At a Glance
- iPhone 17 launches with four models: 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and the new iPhone Air.
- Prices start at $799 for the base 17 and climb to $1,199 for the Pro Max.
- The Air is the thinnest in the lineup, just 5.6 mm thick, and offers a single 48-MP camera.
- All models ship with the A19 chip and 3,000-nit displays.
The 2025 iPhone release cycle brought a fresh lineup that feels like a leap rather than a tweak. Apple introduced the iPhone 17 family in September 2025, adding a slimmer, single-camera Air model to its standard and Pro ranges. While the price changes are modest-only the Pro model received a bump-Apple has packed a host of hardware upgrades, from the new A19 processors to a 3,000-nit OLED panel. Below, we break down what each model offers and why the Air’s ultra-thin design is a standout.
Pricing and Storage
Apple kept the base price of the 17 the same as last year, but it added a 256-GB starting tier to all models. The Pro line saw a price increase, while the Pro Max stayed flat.
| Model | Starting Price | Starting Storage |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 | $799 | 256 GB |
| iPhone Air | $999 | 256 GB |
| iPhone 17 Pro | $1,099 | 256 GB |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | $1,199 | 256 GB |
All models now offer 512 GB and 1 TB options, and the Pro Max adds a 2 TB tier that pushes the price to $2,000.
Design and Build
Apple’s design team focused on a slimmer profile for the Air, which is now the smallest iPhone in the lineup. The Air is only 5.6 mm thick and weighs 165 g, compared with 177 g for the 17 and 233 g for the Pro Max. The Air’s single 48-MP camera sits on a titanium frame, while the Pro models use aluminum frames with a vapor-chamber cooling system.
| Feature | iPhone 17 | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 7.9 mm | 5.6 mm | 8.75 mm | 8.75 mm |
| Weight | 177 g | 165 g | 206 g | 233 g |
| Display | 6.3-inch OLED | 6.5-inch OLED | 6.3-inch OLED | 6.9-inch OLED |
| Refresh Rate | 1-120 Hz | 1-120 Hz | 1-120 Hz | 1-120 Hz |
| Max Brightness | 3,000 nits | 3,000 nits | 3,000 nits | 3,000 nits |
The Air’s slimmer design comes at a slight cost to battery life. Apple estimates 27 hours of video playback for the Air, compared to 30 hours for the 17, 33 hours for the Pro, and 39 hours for the Pro Max.
Cameras
Every model in the 17 family received a camera overhaul. The 17’s dual-camera system now uses a 48-MP main and a 48-MP ultrawide, while the Pro models added a 48-MP telephoto and upgraded the ultrawide to 48 MP. The Air keeps it simple with a single 48-MP main camera.
| Model | Main | Ultra-Wide | Telephoto |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 | 48 MP | 48 MP | – |
| iPhone Air | 48 MP | – | – |
| iPhone 17 Pro | 48 MP | 48 MP | 48 MP |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | 48 MP | 48 MP | 48 MP |
All rear cameras feature Apple’s “Dual Fusion” technology, allowing 2× crop-zoomed shots at 24 MP and a new 40× digital zoom on the Pro models. Front-facing cameras received a 18-MP upgrade and a new square sensor that supports Center Stage and horizontal selfies.
Performance and Battery
Apple’s A19 and A19 Pro chips power the 17 and Air, while the Pro and Pro Max use the A19 Pro. The chips are built on a 3-nanometer process and include a faster Neural Engine for AI tasks.
| Model | Processor | Battery | Fast Charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 | A19 | 3,692 mAh | 50 % in 20 min (40W) |
| iPhone Air | A19 Pro | 3,149 mAh | 50 % in 30 min (20W) |
| iPhone 17 Pro | A19 Pro | 4,252 mAh | 50 % in 20 min (40W) |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | A19 Pro | 5,088 mAh | 50 % in 20 min (40W) |
The Pro models’ vapor-chamber cooling system and aluminum frames give them a 40 % better sustained performance than the 16 Pro, according to Apple.
Software and Features
All four iPhones ship with iOS 26, which includes a redesigned Liquid Glass interface, new iMessage features, and an updated lock screen. Apple Intelligence, the company’s generative-AI suite, is carried over from the previous year but without new tools.
Key hardware features that accompany the software upgrades are:
- Dynamic Island and Camera Control buttons on all models.
- Apple N1 wireless chip enabling Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread.
- Action button on the Air, Pro, and Pro Max.
- ProRes Raw video recording and Genlock support on the Pro models.
Which Model Is Right for You?
| Use Case | Best Model |
|---|---|
| Lightweight, everyday use | iPhone Air – slim, single camera, 27-hour battery. |
| Balanced performance and price | iPhone 17 – dual cameras, 30-hour battery, $799 base. |
| Photography and gaming | iPhone 17 Pro – triple cameras, 33-hour battery, 40 % better sustained performance. |
| All-purpose, longest battery | iPhone 17 Pro Max – largest battery, 39-hour playback, 2 TB storage option. |
The Air’s new design makes it a compelling choice for those who want a thinner phone without sacrificing core camera performance. If you need the most robust camera system or the longest battery, the Pro or Pro Max models are the way to go.
Takeaway
Apple’s September 2025 launch re-defines the iPhone lineup with a new Air model that is thinner and lighter than any previous iPhone. Prices remain largely unchanged, but the lineup offers more storage and higher-resolution cameras across the board. Whether you prioritize a slim profile, top-tier photography, or sheer battery endurance, the iPhone 17 family has a model that fits your needs.
