Apple’s September Event 2025
Once again, Apple’s September event has sent the tech community into a frenzy, specifically for the iPhone 17 series. With major design changes, improvements to hardware, and some hotly debated design choices, Apple is moving into a new era with its flagship lineup. The event launched three primary models: the iPhone 17, the iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max, and the first-ever iPhone Air. Each device has its own combination of improvements and surprises, which should make this one of Apple’s most exciting launches in a number of years.
iPhone 17
The standard iPhone 17 does not feel entry-level as elements of the iPhone 17 bring it closer to the Pro versions with upgrades.
Here are some of the key upgrades of the iPhone 17:
- Larger Display: The iPhone 17 now has a 6.3 inches display instead of the previous 6.1 inches. This is a small but still substantial update as it still fits easily in a pocket and does not feel overly bulky for one handed use as demonstrated by this image:
- ProMotion: The standard iPhone 17 supports a 120Hz ProMotion display with lower latency for smooth scrolling and gaming.
- Brightest iPhone Ever: The iPhone 17 peaks at 3000 nits of brightness and is designed to be seen outside and in outdoor light conditions.
- A19 Chipset: The phone is equipped with Apple’s new A19 Bionic chipset with improved performance and efficiency.
- Camera: The phone includes 48MP primary, 48MP ultrawide and an 18MP front camera that also has Dual Capture so you can look like it’s in high definition for selfies and video calls.
- Storage now starts at 256GB addressing one of the main complaints that previous versions of the iPhone had.
Initial Observation: The iPhone 17 is a significant step up for the “regular” range. Apple has successfully blurred the line between standard and Pro specifications with additions like ProMotion and advanced cameras.
iPhone Air: Thin, Trendy and Different
Apple caught the whole world by surprise to introduce the iPhone Air, which was designed to be ultra-thin and lightweight while still being powerful.
Highlights of the iPhone Air:
Thinnest iPhone on the market in the world: iPhone Air is just 5.6mm thick and is among the thickest smartphones you can buy.
- A19Pro Chipset: The iPhone Air may be thinner than a piece of paper but still runs the same A19Pro chip as the Pro offerings.
- Camera: Residence comes with a 48MP rear and 18MP front camera to take your photography confidently.
- Display: The iPhone Air has a panel that measures at 6.5inches which is big enough to have a large screen experience without sacrificing compactness.
- E-SIM Only: In an unusual move, Apple decided to completely remove physical SIM slots.
- Audio: It comes with a one speaker setup which will disappoint any audiovisual expert.
- Type-C Port Alignment: The Type-C port is not perfectly in line with the device which may bother those who must have the device perfectly symmetrical.
Final Impression: Overall, the iPhone Air is Apple’s reimagining of what a slim, portable smartphone could be. It feels futuristic and does show compromises like single speaker audio and aesthetic quirks.
iPhone 17 Pro & Pro Max
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are likely the most controversial Pro series that Apple has released. Although there are some positive upgrades to the phones, the design has initiated debate among many fans.
Some Key Features of iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max:
- Design Shift – New colors include white, blue and orange. Apple has reverted to aluminum frames from titanium.
- Bigger Display: Like the base model, the Pro model is bigger from 6.1 to 6.3.
- Speedy Charging – For the first time, Apple brings 40W wired fast charging, with possibilities for a substantial increase in charge times.
- Cooling Chamber – New cooling chamber for better thermal management, especially for gaming.
- Battery – No doubt significantly increased battery life, you should make it through the day easily.
- Scratch Resistance – Apple claims a 4x better scratch resistance to the previous Pro models.
- A19 Pro: Chipset designed for heavy use, gamers, and professionals.
Initial Thoughts: The Pro feels like a mixed bag. The Pro does extraordinary things in battery and performance. The previous design went back to aluminum, and its extreme color choices may detract fans.
| Feature | iPhone 17 | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.3″ OLED, 120Hz ProMotion, 3000 nits | 6.5″ OLED, 120Hz ProMotion | 6.3″ OLED, 120Hz ProMotion, 3000 nits | 6.9″ OLED, 120Hz ProMotion, 3000 nits |
| Processor | A19 Bionic | A19 Pro | A19 Pro | A19 Pro |
| Rear Camera | Dual 48MP (Primary + Ultrawide) | 48MP Single | Triple 48MP + Telephoto | Triple 48MP + Telephoto |
| Front Camera | 18MP Dual Capture | 18MP | 18MP Dual Capture | 18MP Dual Capture |
| Storage Options | 256GB (base) | 256GB (base) | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB |
| Battery | Improved all-day use | Moderate (thin build) | Larger battery, cooling chamber | Longest-lasting, cooling chamber |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 40W Fast Charging | 40W Fast Charging |
| Design | Aluminum frame, slim bezels | Ultra-thin 5.6mm, eSIM only, single speaker | Aluminum frame, new colors (white/blue/orange) | Aluminum frame, larger body |
| Durability | Scratch-resistant glass | Slim but less durable | 4x scratch resistance | 4x scratch resistance |
Conclusion
This is one of the most daring updates to the iPhone in a long time with the announcement of the iPhone 17 series. We are glad to see that the standard iPhone 17 is finally getting premium features, while the introduction of the iPhone Air introduced a whole new thin form factor. The Pro series also pushes boundaries with fast charging, cooling chambers, and other performance features. Of course, there will be design choices and compromises (for example, the eSIM only and single-speaker audio on the Air) that will create discussions and debates.
All-in-all, we’d love to applaud Apple for taking risks and redefining the iPhone lineup. Whether you’re looking for a slim day-to-day phone, an everyday smartphone flagship, or an out-and-out performance powerhouse, the iPhone 17 series has something for everyone.
✨ First impression verdict: Exciting, daring, and controversial — Apple is shaking up the smartphone landscape once again.
💬 What do you think about the new iPhone 17 series — exciting innovation or controversial changes? Share your thoughts in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you!
📌 Also, don’t miss our detailed breakdown of the Apple Event Highlights — check out our other blog to get the full scoop on everything Apple unveiled this year.
