When will the iPhone 17 be released?

As tradition goes, Apple typically unveils its new iPhones in mid-September, usually during the second week of the month. Based on past patterns, reliable sources predict that the iPhone 17 launch event will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 (or September 10, if slightly delayed).

Immediately following the event, Apple is expected to open pre-orders for the new models on that Friday (September 12), with official in-store availability at Apple Stores, authorized resellers, and major markets set for September 19, 2025.

However, some leaks suggest that the iPhone 17 Air – a new, lighter and thinner variant – may be delayed until October due to production issues. Apple has made similar moves in the past with the iPhone 12 mini (2020) and iPhone 14 Plus (2022), lending credibility to this possibility.

What’s new with the iPhone 17 lineup?

Reports suggest Apple will continue offering four models in the iPhone 17 series, although the naming might change: iPhone 17 (standard model, 6.1-inch display), iPhone 17 Plus (6.7-inch screen, potentially replaced by the thinner, lighter iPhone 17 Air), iPhone 17 Pro (6.1-inch, premium version), and iPhone 17 Pro Max (top-tier, 6.9-inch display).

A notable change could be the replacement of the “Plus” label with “Air,” similar to Apple's naming for iPads and MacBooks. The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to be the thinnest iPhone ever made, with a thickness of just 5.5–5.8mm and lighter than the iPhone X.

Beyond a slimmer and lighter design, other significant upgrades - especially in the Pro models - include a smaller or possibly removed Dynamic Island, a 24MP front camera (up from 12MP) for improved selfies and video calls, and a 48MP periscope rear lens (upgraded from the previous 12MP setup).

The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are also expected to be powered by Apple’s first 2nm A19 Pro chip, paired with 12GB of RAM.

Additionally, the iPhone 17 series is likely to feature displays with up to 3000 nits of brightness, thanks to Samsung’s OLED M14 panels. The phones will run iOS 26, which introduces a brand-new “Liquid Glass” interface. A larger battery is also expected, enabled by new stacking technology and a slightly thicker chassis.

Apple is also reportedly enhancing AI capabilities and on-device natural language processing (LLM) for its latest iPhones.

Will the iPhone 17 be more expensive?

Currently, the iPhone 16 starts at $799, while the iPhone 16 Pro begins at $999. The high-end iPhone 16 Pro Max is priced from $1,199.

Earlier this year, Apple launched the iPhone 16e for $599, offering many of the same Apple Intelligence features found in the more expensive flagships. This model is $179 more than the iPhone SE it replaced.

At the moment, it's impossible to say exactly how much the iPhone 17 will cost. Apple is notoriously secretive about upcoming products and rarely teases them ahead of launch.

This means consumers will likely have to wait until September to learn the official pricing.

Experts forecast that prices for the iPhone 17 series may increase by 20–50% compared to the iPhone 16 lineup. Factors include rising tariffs, production costs, supply chain pressures, and unfavorable exchange rates. However, Apple might absorb some of these costs or tweak its pricing strategy to maintain competitiveness with rivals like Samsung and Huawei.

If the possibility of higher prices concerns you, consider opting for the iPhone 16 or even the iPhone 15. Both models will continue to receive software updates for years to come, offering long-term value at a more affordable price.

In Vietnam, official retail prices (VN/A models) are expected to be $160–320 higher than Apple’s base prices, depending on the version and initial supply.

Should you wait for the iPhone 17?

If you're using an iPhone 13 or older, the iPhone 17 could be a worthy upgrade thanks to its superior performance, upgraded cameras, lighter and thinner build, and modern AI-powered iOS interface.

However, if you already have an iPhone 15 or iPhone 16, an upgrade may not be necessary - unless you're eager to experience the latest innovations such as the 2nm chip, 5X zoom camera, or 12GB RAM.

Expected to launch this September, the iPhone 17 promises significant strides in design, performance, and AI integration. While its price may exceed that of its predecessor, the enhanced user experience could justify the cost. If you're weighing whether to buy an iPhone 16 or wait for the iPhone 17, consider holding off a few more months for a more informed decision.

Hai Phong