Apple Unveils iPhone 17 Series: Ultra-Thin ‘Air’ Model with Pro-Level Performance

Cupertino: Apple has introduced its all-new iPhone 17 lineup, featuring next-generation technology, upgraded chipsets, and a striking design refresh. The highlight is the iPhone Air, the thinnest iPhone ever created, combining elegance with professional-grade performance.

The new iPhones will be available in India starting September 19, with pre-orders beginning September 12. Pricing starts at ?82,900 for the iPhone 17 (256 GB), while the iPhone Air (256 GB) begins at ?119,900. The iPhone 17 Pro (256 GB) is priced at ?134,900, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max (256 GB) at ?149,900.

iPhone Air: Thin, Light, and Powerful

The iPhone Air introduces a titanium frame that is both lightweight and durable. Its back is reinforced with Ceramic Shield, while the new Ceramic Shield 2 front cover offers three times better scratch resistance than previous models.

The device features a 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion up to 120Hz, powered by Apple’s latest A19 Pro, N1, and C1X chips — making it the most power-efficient iPhone to date. A 48MP Fusion Main camera provides the flexibility of four lenses, while the new 18MP Center Stage front camera promises elevated selfie and video quality.

iPhone 17: Bigger Display, Smarter Cameras

The iPhone 17 comes with a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display featuring ProMotion technology for smoother scrolling, gaming, and viewing. It’s powered by the A19 chip for faster performance and improved efficiency.

The camera system includes a 48MP Fusion Main camera, a 2x Telephoto lens, and a 48MP Ultra Wide lens for expansive shots and detailed macro photography. The upgraded Center Stage front camera enhances video calls and selfies.

"iPhone 17 is a big upgrade with powerful features that make it even more useful in your daily life — from a brighter ProMotion display and all-day battery to a fantastic dual Fusion camera system and our best front camera yet," said Kaiann Drance, Apple’s VP of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing.

iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max: Performance Redefined

The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max represent Apple’s most advanced smartphones yet. Powered by the A19 Pro chip, both models deliver breakthrough performance, extended battery life, and Apple Intelligence features.

Their design integrates a laser-welded vapor chamber within a strong aluminum unibody for improved cooling and durability. The camera system boasts three 48MP Fusion lenses (Main, Ultra Wide, and Telephoto) — delivering the equivalent of eight lenses, including an industry-first 8x optical zoom. The 18MP Center Stage front camera further enhances user experience.

For filmmakers and creators, the Pro models introduce ProRes RAW, Apple Log 2, and genlock support, making them suitable for both large-scale and independent productions. Both also feature Ceramic Shield 2 protection on the front and back.

Available in deep blue, cosmic orange, and silver, the iPhone 17 Pro models go on pre-order September 12 and launch September 19.

"iPhone 17 Pro is by far the most powerful iPhone we’ve ever built — redesigned from the inside out to maximize performance and deliver the biggest battery life leap yet," said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s SVP of Worldwide Marketing. “With professional-grade cameras, a new Center Stage experience, and industry-first video features, iPhone 17 Pro sets a new standard for smartphones.”

With inputs from IANS