Apple iPhone 17 launch event: All key announcements

The iPhone 17 lineup starts at $799 for the standard model, $999 for the iPhone Air, $1,099 for the iPhone 17 Pro, and $1,199 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Preorders begin Friday, with sales starting September 19. All models come with a base storage of 256GB.

All three rear cameras on the iPhone 17 Pro models feature 48MP Fusion sensors, with the telephoto lens offering an impressive 8x optical-quality zoom.

The iPhone 17 Pro features an all-aluminum unibody for the first time, housing Apple’s largest battery ever. Titanium has been replaced, and a new vapor chamber cooling system helps manage heat. Under the hood, it is powered by the A19 Pro chipset, featuring a 6-core CPU and GPU.

The iPhone 17 runs on Apple’s new A19 chip, built on 3nm architecture, featuring a six-core CPU and a five-core GPU. Apple claims it offers up to eight additional hours of battery life compared to the iPhone 16, along with Qi2 25W support for faster wireless charging. The camera system gets a major upgrade with a 48MP Fusion main sensor offering 2x optical zoom and a new 48MP ultra-wide lens. The 18MP front-facing camera offers a wider field of view, supports Center Stage to track your movements, and features a square sensor that captures high-resolution photos in any orientation. As Apple notes, “You don’t need to rotate your iPhone to take a selfie anymore.”

Alongside the new Series 11 and SE 3, Apple has introduced the Watch Ultra 3, its most advanced wearable yet. The flagship model offers satellite connectivity, 5G support, and an always-on 1Hz display. It also delivers an impressive 42 hours of battery life, making it a powerhouse option for users who need top-tier performance and endurance.

The new Apple Watch SE 3 comes equipped with the latest S10 chip and introduces an always-on display for the first time to the affordable wearable. It also brings several premium capabilities that were previously limited to higher-end models, including gesture-based controls, making the SE a more feature-rich and affordable option in Apple’s lineup. It also supports 5G connectivity.

Apple has unveiled the Watch Series 11, boasting twice the scratch resistance of the Series 10 for greater durability. It introduces new watch faces, including colorful swirls and a refreshed chronograph option, while also adding 5G connectivity and running on watchOS 26. A major highlight is hypertension monitoring, powered by a built-in sensor and a custom algorithm that tracks patterns over a 30-day period. Apple is expected to secure FDA clearance for this feature in the near future. The Series 11 will also deliver a full 24 hours of battery life.

Alongside the iPhone 17 series, Apple is expected to introduce updates to its wearable lineup. The Watch Ultra 3 could launch with features such as satellite connectivity, 5G support, faster charging, and a larger display. The Watch Series 11 may see only minor improvements, while the Watch SE 3 is likely to gain a bigger display while keeping its budget-friendly appeal. Apple may also debut the AirPods Pro 3, featuring a sleek redesign and the new H3 chip for enhanced noise cancellation and adaptive audio.

The iPhone 17 Air, set to replace the Plus model, is rumored to be Apple’s thinnest smartphone yet at just 5.5mm. It may feature a 6.6-inch display and a single, full-width rear camera, distinguishing it from the rest of the lineup.

The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are rumored to debut with a redesigned horizontal camera bar and a lighter aluminium frame. They may also start with 256GB of base storage, doubling the previous entry-level capacity. Meanwhile, the Pro Max model could be slightly thicker than its predecessor to accommodate a larger battery. Both Pro models are expected to feature a new 48MP telephoto camera, the latest A19 Pro chipset, and a 24MP front camera, among other upgrades.

The standard iPhone 17 is expected to feature a 6.3-inch display with up to a 120Hz refresh rate — a first for non-Pro iPhones. A new 24MP front camera and Apple’s latest A19 chipset are also expected. Design-wise, it will closely resemble the iPhone 16, retaining the pill-shaped notch for Face ID and a vertically stacked dual rear camera. Apple may also introduce fresh color options such as purple and green, giving buyers more variety.

Apple is gearing up to unveil the iPhone 17 lineup in what could be one of its biggest launches yet. The series is expected to feature a major camera redesign for the Pro models and introduce a brand-new model to the family — the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air.

Apple’s “Awe Dropping” event will see the tech giant unveil up to eight new products, including four models in the latest iPhone 17 series, three Apple Watch models, and the newest version of AirPods Pro.

The iPhone 17 launch will be streamed live for a global audience. Interested viewers can catch the livestream on Apple's official website (Apple.com), through the Apple TV app, or on Apple's official YouTube channel.