iPhone 17 Release Date 2025: What We Know About the New iPhone 17 Air and Features

iPhone 17 Release Date

iPhone 17 Release Date: What We Know So Far About Apple’s 2025 Lineup and the New iPhone 17 Air

The iPhone 16 series has only just hit shelves, but rumors about the iPhone 17 release date and its exciting new features are already making waves. Tech enthusiasts are buzzing about what could be one of the biggest updates to Apple’s design since the iconic iPhone X launched in 2017.

Among the most talked-about rumors is the debut of the iPhone 17 Air, a sleek, ultra-thin device rumored to feature a larger display, a completely redesigned camera system, and a chassis thinner than ever before. Additionally, Apple is reportedly discontinuing the "Plus" model due to lackluster sales, focusing instead on four core devices: the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the new iPhone 17 Air.

If you’re wondering when the next iPhone will launch, what features to expect, or whether it’s worth waiting for, this article will break down everything we know so far about Apple’s 2025 lineup—and why it might redefine the smartphone game and get you excited about buying a new phone.

iPhone 17 Release Date: When Can You Expect It?

Apple has a long-standing tradition of unveiling its new iPhones in September, typically on the second Tuesday of the month. Based on this pattern, the iPhone 17 release date is expected to fall around September 9, 2025.

That said, Apple hasn’t made any official announcements yet. Until then, all we have are educated guesses based on previous release cycles. If you’re planning to upgrade, mark your calendar—but don’t expect any surprises before September 2025.

What’s New in the iPhone 17 Lineup?

Rumors suggest that the iPhone 17 series could bring some of the biggest changes to Apple’s design in years. Here’s what we know so far about the upcoming models:

The Arrival of the iPhone 17 Air

One of the most exciting rumors is the introduction of the iPhone 17 Air, a completely new addition to the lineup. Described as a sleek, ultra-thin device, the Air (also being referred to as "slim" among some rumors) is expected to feature:

• A 6.65-inch display, slightly larger than the standard iPhone models, using ProMotion technology, 120Hz dynamic refresh rate, and a resolution 1260 x 2740 pixels.
• A chassis thickness of 6mm or less, making it one of the slimmest smartphones ever created.
• A redesigned camera system that breaks away from the traditional bump, offering a more streamlined look.

The iPhone 17 Air won’t replace the iPhone 17 Plus—because there won’t be one. According to leaks, Apple plans to discontinue the "Plus" lineup due to lackluster sales, focusing instead on four core models:

• iPhone 17
• iPhone 17 Pro
• iPhone 17 Pro Max
• iPhone 17 Air

Why Is Apple Discontinuing the iPhone Plus?

The "Plus" model has struggled to gain traction among customers, who often prefer either the smaller, more affordable base models or the larger, feature-packed Pro Max versions. By eliminating the "Plus," Apple can streamline its offerings and focus on delivering devices that better align with consumer preferences.

Thinner Designs Across the Board

Beyond the Air, all iPhone 17 models are rumored to adopt a thinner profile compared to their predecessors. This shift aligns with Apple’s ongoing push for sleeker, more portable devices without compromising performance.

Display and Camera Upgrades

While specifics remain under wraps, insiders hint at significant improvements to both displays and cameras:

• Brighter, more energy-efficient OLED panels.
• Enhanced low-light photography capabilities.
• A single 48MP rear camera and a 24MP front camera, breaking away from the multi-camera setups of other models

Why Should You Wait for the iPhone 17?

If you’re debating between upgrading now or holding out for the iPhone 17, here are a few reasons why waiting might be worth it:

1. A Bold New Design: If you’re tired of the same old look, the iPhone 17 Air promises a fresh aesthetic that could set trends for years to come.
2. Cutting-Edge Technology: From thinner builds to advanced camera systems, the iPhone 17 lineup is rumored to pack innovations that make current models feel outdated.
3. No More Compromises: By dropping the "Plus" model, Apple may streamline its offerings to better meet customer preferences.

Of course, if you need a phone immediately, the iPhone 16 is still an excellent choice. But for those who can wait, the iPhone 17 could deliver unparalleled value.

iPhone 17 Air: Final Thoughts On What Sets It Apart in 2025

Here are some additional noteworthy details about the iPhone 17 Air, highlighting what could make it one of Apple’s most exciting releases in 2025:

• Performance: The iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature the A19 chip (non-Pro version), paired with 8GB of RAM for lightning-fast performance. Storage options will reportedly include 256GB and 512GB, catering to users who need ample space for apps, photos, and files.
• Connectivity: It may be only the second iPhone—after the SE 4—to feature Apple’s in-house 5G modem chip, which could improve connectivity speeds and reduce power consumption compared to third-party modems.
• Premium Pricing: The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to carry a price tag of $1,299, potentially making it more expensive than the iPhone 17 Pro Max. This positions the Air as a luxury device aimed at tech enthusiasts and design-conscious buyers.
• Design Focus: Unlike previous models that emphasized hardware upgrades, Apple is reportedly prioritizing innovative design for the iPhone 17 Air. With its ultra-thin profile and reimagined aesthetics, the Air aims to stand out as a fashion-forward, high-performance device.

iPhone 5 Release Date Delayed?

Yes, as you can imagine, the iPhone 5 rumors are beginning to fly fast and furious and the most recent reports are indicating that there may be some hiccups with the new iPhone 5 release date.

