Apple’s iPhone 17 Lineup Key Highlights & Comparison

Apple’s iPhone 17 Lineup: Key Highlights & Comparison

Posted on September 10, 2025 by John William

What’s Official

Apple introduced the iPhone 17 family during its September 9, 2025 “Awe-Dropping” event. The lineup—iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max—brings the most sweeping redesign in years.

Model-by-Model Breakdown

1. iPhone 17 (Standard)

  • Display: 6.3-inch OLED with 120 Hz ProMotion and up to 3,000 nits brightness

  • Chip: A19 (5-core GPU)

  • RAM: 8 GB

  • Cameras: Dual 48 MP rear cameras; 18 MP Center Stage front camera

  • Battery: ~3,692 mAh

  • Storage: 256 GB base; also available in 512 G

  • Price: From US $799

2. iPhone 17 Air

  • Design: Ultra-thin profile at just ~5.6 mm—Apple’s thinnest iPhone ye

  • Display: 6.5-inch 120 Hz OLED, up to 3,000 nits

  • Chip: A19 Pro

  • RAM: 12 GB

  • Cameras: Single 48 MP rear (possibly with telephoto); 18 MP Center Stage front camera

  • Battery: ~3,149 mAh

  • Storage: 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB

  • Price: From US $999

3. iPhone 17 Pro

  • Build: Forged aluminum unibody with vapor-chamber cooling

  • Display: OLED ProMotion 120 Hz (approx. 6.3″)

  • Chip: A19 Pro

  • RAM: 12 GB

  • Cameras: Triple 48 MP Fusion system with ultrawide, telephoto (8× optical zoom); 18 MP Center Stage front camera

  • Battery: ~4,252 mAh

  • Storage: 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB

  • Price: From US $1,099

4. iPhone 17 Pro Max

  • Build & Display: Similar to Pro but with larger ~6.9″ OLED ProMotion panel

  • Chip: A19 Pro

  • RAM: 12 GB

  • Cameras: Same triple 48 MP Fusion system with 8× zoom; enhanced low-light and high-resolution capabilities

  • Battery: ~5,088 mAh

  • Storage: 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, up to 2 TB

  • Price: From US $1,199 (up to $1,999 for 2 TB)

Shared Innovations Across the Lineup

  • Networking: Inclusion of Apple’s new in-house N1 chip supporting Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread, plus the C1X modem offering faster 5G speeds

  • SIM Design: All models—especially the ultra-slim Air—use eSIM only; no physical SIM tray

  • No 128 GB Option: Base storage starts at 256 GB across the board

  • Apple Intelligence & iOS 26: All devices ship with iOS 26 and benefit from AI-powered features, including Center Stage enhancements, Live Translation, and more

Launch Schedule & Availability

  • Pre-orders begin Friday, September 12, 2025

  • Available in stores starting Friday, September 19, 2025

Bottom-Lined Comparison Table

iPhone 17 Lineup — Comparison

Model Key Strengths Starting Price (USD)
iPhone 17 Affordable upgrade with A19 chip & Dual cams $799
iPhone 17 Air Sleekest design ever; light & narrow $999
iPhone 17 Pro Professional-level performance & camera system $1,099
iPhone 17 Pro Max Ultimate battery, cameras, and storage options $1,199 (up to $1,999)

Final Thoughts

Apple’s iPhone 17 series delivers a clear division of value:

  • The iPhone 17 is the gateway to Apple’s latest innovations.

  • The Air balances form and function for those who prioritize portability.

  • Pro and Pro Max push boundaries in performance, camera prowess, and storage—especially impressive for power users and creative professionals.

This lineup reflects Apple’s refinement in design and specification tiers, while rolling out smarter, faster connectivity and AI-first features. With all-eSIM support and base storage bump to 256 GB, Apple is also subtly nudging toward more future-ready standards.