Watch the Apple iPhone 17 series announcement live in UAE tonight
Pre-orders tipped to open September 12 with sales from September 19
DUBAI – Apple’s highly anticipated “Awe Dropping” showcase is set to take place tonight, streamed live from the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino, California.
For audiences in the UAE, the keynote will begin at 9pm GST, available on Apple’s official website, YouTube channel, and the Apple TV app.
The company is expected to pull back the curtain on its iPhone 17 lineup, alongside the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and the next generation of AirPods Pro. For those eager to follow the unveiling, the livestream link is here:
iPhone 17 lineup
The star of the evening will be the iPhone 17 series, which introduces four models: the standard iPhone 17, the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, the iPhone 17 Pro, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The iPhone 17 Air has generated particular buzz, expected to measure just 5.5–6.25mm thick, making it the slimmest iPhone ever. Its 6.6-inch display and titanium-aluminium frame ensure it remains feather-light, though it may feature a smaller 2,800mAh battery and a single 48MP rear camera.
The standard iPhone 17 now aligns with the Pro in size, offering a 6.3-inch screen. Meanwhile, the flagship Pro and Pro Max will feature 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays respectively. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is tipped to pack a huge 5,000mAh battery, giving it the longest battery life of any iPhone to date.
Power and performance
Apple’s latest chipsets – the A19 and A19 Pro – are set to power the new phones. While the base and Air models are expected to feature 8GB of RAM, the Pro and Pro Max may offer 12GB to fully support Apple Intelligence, the brand’s generative AI suite.
All models will feature LTPO OLED displays with ProMotion technology, bringing a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and video playback. Reports suggest the Pro devices will introduce vapour chamber cooling, a hardware-first for Apple, designed to keep performance steady during heavy gaming and editing tasks.
Cameras and design
Every iPhone 17 is rumoured to carry a new 24MP TrueDepth front camera, while the Pro and Pro Max models will introduce a 48MP triple-lens system with 8x optical zoom and 8K video recording. These models may also debut astrophotography modes and dual front-and-rear video capture.
Design-wise, Apple may replace its signature square camera bump with a seamless horizontal “camera bar” to blend with the phone’s body colour. Pro models are expected in five finishes, including black, white, grey, dark blue, and a striking orange. Material changes could also see Apple moving from titanium to a durable aluminium-glass hybrid.
Pricing and availability in UAE
Industry watchers suggest prices in the Emirates will stay broadly aligned with global levels. Expected UAE pricing is around Dh3,399 for the base iPhone 17, Dh3,799 for the iPhone 17 Air, Dh4,399–Dh4,599 for the Pro, and Dh5,299+ for the Pro Max.
Based on past patterns, UAE customers will be among the first in the world to access the new devices. Pre-orders are expected to open on September 12, with deliveries and in-store availability beginning September 19. Apple Stores at Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Yas Mall, and The Galleria are likely to see eager queues from early morning on release day.
Beyond the iPhone
Apple’s wider hardware ecosystem will also be refreshed tonight. The Apple Watch Series 11 may debut with advanced health-tracking features, while the rugged Apple Watch Ultra 3 could add satellite connectivity. The new AirPods Pro 3 are tipped to feature enhanced Active Noise Cancellation and integrated health sensors.
All of Apple’s new devices will ship with iOS 26, macOS Tahoe, and updated AI features, extending the company’s push into smarter, more connected hardware experiences.