Apple’s September 2025 “Awe Dropping” event delivered exactly what fans had hoped for: a bold refresh of the iPhone lineup that blends performance, design, and intelligence into a seamless experience. The iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max are now official, and each model brings its own flavor of innovation. Whether you’re a casual user, a creative professional, or someone who simply wants the best smartphone money can buy, the iPhone 17 series offers something for everyone.
iPhone 17: A Premium Entry Point
The standard iPhone 17 is no longer just the “base” model. Apple has elevated its capabilities to match the expectations of modern users. It features a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with ProMotion technology, offering a silky-smooth 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 3000 nits. This marks the first time Apple has brought ProMotion to its non-Pro models, making everyday interactions feel more fluid and responsive.
Under the hood, the iPhone 17 is powered by the A19 chip, a 6-core CPU paired with a 5-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine. This setup ensures fast performance, efficient multitasking, and support for Apple Intelligence features like smart replies, real-time transcription, and contextual automation. The device runs iOS 26 out of the box, with a redesigned Liquid Glass interface that feels dynamic and intuitive.
The camera system includes a 48MP Dual Fusion setup with wide and ultra-wide lenses. Smart HDR 5, Deep Fusion, and Photonic Engine enhancements ensure crisp, vibrant photos in any lighting condition. The front camera has been upgraded to 24MP, offering sharper selfies and improved video calls. Battery life has also improved, with a 3692 mAh cell supporting fast charging via USB-C and wireless charging through MagSafe and Qi2.
Available in six colors including steel grey, green, purple, and classic black and white, the iPhone 17 starts at $799 globally and ₹89,990 in India. It’s a compelling choice for users who want flagship features without stepping into the Pro tier.
iPhone 17 Pro: Power Meets Precision
The iPhone 17 Pro takes everything great about the standard model and amplifies it. Built with a heat-forged aluminum unibody, it offers improved thermal management and durability. The 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display supports ProMotion up to 120Hz, with enhanced anti-reflective coating and Ceramic Shield 2 for better scratch resistance.
Inside, the A19 Pro chip delivers top-tier performance. With a 6-core CPU, 6-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine, it powers advanced AI features and supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing for console-quality gaming. The Pro model also introduces a vapor chamber cooling system, allowing sustained performance during demanding tasks like video editing or gaming.
The camera system is where the iPhone 17 Pro truly shines. It features a triple 48MP Pro Fusion setup: wide, ultra-wide, and a new telephoto lens with 8x optical zoom. This marks the first time Apple has offered triple 48MP sensors across its lineup. The front camera is upgraded to 18MP and supports simultaneous front and rear video recording, spatial audio capture, and cinematic stabilization.
Battery capacity is slightly higher than the standard model, and the Pro includes the new N1 wireless chip for faster Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread connectivity. Storage options include 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, paired with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM. The iPhone 17 Pro starts at $1099 globally and ₹1,24,990 in India, available in Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue, and Silver.
iPhone 17 Pro Max: The Ultimate Flagship
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is Apple’s most powerful smartphone ever. It features a massive 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with ProMotion, 3000 nits peak brightness, and the same anti-reflective coating and Ceramic Shield 2 protection as the Pro. The larger size allows for a more immersive viewing experience and better battery capacity.
Powered by the A19 Pro chip and cooled by an advanced vapor chamber, the Pro Max handles intensive workloads with ease. It supports all Apple Intelligence features and offers unmatched performance for gaming, productivity, and creative tasks.
The camera system is identical to the Pro but benefits from a larger sensor and extended zoom range. The telephoto lens offers up to 16x optical zoom using Apple’s tetraprism design, making it ideal for wildlife photography, sports, and cinematic video. The Pro Max also supports 3D spatial video recording, designed for playback on Apple Vision Pro.
Battery life is the best in the lineup, with a 5088 mAh cell offering all-day usage and fast charging via USB-C. Storage options include 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and a new 2TB variant for professionals who need maximum capacity. The device is available in the same colorways as the Pro and starts at $1199 globally and ₹1,64,990 in India.
Apple Intelligence and iOS 26
All three models run iOS 26, which introduces a Liquid Glass interface, dynamic icons, and smarter widgets. Apple Intelligence is deeply integrated, offering features like Live Translation, Smart Summarization, and personalized automation. These features are processed on-device for privacy and efficiency.
The Action Button returns on the Pro models, allowing users to customize shortcuts for silent mode, translation, camera, or any app. Haptic feedback and accessibility features like Eye Tracking and Voice Shortcuts make the devices more inclusive and responsive.
Availability and Pre-Orders
Pre-orders for the iPhone 17 series began on September 12, with general availability starting September 19. Apple is offering trade-in programs, EMI options, and bundled services like Apple One to make the devices more accessible across markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro?
The Pro model features a more advanced camera system, A19 Pro chip, vapor chamber cooling, and higher RAM and storage options.
Q: Does the iPhone 17 support ProMotion?
Yes, for the first time, the standard iPhone 17 includes a 120Hz ProMotion display.
Q: What are the camera specs on the iPhone 17 Pro Max?
Triple 48MP rear cameras with up to 16x optical zoom, spatial video recording, and an 18MP front camera.
Q: What chip powers the Pro models?
Both the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are powered by the A19 Pro chip.
Q: What is the starting price of the iPhone 17 series in India?
iPhone 17 starts at ₹89,990, iPhone 17 Pro at ₹1,24,990, and iPhone 17 Pro Max at ₹1,64,990.
Q: Do all models support Apple Intelligence?
Yes, all three models support Apple Intelligence features, though the Pro models offer faster processing and more advanced capabilities.
Q: What colors are available for the Pro models?
Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue, and Silver.
Q: When will the iPhone 17 series be available?
Pre-orders began on September 12, and devices will be available starting September 19.
