Appli iPhone 17 Pro Max design leak via Revu Philippines

Apple iPhone 17 launch set for Sept 9. Here’s what to expect

In Phones by Ramon LopezLeave a Comment

Apple sent out invitations to the media for an event on September 9 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time (or September 10 at 1 a.m. Philippine time), where the American technology giant is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 lineup, along with new Apple Watches and AirPods, at its Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California.

While Apple is notoriously tight-lipped, this isn’t a huge surprise. The company has a decade-long tradition of debuting new iPhones — its undisputed cash cow, to the surprise of no one — in September. We’re just two weeks out, but thanks to the usual torrent of leaks and rumors, we have a pretty good picture of what to expect.

Beyond the standard iPhone 17, expect to see the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and a new, ultra-thin model that’s rumored to be called the iPhone 17 Air.

Apple CEO Tim Cook’s announcement

One thing we can be certain of is that none of these smartphones will come cheap, although you probably already know that. The Apple iPhone 17 is predicted to start at $800 (around P45,737) before taxes, while the Pro and Pro Max models are expected to have starting prices of $1,050 (P60,030) and $1,250 (P71,464), respectively. For comparison, the iPhone 16 arrived in the Philippines with a base price of P54,990 ($962), and the Pro and Pro Max versions cost from P69,990 ($1,224) and P84,990 ($1,487), respectively.

Turns out the leaked launch date was right!

Apple iPhone 17: What to expect

Many analysts are predicting no major design overhaul for the base model this year, with a bigger redesign supposedly reserved for the iPhone’s 20th anniversary next year. Still, there are a few notable upgrades to get excited about, along with some fresh purple and light green colorways.

We could be getting some fresh purple and light green colorways

The iPhone 17 could get a slightly larger 6.3-inch screen — a modest bump from the iPhone 16’s 6.1-inch display. More importantly, it’s a rumored move to a smoother 120Hz refresh rate, a massive improvement from the standard model’s current 60Hz.

Perhaps even more impressive is the iPhone 17’s expected upgrade to a 24-megapixel front-facing camera, which could be a serious leap from its 12-megapixel predecessor. For anyone who lives on selfies, vlogs, and low-light portraits, this might be good news.

Powering it all is the rumored Apple A19 chip, built on TSMC’s 3nm tech. This is a standard yearly upgrade that promises better speed and efficiency across the board.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max: Cameras, cooling, and new materials

On the premium side, the biggest changes for the Pro and Pro Max models are happening on the back. Leaked renders point to a switch from titanium to a lighter aluminum chassis, which could help make the devices feel less hefty. It’s also a smart way for Apple to shave off some production costs.

The camera array is getting a complete makeover. The latest renders show the three lenses arranged in a rectangular bar that spans the entire width of the phone. The flash, light sensor, and microphone will be shifted to the far right, and the Apple logo is said to be re-centered over the MagSafe charger for a more balanced look.

Pro and Pro Max models?

Camera enthusiasts will want to pay attention to the rumored 48-megapixel, 8x optical zoom telephoto lens, too, which is a huge jump from the 12-megapixel, 5x telephoto on the iPhone 16 Pro models. And just like the base variant, the Pro phones will get the same 24-megapixel selfie camera upgrade. They’ll also reportedly pack an A19 Pro chip, plus a vapor-chamber cooling system to keep things from getting toasty during heavy use or in the tropical heat.

Apple iPhone 17 Air: A new ‘heir’?

In a surprising twist, it looks like the Plus model is out. Instead, Apple is reportedly introducing the iPhone 17 Air, an ultrathin version with a 6.6-inch screen designed for users who prioritize a premium, sleek design.

With a rumored profile of just 5.5mm, it could be the thinnest iPhone ever made. The renders suggest a single-lens rear camera, unlike the dual-camera setup on the iPhone 16 Plus. Pricing is rumored to start at $950 (P54,312), and it’s expected to come in black, gold, and silver colors.

This could be the thinnest iPhone ever made

Main image via Zellzoi

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Ramon Lopez

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Reviews editor: Ramon "Monch" Lopez has 16 years of professional experience creating and editing content for print and digital publications such as Yahoo. He headed the gadgets-merchandising division of one of the Philippines’ largest retail operators somewhere in between.