Apple has launched the iPhone 17 lineup at its September 9 “Awe Dropping” event, introducing four models — iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max — alongside new AirPods Pro 3, Apple Watch Series 11, SE 3, and Apple Watch Ultra 3.
The biggest highlight was the iPhone 17 Air, which takes the place of the Plus variant and instantly stood out as the thinnest iPhone ever made. At just 5.6mm thick, it is slimmer than both the iPhone 6, which previously held the title at 6.9mm, and Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge, which comes in at 5.8mm. Apple achieved this record thinness using a titanium frame, the new Ceramic Shield 2 for protection, and a complete redesign of the internal component layout. To make space, the Air features only a single rear camera, though it uses a powerful 48MP sensor. The front introduces a new wide-angle “Centre Stage” camera, enhancing video calls and selfies.
The iPhone Air isn’t just about looks. It comes with a 6.5-inch ProMotion OLED display and is powered by the same A19 Pro chip that drives the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. This 3nm processor enables advanced features like simultaneous recording from the front and rear cameras, making it one of the most powerful iPhones yet despite its slim design. With 8GB of RAM, it also supports Apple’s new AI-based Apple Intelligence features. Apple has made the Air an e-SIM only device globally, dropping support for physical SIM cards. While the company didn’t disclose battery capacity, it has promised “all-day battery life,” with both fast wired charging and MagSafe wireless charging available. Accessories include redesigned cases and a new slim MagSafe battery pack.
The regular iPhone 17, meanwhile, comes with a slightly less powerful A19 chip instead of the A19 Pro. It offers most of the new features but at a more accessible price point, making it the entry-level option in the series. On the higher end, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max carry forward Apple’s flagship status with titanium builds, advanced multi-lens camera systems, and additional professional-grade photography features. The Pro Max, as always, includes exclusive features such as enhanced telephoto zoom, cementing its place as the ultimate choice for power users.
Pricing reflects these differences. The iPhone 17 Air starts at Rs 1,19,900 for the 256GB base model and will be available in four colors — black, white, gold, and sky blue. Pre-orders begin on September 12, with availability from September 19. The iPhone 17 is expected to be priced lower, while the Pro and Pro Max will occupy the top tier, with Apple yet to disclose their complete India pricing details.
With the introduction of the iPhone Air, Apple has officially retired the “Plus” branding, streamlining its lineup into four clear tiers: iPhone, Air, Pro, and Pro Max. By reviving the “Air” label once popularized by the MacBook and iPad, Apple has positioned the iPhone Air as a perfect blend of portability and flagship performance. This marks a bold design shift, as Apple aims to appeal to users who want a sleek, ultra-thin iPhone without sacrificing raw power. Analysts believe this change could attract a wider range of customers, particularly those seeking a premium balance of design, performance, and exclusivity.
