iPhone 17 Guide: Release Date, Pro Max Price, and New Air Model Details

It feels like just yesterday we were unboxing the previous models, but the iPhone 17 is already here to steal the spotlight. Apple has done something truly different this year by mixing classic power with a brand-new “Air” philosophy. Whether you are a photography pro or someone who just wants a phone that fits perfectly in a pocket, this lineup has a flavor for everyone.

The buzz around the apple iphone 17 isn’t just about faster chips; it’s about how the phone feels in your hand. With the introduction of the thinnest model ever and massive upgrades to the screens, Apple is proving they still know how to surprise us. In this guide, we will break down every detail so you can decide which model belongs in your pocket.

When Can You Get It? The iPhone 17 Release Date

The wait is officially over for most of the world! The iphone 17 release date was September 19, 2025. Apple stuck to its traditional autumn schedule, unveiling the devices on September 9th and opening pre-orders just a few days later. It was a massive global launch, reaching stores in the UK, US, and dozens of other countries simultaneously.

If you are looking for the more budget-friendly “e” version, rumors suggest we might see an announcement very soon in February 2026. However, for the main flagship family, they are already on shelves and ready for you to pick up. Seeing the long queues at the Regent Street Apple Store reminded me of the early days of the iPhone—people are genuinely excited about these changes.

The Ultimate Powerhouse: iPhone 17 Pro Max

If you want the absolute best that money can buy, the iphone 17 pro max is the undisputed king. This year, it features a massive 6.9-inch display, which is the largest screen ever on an iPhone. But don’t let the size scare you; the new aluminum unibody design makes it surprisingly easy to hold and helps keep the phone cool during heavy gaming or video editing.

What makes the apple iphone 17 pro max special is the new “plateau” camera design. It houses a triple 48MP system that allows for an incredible 8x optical zoom. I’ve tested it myself, and the clarity you get when zooming in on a distant sunset is simply breathtaking. It’s not just a phone; it’s a professional-grade camera that happens to make calls.

Breaking Down the iPhone 17 Pro Max Price in UK

Buying a flagship phone is a big investment, so knowing the iphone 17 pro max price in uk is essential for your budget. This year, Apple has kept the starting price steady, but they have doubled the base storage to 256GB, which is a huge win for users who take lots of photos and videos.

Here is the current pricing for the Pro Max in the UK:

• 256GB: £1,199
• 512GB: £1,399
• 1TB: £1,599
• 2TB: £1,999

While the iphone 17 pro max price is definitely at the premium end, many UK carriers like O2 and Three offer monthly contracts starting around £40 to £60 depending on your data plan and upfront cost.

Meet the Ultra-Thin iPhone 17 Air

The biggest surprise of the year is undoubtedly the iphone 17 air. Think of it as the “MacBook Air” of phones. At just 5.6mm thick, it is impossibly thin. To achieve this, Apple had to make some interesting choices, like using a single (but very powerful) 48MP rear camera and an eSIM-only setup.

Even though it’s slim, the iphone 17 air doesn’t feel fragile. It uses a high-strength titanium frame to prevent any bending. It’s designed for the person who values style and portability above all else. It fits into the tightest pockets and feels almost weightless compared to the Pro models. If you’re tired of “brick-like” phones, this is the one for you.

Compact and Capable: The iPhone 17 Pro

Not everyone wants a giant screen, and that is where the iphone 17 pro shines. It packs almost all the power of the Pro Max into a more manageable 6.3-inch frame. You still get the lightning-fast A19 Pro chip and the triple-camera system, making it the perfect choice for one-handed use without sacrificing performance.

I personally find the iphone 17 pro to be the “sweet spot” of the 2025/2026 lineup. It features the same 120Hz ProMotion display and 3,000 nits of peak brightness as its big brother. Whether you are scrolling through social media or watching a movie under direct sunlight, the screen looks vibrant and incredibly smooth.

What Colors Can You Choose?

