The moment tech enthusiasts and smartphone aficionados have been eagerly anticipating is officially on the horizon. Apple has sent out its coveted invitations for a special event, tantalizingly titled “Awe Dropping,” scheduled for Tuesday, September 9th, at its iconic Apple Park headquarters in Cupertino. All eyes are on the expected reveal of the next generation of iPhones: the iPhone 17 lineup. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the upcoming launch, from the expected models and groundbreaking features to where you can secure yours on day one.
The Official Unveiling: What to Expect from the “Awe Dropping” Event
Apple’s September events are legendary for setting the tone of the tech landscape for the coming year, and this one promises to be no different. The “Awe Dropping” tagline hints at significant advancements and perhaps a few surprises up Tim Cook‘s sleeve. The event is slated to kick off at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. BST and will be live-streamed on Apple’s website, its official YouTube channel, and the Apple TV app, allowing millions around the globe to tune in.
While the iPhone 17 will undoubtedly be the star of the show, we also anticipate the unveiling of the new Apple Watch Series 11 and potentially the next iteration of AirPods Pro, creating a trifecta of cutting-edge hardware releases.
A New Family of iPhones: Introducing the iPhone 17 Lineup
This year, we’re expecting a shake-up in the iPhone family. Rumors, which have been circulating for months and are now reaching a fever pitch, point to a four-model lineup with a notable change. Say goodbye to the Plus model and welcome the all-new Air. Here’s the expected roster:
- iPhone 17: The standard model, which is rumored to be receiving a significant display upgrade.
- iPhone 17 Air: A brand-new, ultra-thin model that is expected to replace the Plus, offering a larger screen in a remarkably sleek and lightweight design.
- iPhone 17 Pro: The smaller of the two professional-grade models, packed with advanced features for power users and creatives.
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: The top-of-the-line flagship, boasting the largest display and the most advanced camera system Apple has ever produced.
A Design Evolution and Display for All
One of the most exciting rumors is the democratization of Apple’s ProMotion display technology. For the first time, all four iPhone 17 models are expected to feature a 120Hz refresh rate, a feature previously exclusive to the Pro models. This will bring incredibly smooth scrolling and a more responsive feel to the entire lineup.
The design is also set for a refresh. The Pro models are rumored to be ditching the titanium frame for a return to aluminum, with a new “part-aluminum, part-glass” back. A redesigned, rectangular camera bump is also anticipated for the Pro lineup. The star of the design show, however, is expected to be the iPhone 17 Air, with a rumored thickness of just 5.5mm, making it one of the thinnest smartphones on the market.
Under the Hood: The Power of the A19 Chip and Beyond
Powering the new iPhones will be the next-generation A19 chip. The standard iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air are expected to feature the A19, while the Pro models will likely get a more powerful A19 Pro variant. This new silicon, built on an advanced 3nm process, will undoubtedly deliver significant boosts in performance and efficiency, making everything from gaming to multitasking smoother than ever.
Memory is also getting an upgrade, with the Pro and Air models rumored to come with 12GB of RAM, up from 8GB in the previous generation. This will be a boon for professional-grade applications and the increasingly demanding world of mobile gaming.
A Photographer’s Dream: Camera Upgrades Across the Board
Apple continues to push the boundaries of mobile photography, and the iPhone 17 is set to be a major leap forward. A significant upgrade is expected for the front-facing camera, with all four models rumored to feature a new 24-megapixel sensor for sharper selfies and improved video calls.
The rear camera systems on the Pro models are where the most dramatic changes are anticipated. We’re expecting a new 48-megapixel Telephoto lens, a substantial upgrade from the current 12-megapixel sensor. This will allow for greater detail in zoomed-in shots and potentially enable higher-resolution ProRAW photography. There are even whispers of the ability to record video from the front and rear cameras simultaneously, a feature that would be a game-changer for content creators.
United KingdomApple Store
- Apple UK Store (trade-in and financing available)
Major Carriers
Retailers & Authorised Resellers
- Currys
- John Lewis
- Argos
- Carphone Warehouse
- Very
- AO.com
- Selfridges
- Harrods Technology
- KRCS (Apple Premium Reseller)
- Stormfront (Apple Premium Reseller)
- iStore (Apple Premium Reseller)
United StatesApple Store
Major Carriers
- AT&T
- Verizon
- T-Mobile
- UScellular
- Xfinity Mobile
- Spectrum Mobile
- Cricket Wireless (Apple-authorised AT&T sub-brand)
- Boost Infinite
- Metro by T-Mobile
Retailers & Authorised Resellers
- Best Buy
- Walmart
- Target
- Costco
- Sam’s Club
- Amazon (Apple’s official Amazon storefront)
- B&H Photo Video
- Adorama
- Micro Center
- Staples (select models & accessories)
Where and When to Buy Your New iPhone 17
Following the September 9th announcement, pre-orders are expected to go live on Friday, September 12th. The official in-store release date will likely be the following Friday, September 19th.
The Price Tag: What to Expect
While Apple is known for keeping its pricing under wraps until the official announcement, industry analysts are predicting a potential price increase for the iPhone 17 Pro models. This is rumored to be due to the base storage being increased to 256GB. The standard iPhone 17 and the new iPhone 17 Air are expected to remain more in line with previous entry-level pricing.
The iPhone 17 launch is shaping up to be one of the most significant in recent years. With a new design, a groundbreaking new model in the iPhone 17 Air, and substantial upgrades to the display, performance, and camera systems, Apple is once again poised to set a new standard for the smartphone industry. Mark your calendars for September 9th and get ready for what promises to be an “Awe Dropping” event.