When Is the iPhone 17 Coming Out?

Each year Apple enthusiasts eagerly ask, “When is the new iPhone coming out?”, not just out of curiosity, but to plan upgrades, trade-ins, and new accessories. With Apple’s fall launch events which are a tradition now, consumers want firm dates for the announcement, pre-orders, and store availability. Based on Apple’s track record, iPhone fans can make educated guesses: Apple always unveils its new flagship iPhones in early September. In this update, we compile the latest rumors about the iPhone 17 release timeline, design changes, specs, pricing, and buying tips, so you know exactly when and where to get the next iPhone.

Historical Launch Patterns

Apple has followed a very consistent schedule for new iPhones for years. Traditionally, the company holds an announcement event on a Tuesday in early September and opens pre-orders the following Friday, with phones hitting stores the next week. For example, the iPhone 15 lineup was announced on Sept 12, 2023 with pre-orders on Sept 15 and an in-store date of Sept 22. (Earlier launches followed similar timing: iPhone 14 on Sept 7, 2022; iPhone 13 on Sept 14, 2021). In short, expect an early-September reveal and a late-September launch week each year. Barring any unusual delays (like 2020’s Covid postponement), the iPhone 17 should follow that same pattern.

Rumored iPhone 17 Release Timeline

Industry analysts and supply-chain leaks have combined on specific September dates for Apple’s fall 2025 rollout. The most-widely cited timeline is:

• Tuesday, September 9, 2025: iPhone 17 announcement event.

• Friday, September 12, 2025: iPhone 17 pre-orders begin.

• Friday, September 19, 2025: iPhone 17 hits Apple Stores and retailers.

These dates fit Apple’s usual pattern (announce on Tuesday, preorder on Friday, release the following Friday). Of course, Apple never confirms dates this far in advance, but past schedules make these dates a safe bet. Keep an eye on Apple news as September approaches, an official invite will show the exact date.

20th Anniversary Context

Though 2025 isn’t the 20th anniversary of the iPhone (that milestone is 2027), some leaks tie into long-term design plans. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports Apple is preparing a “bold” all-glass design for the iPhone’s 20th anniversary.

This hints that Apple may explore much larger glass surfaces and eliminate visible cutouts in future models. In 2025, though, the iPhone 17 likely won’t be radically different from the 16 series. We may see memorable touches such as exclusive new colors or special materials. For example, multiple leaks say the iPhone 17 Pro could drop the titanium frame used on recent Pro models in favor of an aluminum‑and‑glass build. That change in materials would allow new color finishes (leakers already mention a “Sky Blue” hue inspired by the MacBook Air).

As for future tech, Apple is definitely teasing foldables. Gurman says Apple has tested an 18.8” foldable device prototype (with an under-display camera) and is working on a foldable iPhone with under-screen Face ID for the future. These are post-2025 projects, so don’t expect a foldable iPhone 17 in 2025. (In other words, iPhone 17 likely stays a traditional slate phone, but it may share some lessons from thin prototype designs.) 

The bottom line: the iPhone 17 may include anniversary-season style changes like a sleek glass finish and new colors, but it won’t literally fold, that’s a few years away.

Lineup & Naming Changes

Apple’s model lineup is also evolving for 2025. The iPhone 17 family is expected to have four models, similarly to recent years, but with some tweaks:

• iPhone 17 (Base): The standard model, expected to have a 6.3–6.4″ display and the A19 chip (with about 8GB RAM). (Exact specs are still unconfirmed.)

• iPhone 17 Air: A new ultra‑thin 6.6″ model rumored to replace the old “Plus” version. Insiders say the Air will be only ~5.5–6.0 mm thick, making it Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever. This slim body might come at the cost of a smaller battery (though Apple reportedly finds ways to boost energy density).

• iPhone 17 Pro: The high‑end 6.3″ model, with A19 Pro chip (possibly 12GB RAM) and premium camera system. The Pro is rumored to get a new camera module design (see below).

• iPhone 17 Ultra: The biggest 6.8″ model. Industry chatter suggests Apple might finally rename the “Pro Max” to “Ultra” for 2025, similar to its Watch lineup. In other words, the top-tier model could be called iPhone 17 Ultra instead of Pro Max. (This rename was hinted at in past rumor cycles as well, though Apple hasn’t confirmed it.)

In short, expect iPhone 17, 17 Air, 17 Pro, and 17 Ultra. The Air and Ultra are the new additions (replacing the old Plus/Max terminology). Notably, the Air’s extremely thin profile and the possibility of an Ultra rename are changes to watch.

