Apple will launch the iPhone 17 lineup in September, with the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro models expected to keep the same design language as the iPhone 16 series. The year’s real visual change is the all-new iPhone 17 Air, a thinner and lighter addition aimed at buyers who prioritize portability over maximum specs.
iPhone 17 Air replaces Plus model
According to Bloomberg, the iPhone 17 Air will replace the iPhone 16 Plus and lean into a slim profile. To achieve that, Apple is making deliberate trade-offs: the Air is tipped to include a single rear camera, no physical SIM card slot, and the company’s first in-house cellular modem instead of a Qualcomm part. Battery life is expected to trail the standard models. The Air will be offered in a light blue finish.
Pro lineup remains largely unchanged
The rest of the lineup – iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max – will hew closely to last year’s look. Bloomberg reports that the Pro models will feature a redesigned back and an upgraded camera system, plus a new orange finish. Price increases for Pro variants are anticipated due to tariffs and component costs, but the overall silhouette should remain familiar to iPhone 16 owners.
Apple positions Air as a design-first option
Apple is positioning the Air as a highly marketable option for users who value portability and design appeal, even if it means compromising on battery life and camera flexibility. Meanwhile, the Pro line continues to target customers who demand the best performance, displays, and imaging features, ensuring that the iPhone 17 family still covers both mainstream and premium audiences. For most buyers, the Pro models will likely remain the more practical choice, but the Air broadens the range in a way that highlights Apple’s willingness to experiment with form factors.
What to expect at the September event
Key details to watch include final battery claims for the Air, specifics on the Pro camera revamp, any regional notes on eSIM-only support, and how tariffs affect local pricing. Color options will also be a talking point given the orange Pro finish and the Air’s light blue variant.
Availability and accessories
If Apple follows its usual cadence, pre-orders should open shortly after the event, with retail availability roughly a week later. Accessory makers will rush to support the thinner chassis, so expect a wave of Air-optimized cases and battery packs. For upgraders on older devices, the decision likely comes down to whether a slimmer design or a more capable camera system delivers more value in everyday use.
Start of a broader iPhone reinvention
Bloomberg also frames this fall as the start of a broader three-year reinvention of the iPhone. The 2025 lineup pairs evolutionary Pro hardware with a new thin-and-light Air to reset expectations, while bigger form factor shifts are planned for later cycles. In practical terms for this year, shoppers should expect familiar shapes on iPhone 17 and 17 Pro, with the Air serving as the visual standout of the range.