According to 9to5 Mac, it appears that the iPhone 4S (dubbed to be a lower-end iPhone, nearly identical in form to the existing iPhone 4) is moving along nicely through production and should launch in early October (widely expected to be October 7, 2011) and there will be plenty of supply for consumers to get their hands on one.

However, there's a different tune with the new iPhone 5 release date and it appears that this higher-end, newly designed, iPhone 5 is facing potential production delays.

It appears that the tear-drop shaped iPhone 5 with larger screen and thinner, rounder body is seeing continued design and production delays, at least on one assembly line (Apple has multiple production sources – Pegatron, Foxconn, etc). We therefore think that iPhone 5 will be delayed slightly at the very least and may see shortages all the way into 2012. - Source 9to5 Mac

With that said, and as usual, stay tuned as more of this story will certainly unfold since we're getting awfully close to the new iPhone release date - whatever it turns out to be!

iPhone Rumors and Speculation - A New iPhone Product Line

If you're a frequent reader who makes the rounds surfing from one tech blog to another, you're well aware of the iPhone rumors pointing towards a nearing iPhone 5 release date or perhaps an iPhone 4S release date.

To add to the iPhone rumor mill, things got much more interesting today. According to BGR sources, it looks like Apple may be making a move towards the introduction of an iPod-esque product line for the iPhone.  When you couple this rumor with BGR's previous speculative report that Sprint and T-Mobile would both be getting the iPhone in the near future, the direction of Apple's iPhone marketing strategy is becoming quite clear.

In short, it looks like they believe that they can remain competive with Google's Android smartphones by introducing iPhones that are affordable to all segments of the consumer market and available on any of the major wireless carriers.  There's no doubt in my mind (I'm certainly not going out on a limb here) that Apple will pick up additional market share in doing so.  Additional iPhone saturation into a much larger consumer pool is inevitable if these rumors morph into reality.

If this marketing strategy comes to fruition, speculation has it that Apple will be releasing a prepaid iPhone 3GS.  Yes, at a $350 price point, a prepaid original iPhone 3GS!  The iPhone 4 would fill the middle rung and the next generation iPhone would fill the top spot of the consumer market.

Time will tell!

iPhone 6 Release Date Rumors

Believe it or not, the iPhone 6 release date is already on the radar and rumor has it that the new iPhone 6 launch will be coming sometime in the first half of 2012 according to MacRumors (via Concord Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo):

"Kuo claims that the sixth-generation iPhone will be the model to carry a substantial redesign and could launch in the first half of 2012, even with a later-than-usual introduction of 2011's iPhone model."

The 2011 iPhone model Kuo is referring to is the iPhone 5.  If you're not up to speed on the iPhone 5, check out the rumors and speculation circulating around the iPhone 5 release date and then come back to see how the iPhone 5 release date ties together with the iPhone 6 release date rumors.

For starters, there's definitely a lot of buzz surrounding the iPhone 5 release date as the speculation floating around the blogosphere is that the typical June / July iPhone release date is not going to happen this year.  Instead, all rumors are pointing to the iPhone 5 release date being pushed into the later summer / early fall.  These rumors also point towards a consolidated iPhone model compatible with both AT&T / Verizon wireless networks.  In short, one world iPhone 5 with a wireless chip that will enable the new iPhone 5 to work on either wireless network.

Rumor has it that the iPhone 5 form factor is supposed to resemble the iPhone 4, but it looks like a new A5 dual core processor will be found under the hood and it will be driving a major software update - Apple's new IOS 5 currently in development.

Kuo notes that the iPhone 5 should set the stage for an iPhone 6 release date that brings with it a fully redesigned iPhone 6.  With the speed at which competitive Android smartphones have been coming to the market on the back of rapidly releasing new mobile technology (hardware and software), it only makes sense that Apple will move to a more frequent iPhone launch cycle to remain competitive.  No complaints here!

If you have more fuel to throw onto the iPhone 6 release date or the iPhone rumor mill, have at it in the comments!

When Will The White iPhone 4 Be Available?

If you're wondering when will the white iPhone 4 be available, your wait is finally over!  Apple just announced that the white iPhone 4 release date will be on April 28, 2011.

"CUPERTINO, California—April 27, 2011—Apple® today announced that the white iPhone® 4 will be available beginning tomorrow. White iPhone 4 models will be available from Apple’s online store (www.apple.com), at Apple’s retail stores, AT&T and Verizon Wireless stores and select Apple Authorized Resellers.
...

White models of iPhone 4 will be available in Austria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Macau, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, UK and the US, beginning Thursday, April 28 and in many more countries around the world soon. White iPhone 4 will be available for a suggested retail price of $199 (US) for the 16GB model and $299 (US) for the 32GB model with a new two year agreement through the Apple Store® (www.apple.com), at Apple’s retail stores, AT&T and Verizon Wireless stores and select Apple Authorized Resellers."

The white iPhone 4 release date has been a long time in coming, but I'm sure most consumers would just assume trade in the seemingly endless white iPhone 4 delay to get their hands on a white iPhone 4 that has been scrutinized to the high quality that consumers have come to expect from the iPhone and other Apple products.

So stop wondering when will the white iPhone 4 be available, check out and enjoy the white iPhone 4 pics below (courtesy of BGR and Apple), and start figuring out if and when you will buy the white iPhone 4!