Key Features & Specs (Rumoured)

Performance & Chip

All iPhone 17 models are expected to feature the new A19 chip, with the Pro and Ultra versions getting a higher-end A19 Pro variant. Built on TSMC’s advanced 3nm “N3P” process, the chip should deliver faster performance and better energy efficiency than the A17 used in iPhone 16. This means smoother multitasking, improved battery life, and enhanced overall responsiveness.

Wi‑Fi & Connectivity

Apple is reportedly introducing its first custom wireless chip with Wi‑Fi 7 support across all models. Wi‑Fi 7 combines the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands for faster and more stable wireless connections. An Apple-designed chip could bring better efficiency, stronger performance, and pave the way for future integration of Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, and other radios into a single SoC.

Battery & Charging

Battery capacity is expected to increase slightly for the Pro and Ultra models, with a small increase in thickness to fit the upgrades. Apple also plans to use its newer adhesive across the lineup, making battery replacements easier. Charging speeds are expected to reach up to 35W via wired charging. Reverse wireless charging at 7.5W is rumored for the Pro models, possibly allowing you to charge AirPods or other accessories from the back of the phone.

Camera System – Pro/Ultra Models

The Pro and Ultra models will likely feature major camera upgrades, with all three rear lenses, wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto, upgraded to 48 megapixels. The new telephoto lens is said to offer around 3.5x optical zoom, which, when combined with digital cropping, can deliver detailed zoom shots. The phones may also support 8K video recording and dual-video capture (front and rear at once), and possibly introduce a mechanical aperture on the main lens for more professional control over focus and background blur.

Front Camera (All Models)

Apple is expected to upgrade the front camera to 24 megapixels across all iPhone 17 models, doubling the resolution from the current 12MP. This will enhance detail for selfies, FaceTime, and video content, especially in low light.

Base & Air ModelsT

he base and Air models will continue to use a dual-camera setup (wide and ultra-wide), without a telephoto lens. These models won’t offer 8K video, advanced zoom, or the mechanical aperture seen in the Pro lineup, keeping the focus on simplicity and slim design.

Pricing & Availability

Apple’s iPhone pricing is expected to stay in familiar territory, with perhaps a slight shift upward for the new Air model. Leaked price estimates are:

• iPhone 17 (base): About $799 for the entry model (64–128GB).

• iPhone 17 Air: Around $899. (This replaces the old “Plus” price tier.)

• iPhone 17 Pro: Roughly $1,099 for the base Pro.

• iPhone 17 Ultra: Starting around $1,199+ for the top-tier 6.8″ model.

These match prior pricing: for example, the iPhone 16 Pro launched at $999, and leaks suggest Apple may raise the Pro’s price to $1,099. (In that Macworld report, the Pro and Ultra were listed at $1,099 and $1,199 respectively.) In any case, expect $799, $899, $1099, and $1199+ for the four models. Carriers will offer their usual deals and installment plans, and Apple will sell unlocked units at full price. (An unlocked iPhone from Apple works on any network worldwide.)

Availability should mirror past launches. Pre-orders likely begin mid-September, with national and international stores stocking units on release day. Note: early surveys indicate very high demand – one poll found over half of US iPhone users plan to upgrade to the 2025 model. That means pre-orders may sell out quickly, especially for the popular Pro/Ultra models.

Pre-Order & Buying Tips

To get an iPhone 17 on launch day, be ready ahead of time. Pre-orders are rumored to begin on September 12, 2025, with orders going live at 5:00 AM PT / 8:00 AM ET. Sign up for alerts from Apple, carriers, or retailers so you don’t miss the window. Make sure your Apple ID, payment details, and preferred model are set in advance for a faster checkout.

Decide whether to buy unlocked or through a carrier. Unlocked iPhones from Apple offer more flexibility, you can switch networks, travel internationally, and resell more easily. Carrier models often come with trade-in offers or monthly installment plans, but they’re usually locked until the balance is paid off. Compare both options to find the best deal for your needs.

For the smoothest experience, use the Apple Store app, which often works better than the website during high traffic. Set reminders, and try checking out on multiple devices or browsers if servers are slow. If online stock runs out, check availability at nearby Apple retail stores. A little planning goes a long way when launch day hits.

Conclusion

Excitement is already building for Apple’s next flagship, and the iPhone 17 rumors suggest a solid evolutionary upgrade – faster chips, sharper cameras, and maybe some stunning new colors for the 20th anniversary era. We’ll keep monitoring all the leaks and news as they come. Be sure to check back for updates as September 2025 approaches, so you have the latest info on release dates and specs.

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