Apple has officially unveiled its groundbreaking iPhone 17 series, featuring three distinct models that redefine smartphone innovation. The iPhone 17 lineup launched globally on September 9, 2025, with pre-orders for Apple iPhone 17 in India opening on 12 September 2025, and sales officially beginning on 19 September 2025.
This comprehensive guide covers everything Indian consumers need to know about the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, and iPhone 17 Pro series.
Revolutionary New Features Across the Lineup
| Feature | iPhone 17 | iPhone 17 Air | iPhone 17 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.3″ Super Retina XDR | 6.5″ Super Retina XDR | 6.3″/6.9″ Super Retina XDR |
| Refresh Rate | ProMotion 120Hz | ProMotion 120Hz | ProMotion 120Hz |
| Processor | A19 (5-core GPU) | A19 Pro (5-core GPU) | A19 Pro (6-core GPU) |
| Main Camera | 48MP Fusion | 48MP Fusion | 48MP Fusion |
| Ultra Wide | 48MP Fusion | — | 48MP Fusion |
| Telephoto | 2x Digital | 2x | 48MP (up to 8x) |
| Front Camera | 18MP Center Stage | 18MP Center Stage | 18MP Center Stage |
| Battery Life | Up to 30 hours video | Up to 27 hours video | Up to 37 hours video (Max) |
| Build Material | Standard Frame | Titanium Frame | Aluminum Unibody |
| Special Features | Dual Fusion System | Ultra-thin design | ProRes RAW, Vapour cooling |
| Price (India) | ~₹89,900 | ₹99,990 | ₹1,49,990 |
Key Innovations Shared Across All Models:
- New Center Stage Front Camera: 18MP Center Stage front camera with flexible ways to frame your shot, smarter group selfies, and automatic field of view expansion
- iOS 26: Features the new "Liquid Glass" design that reflects and refracts content in real time
- Enhanced Apple Intelligence: Visual intelligence, Live Translation, Clean Up, Genmoji, and advanced Writing Tools
- ProMotion Technology: 120Hz displays across the entire lineup
- Advanced Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread support via the new N1 wireless chip
iPhone 17: Enhanced Standard Excellence
The iPhone 17 brings premium features to the standard model, closing the gap with Pro variants.
Official Specifications:
- Display: 15.93 cm (6.3″) Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion up to 120Hz
- Processor: A19 chip with 5‑core GPU and Neural Accelerators
- Camera setup: 48MP Dual Fusion camera system (48MP Fusion Main + 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide)
- Front Camera: 18MP Center Stage with square sensor for enhanced framing options
- Battery Life: Up to 30 hours video playback
- Durability: Ceramic Shield 2 front with 3x better scratch resistance
- Colors: Available in Lavender, Sage, Mist Blue, White, and Black
Key Features:
- 2x Telephoto: Built-in zoom capability with exceptional detail
- Macro Photography: Compelling close-ups with incredible clarity
- Pro-level Video: Up to 4K 60 fps recording with Cinematic mode
- Low-light Performance: Enhanced Night mode with natural colors
Expected Pricing in India:
The iPhone 17 series is expected to start at around Rs 89,900 for the base model in India.
iPhone 17 Air: The Thinnest iPhone Ever
Apple's most revolutionary design departure, the iPhone 17 Air prioritizes ultra-thin aesthetics without compromising performance.
Official Specifications:
- Display: 16.63 cm (6.5″) Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion up to 120Hz
- Design: The thinnest iPhone ever with a Grade 5 titanium frame built with 80% recycled titanium
- Processor: A19 Pro chip with 5‑core GPU and Neural Accelerators
- Camera: 48MP Fusion Main camera with 2x Telephoto capability
- Front Camera: 18MP Center Stage with advanced framing options
- Battery Life: Up to 27 hours video playback
- Colors: Available in Sky Blue, Light Gold, Cloud White, and Space Black
Unique Design Features:
- Innovative Internal Design: Multiple technologies housed in the plateau maximizing performance and creating space for a large, high‑density battery
- Premium Display: 3,000 nits peak brightness with better anti‑reflection coating
- Crossbody Strap: New hands-free carrying option for ultimate mobility
Apple iPhone Air Price in India (2025): ₹99,990
iPhone 17 Pro: Ultimate Professional Performance
The iPhone 17 Pro series features Apple's most advanced technology with breakthrough thermal management and camera capabilities.
Official Specifications:
- Display: Available in 15.93 cm (6.3″) and 17.42 cm (6.9″) Super Retina XDR displays with ProMotion up to 120Hz
- Design: Heat-forged aluminium unibody design with vapour-cooled thermal management
- Processor: A19 Pro chip with 6‑core GPU and Neural Accelerators
- Camera System: All 48MP Pro Fusion camera system (48MP Fusion Main, 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide, 48MP Fusion Telephoto)
- Zoom Capability: Up to 8x optical-quality zoom with the longest iPhone Telephoto ever (up to 200mm focal length)
- Battery Life: Up to 37 hours video playback on iPhone 17 Pro Max
- Colors: Available in Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue, and Silver
Professional Features:
- Advanced Thermal Management: Apple-designed laser-welded vapour chamber with aluminium unibody for efficient heat dissipation
- Pro Video Capabilities:
- 4K 120 fps Dolby Vision recording
- ProRes RAW support - first smartphone to support this industry-leading codec
- Genlock and time code support for professional video synchronization
- 16x Optical Zoom Range: Like having 8 pro lenses in your pocket with super-high-resolution 24MP photos by default
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Official Price in India (2025): ₹1,49,990
Comparison with Previous Generations iPhones
Major Upgrades from iPhone 16 Series:
- Display Enhancement: ProMotion 120Hz now available across all models (previously Pro-only)
- Camera Revolution: New Center Stage front camera with 18MP resolution and smart framing
- Design Innovation: Introduction of ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air with titanium construction
- Performance Boost: A19/A19 Pro chips deliver significantly improved performance
- Video Capabilities: Enhanced stabilization and pro-level video features
- iOS 26: New Liquid Glass interface and advanced Apple Intelligence features
Significant Improvements from iPhone 15 Series:
- Two-Generation Processor Jump: From A16/A17 Pro to A19/A19 Pro
- Universal ProMotion: 120Hz displays across entire lineup
- Enhanced Durability: Ceramic Shield 2 with 3x better scratch resistance
- Advanced AI Features: Comprehensive Apple Intelligence integration
- Professional Video: ProRes RAW and advanced recording capabilities
- Battery Life: Substantial improvements, especially in Pro Max models
The iPhone 17 series represents Apple's most comprehensive smartphone evolution, with the introduction of the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, universal ProMotion technology, and groundbreaking camera capabilities.
For Indian consumers, this lineup offers unprecedented choice and value, with features previously reserved for Pro models now accessible across the range.
The revolutionary Center Stage front camera, advanced Apple Intelligence features, and iOS 26's Liquid Glass interface make this a compelling upgrade for users of iPhone 14 and earlier models. The iPhone 17 Air, in particular, establishes an entirely new category of premium smartphones focused on design and portability.