Apple launches iPhone 17 series – thinner, sharper and more powerful than before
Pre-orders in UAE expected to open on September 12
DUBAI – Apple has officially revealed the iPhone 17 during its “Awe Dropping” launch event in Cupertino.
The new handset headlines the iPhone 17 series, which also includes the iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
For users in the UAE, the wait is nearly over, with pre-orders expected to open this week.
The iPhone 17, positioned as the entry-level flagship, arrives with a redesigned rear camera setup, a brighter and larger display, and the latest A19 chip. With starting storage doubled to 256GB and a focus on AI-driven features, the model is designed to appeal to a wide range of buyers.
Design and display
While the design language remains familiar, Apple has introduced noticeable changes. The rear camera bump has been redesigned, moving from diagonally-placed lenses in a square module to vertically aligned cameras across a rectangular block.
The display sees one of the biggest upgrades: it has expanded to 6.3 inches, up from 6.1 inches on the iPhone 16.
For the first time, the standard model includes ProMotion technology, allowing refresh rates to shift dynamically between 1Hz and 120Hz. A new Ceramic Shield 2 coating improves durability, while peak brightness reaches 3,000 nits – a leap from 2,000 nits previously.
The iPhone 17 is offered in five colours: lavender, light blue, dark grey, silver-white and green.
Camera system
Apple has upgraded both rear lenses to 48 megapixels, replacing the previous 12-megapixel ultrawide. The main camera employs Apple’s “dual fusion” technology, capturing sharp 48MP photos or 24MP 2x zoomed images.
Selfies also benefit from an upgraded 18-megapixel front camera, which supports Apple’s Center Stage feature to keep users perfectly framed during video calls.
Enhanced image stabilisation makes handheld recordings smoother, particularly when using FaceTime on the move.
Performance & software
The new A19 chip powers the iPhone 17, delivering a 20% speed improvement over last year’s model. While not as advanced as the A19 Pro in the premium editions, the 6-core CPU enables faster AI processing and on-device language model performance. The 5-core GPU promises smoother gaming, with Apple highlighting titles such as Destiny Rising for improved graphics.
Battery life has also been extended, offering up to eight more hours of video playback than the iPhone 16. The device can reach 50% charge in around 20 minutes with fast charging.
The iPhone 17 ships with iOS 26, introducing features like Live Translation and an improved Siri designed for more personalised responses. Apple has confirmed that iOS 26 will roll out as a free software update from Monday, September 15, though availability of certain features may vary by region and language.
Pricing and availability
Apple has expanded its lineup to include higher storage tiers for the premium models. The iPhone 17 Pro will be available in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB capacities, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max adds a 2TB option for the first time. Both models will be offered in new finishes: cosmic orange, deep blue and silver.
In the UAE, pricing begins at Dh4,699 for iPhone 17 Pro and Dh5,099 for iPhone 17 Pro Max. The standard iPhone 17 is expected to start at around Dh3,499.
Pre-orders open at 5 a.m. PDT (4 p.m. UAE time) on Friday, September 12 across more than 63 countries and regions including the UAE, US, UK, India, China, Japan and France. Availability begins on Friday, September 19. The rollout will extend to 22 additional markets on Friday, September 26.
Apple Intelligence & language support
Apple Intelligence, the company’s new AI suite, will launch in beta with iOS 26. It will initially support English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Japanese and Korean. By the end of the year, support will expand to Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, Portuguese (Portugal), Swedish, Turkish, Traditional Chinese and Vietnamese. Apple cautions that some features may not be available in all regions or languages.
Accessories and extras
Apple has introduced a refreshed range of accessories to complement the iPhone 17 Pro series:
- Cases and straps: TechWoven Case with MagSafe (Dh269), Clear Case (Dh219), Silicone Case with MagSafe (Dh219), Crossbody Strap (Dh269) and a FineWoven Wallet with MagSafe (Dh269) in multiple colours.
- Chargers: 40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max (Dh169), Qi2 25W-certified MagSafe Charger available in 1-metre (Dh169) and 2-metre (Dh199) lengths.
Satellite features, first introduced with the iPhone 14, will continue to be free for existing iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 users for an additional year, provided their devices were activated before September 9, 2025, in a supported country.
Services & subscriptions
Apple is offering three free months of Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, Apple Music, Apple News+ and Apple TV+ for customers buying the iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone 17 Pro Max. Availability of the promotional offers will vary by region.
For storage and premium features, iCloud+ plans start at Dh3.99 per month, including access to Private Relay, Hide My Email, Custom Email Domains and HomeKit Secure Video. With Family Sharing, the subscription can be shared with up to five other members.
AppleCare remains available, with AppleCare+ covering individual devices worldwide, and AppleCare One offered in the US to protect multiple products in one plan. Both include cover for accidental damage, battery replacement, theft and loss, plus 24/7 support.