Apple will unveil the iPhone 17 lineup on September 9 at its “Awe dropping” event, introducing four flagship models: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. The addition of the slim and light iPhone 17 Air marks a new direction for Apple, replacing the Plus model with a design-focused flagship.
TrendForce projects that shipments of the iPhone 17 series will rise by 3.5% compared with the iPhone 16 lineup in 2024, with the Pro models continuing to drive most demand despite global economic challenges and higher price points.
The iPhone 17 Air will start at $1,099 with 256GB of storage and scale up to $1,499 for 1TB of storage. Apple positions it directly against Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge, underscoring its role as a competitive ultra-thin flagship. To balance its design, the Air adopts a silicon anode battery and eSIM configuration but reduces battery capacity and trims camera specifications compared with Pro models. TrendForce expects its initial shipments to be in line with those of the outgoing Plus model, leaving its long-term performance to be determined by consumer adoption.
Both the iPhone 17 and Air will use Apple’s new A19 processor, while the Pro and Pro Max will adopt the more powerful A19 Pro chip. RAM capacity will rise to 12GB on the Air, Pro, and Pro Max, while the base iPhone 17 stays at 8GB. Storage has also shifted upward, with the Air, Pro, and Pro Max starting at 256GB and scaling up to 1TB. All four models will feature 120Hz displays. Camera upgrades are a highlight this year, as the front camera jumps from 12MP to 24MP and all rear cameras standardize at 48MP. Pro models will further benefit from a redesigned rectangular layout and enhanced zoom algorithms.
Pricing across the lineup shows Apple’s push into higher tiers. The iPhone 17 keeps last year’s $799 entry with 128GB storage, while the Pro models see increases of $50 to $100 per comparable capacity but gain more base storage. A maxed-out iPhone 17 Pro Max will reach $1,699, while the Air fills the slim flagship slot starting at $1,099.
Here is how TrendForce expects pricing to break down:
| Model | 128GB | 256GB | 512GB | 1TB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 | $799 | $899 | $1,099 | — |
| iPhone 17 Air | — | $1,099 | $1,299 | $1,499 |
| iPhone 17 Pro | — | $1,199 | $1,399 | $1,599 |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | — | $1,299 | $1,499 | $1,699 |
With shipments projected to grow modestly and the Pro series expected to lead sales, Apple’s strategy highlights a clearer segmentation of its flagship portfolio. The debut of the Air, alongside a rumored foldable device for next year, reflects a broader plan to diversify offerings and appeal to both design-focused and performance-driven users.
(via TrendForce)
