event scheduled for September 9, anticipation is peaking around the iPhone 17 series. Multiple leaks and reports suggest notable design changes, powerful hardware upgrades, and pricing shifts across markets. Here’s a complete and detailed look at what to expect from the iPhone 17, 17 Air, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max — from specifications to pricing across key regions, including UAE.
Global release timeline and launch expectations
- Launch Event Date: Apple’s annual iPhone launch event is expected on September 9, 2025.
- Announcement Date (Previous Year): The iPhone 15 was announced on September 12, 2023.
- Pre-orders: Opened on September 15, 2023 for iPhone 15.
- Official Release: The iPhone 15 lineup was released on September 22, 2023.
This cadence suggests that pre-orders for the iPhone 17 series may begin by mid-September, with shipping and availability rolling out by late September 2025.
Models and global pricing overview
Apple is expected to launch four models under the iPhone 17 series:
- iPhone 17
iPhone 17 Air (new addition)- iPhone 17 Pro
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Pricing (Global Markets):
UAE vs Previous Year:
- iPhone 16 Pro Max (2024): AED 5,099
- iPhone 17 Pro Max (2025 expected): AED 5,299+
- iPhone 16 Pro (2024): AED 4,299
- iPhone 17 Pro (2025 expected): AED 4,399–4,599
- iPhone 16: AED 3,399
- iPhone 17: Likely to stay close to AED 3,399
- iPhone 17 Air: Expected to replace Plus model (AED 3,799)
In short, modest price increases of AED 200–300 are expected for mid and high-tier models, while the base model may retain its previous pricing structure.
Design and display upgrades
Redesign After 5 YearsThe iPhone 17 lineup marks the first major design overhaul in five years, especially with the introduction of the iPhone 17 Air — inspired by the MacBook Air and iPad Air design language.Key Design Highlights:
- iPhone 17 Air:
- Expected to become the thinnest smartphone on the market, potentially replacing the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge.
- Features a 6.6-inch display, ProMotion (120Hz refresh rate), and a super-thin chassis.
- Will include a standard USB-C port.
- May sport a pixel-style rear sensor island.
- Pro and Pro Max Models:
- Likely to get advanced OLED displays with higher brightness levels.
- Designed to handle 4K video recording at 60fps with minimal battery strain — appealing to content creators.
Hardware and camera specifications
Performance and Chipsets
- iPhone 17 & iPhone 17 Air:
- Powered by
Apple A19 chipset - Equipped with 8GB RAM
- Powered by
- iPhone 17 Pro & Pro Max:
- Run on Apple A19 Pro chipset
- Feature 12GB RAM for top-tier performance
All four models will run iOS 26 out of the box.Camera Upgrades
- Front Camera (All Models):
- 24MP sensor for selfies and video calls
- Rear Cameras:
- Pro & Pro Max:
- Triple-lens setup with 48MP sensors
- Enhanced zoom and low-light performance expected
- iPhone 17 Air:
- Standard iPhone 17:
- Will likely retain the same rear camera setup as iPhone 16
- Pro & Pro Max:
Battery Capacity
- iPhone 17 Pro Max:
- Expected battery size: ~5,000mAh
- Significantly larger than the 4,676mAh battery in iPhone 16 Pro Max
Color variants and finish options
Apple is reportedly experimenting with two new color options for the iPhone 17 series:These will join the mix alongside traditional and existing options. For context, the iPhone 16 lineup was released in:
- Black
- White
- Pink
- Teal
- Ultramarine (deep blue)
This hints at Apple continuing to offer vibrant, youthful colour options across the standard and Air models, while the Pro variants may retain more premium finishes.