iPhone 17 Release Date, Features, and How it Stacks Up Against Samsung S25 Ultra

1. iPhone 17 Release Date & Lineup Overview

Apple is expected to officially unveil the iPhone 17 series in September 2025, with a launch event likely scheduled for September 9–10. Pre-orders may begin around September 12, followed by an in-store release on September 19.

The lineup is expected to include four models:

• iPhone 17
• iPhone 17 Pro
• iPhone 17 Pro Max
• iPhone 17 Air (a new ultra-thin model replacing the Plus)

2. What to Expect: Rumored Features

2.1 Display & Design

• All models likely to feature 120Hz ProMotion and Always-On display, thanks to LTPO OLED panels.
• The iPhone 17 Air may be just 5.5 mm thick, with a 6.6-inch display—striking a balance between Pro and Pro Max sizes.
• The standard iPhone 17 will grow to a 6.3-inch screen, while Pro and Pro Max retain 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays respectively.

2.2 Camera & Aesthetic Upgrades

• The Air model will feature a single 48 MP Fusion camera, while Pro models get a more extensive setup including a 48 MP telephoto lens with 5× and 8× optical zoom.
• Each model gets a new 24 MP front-facing camera.
• A new camera architecture may introduce a sweeping rectangular bar across the upper back on Pro and Air models, while the standard iPhone 17 may keep a more traditional layout.
• Color options may include Orange, Dark Blue, White, Black, Steel Gray, Green, and Purple.

2.3 Performance & Hardware

• iPhone 17 Air and standard models expected to have the A19 chip; Pro and Pro Max may get the upgraded A19 Pro.
• 12 GB RAM in Pro and Air variants, while the base iPhone 17 may retain 8 GB.
• Features like vapor-chamber cooling could improve thermal performance for Pro models.

2.4 Convenience Features & Battery

• Expect 25 W MagSafe wireless charging (Qi 2.2 standard).
• The iPhone 17 Pro Max may exceed 5,000 mAh battery capacity, enabling longer usage.
• Possible refinements include an improved Dynamic Island, anti-reflective/matte display options, and revised MagSafe and Apple logo layout.

2.5 Software & Pricing

• Ships with iOS 26, featuring enhanced AI and redesigned interfaces.
• Pricing estimates: $899 for iPhone 17 and Air, $999 for Pro, and $1,199+ for Pro Max.
• In India, the iPhone 17 Pro is rumored around ₹1,45,990, with Pro Max potentially ₹1,64,990.

3. iPhone 17 vs Samsung S25 Ultra: A Quick Comparison