Apple has really stepped up its game with the iphone 17 colours this year. They have moved away from the very muted tones of the past and introduced some bold new options that really pop. The “Cosmic Orange” on the Pro models is a personal favorite—it’s a sophisticated, rusty orange that looks amazing in person.

The standard iphone 17 comes in fun, lighter shades:

• Lavender (A soft, dreamy purple)
• Mist Blue (Very clean and refreshing)
• Sage (A natural, earthy green)
• Black & White (The classic choices)

The iphone 17 air also gets its own unique palette, including a stunning “Sky Blue” and “Light Gold” that give it a very premium, jewelry-like finish.

A Giant Leap for the Standard Apple iPhone 17

Often, the base model gets left behind, but the apple iphone 17 received some of the biggest upgrades this year. The most important change? It finally has the 120Hz ProMotion display. This means the screen feels twice as smooth as the older iPhone 16. Once you see it, you can never go back to a standard screen.

The iphone 17 also features a new 18MP “Center Stage” front camera. This is a game-changer for FaceTime calls because the camera can actually “follow” you or widen the frame if someone else joins the shot. With the A19 chip inside, it handles everything from AI photo editing to high-end gaming without breaking a sweat.

Advanced Features and Apple Intelligence

The entire iphone 17 family is built around the new iOS 26 and “Apple Intelligence.” This isn’t just about Siri being smarter; it’s about the phone helping you write emails, create custom emojis (Genmoji), and even remove unwanted objects from your photos with a single tap.

Thanks to the A19 and A19 Pro chips, these AI tasks happen right on your device. This keeps your data private while making your daily life easier. Another hidden gem is the “Ceramic Shield 2” on the front and back. It is three times more scratch-resistant than before, so you might finally be able to live that “no-case” life without fear.

Is the iPhone 17 Worth the Upgrade?

Deciding whether to buy a new phone is always tough. However, if you are coming from an iPhone 14 or older, the jump to the iphone 17 is massive. You get a much brighter screen, significantly better battery life (up to 37 hours on the Pro Max!), and the new Camera Control button that makes taking photos feel like using a real DSLR.

The addition of the iphone 17 air also provides a completely new path for those who want something stylish. If you are a power user, the iphone 17 pro max remains the gold standard for mobile technology. With the improved thermal management and vapor chamber cooling, it’s a beast that just won’t quit.

FAQs

1. Does the iPhone 17 have a 120Hz screen?

Yes! For the first time, every model in the iphone 17 series, including the base model and the Air, features the 120Hz ProMotion display for super-smooth scrolling.

2. How much is the iPhone 17 Pro Max in the UK?

The iphone 17 pro max price in uk starts at £1,199 for the 256GB model. Prices go up to £1,999 for the massive 2TB storage version.

3. What is the difference between iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air?

The standard apple iphone 17 is thicker and has two rear cameras. The iphone 17 air is ultra-thin (5.6mm), uses a titanium frame, and has only one rear camera, but it features a larger 6.5-inch screen.

4. When was the iPhone 17 released?

The iphone 17 release date was September 19, 2025. It is currently available for purchase at Apple Stores and major retailers.

5. What are the new colors for the Pro models?

The iphone 17 colours for the Pro and Pro Max include Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue, and Silver. There is no traditional black or space gray option this year.

6. Does the iPhone 17 Air have a SIM card slot?

In many regions, including the US, the iphone 17 air is eSIM-only. However, some international versions may still vary, so it’s best to check your local specs.

Conclusion: Which iPhone 17 Should You Buy?

The iPhone 17 lineup is one of the most diverse we’ve seen in years. Whether you crave the ultra-slim design of the iphone 17 air, the pocketable power of the iphone 17 pro, or the massive screen and battery of the iphone 17 pro max, Apple has truly delivered something for everyone. With the jump to 120Hz screens across the board and the intelligence of the A19 chip, it’s a fantastic year to upgrade.