Apple iPhone 17 lineup in UAE: What's new, how much it costs, and when it's coming

With Apple’s “Awe Dropping” event scheduled for September 9, anticipation is peaking around the iPhone 17 series . Multiple leaks and reports suggest notable design changes, powerful hardware upgrades, and pricing shifts across markets. Here's a complete and detailed look at what to expect from the iPhone 17, 17 Air, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max — from specifications to pricing across key regions, including UAE.

Global release timeline and launch expectations

• Launch Event Date: Apple’s annual iPhone launch event is expected on September 9, 2025.
• Announcement Date (Previous Year): The iPhone 15 was announced on September 12, 2023.
• Pre-orders: Opened on September 15, 2023 for iPhone 15.
• Official Release: The iPhone 15 lineup was released on September 22, 2023.

This cadence suggests that pre-orders for the iPhone 17 series may begin by mid-September, with shipping and availability rolling out by late September 2025.

Models and global pricing overview
Apple is expected to launch four models under the iPhone 17 series:

iPhone 17

iPhone 17 Air (new addition)

iPhone 17 Pro

iPhone 17 Pro Max

Pricing (Global Markets):


UAE vs Previous Year:

• iPhone 16 Pro Max (2024): AED 5,099
• iPhone 17 Pro Max (2025 expected): AED 5,299+
• iPhone 16 Pro (2024): AED 4,299
• iPhone 17 Pro (2025 expected): AED 4,399–4,599
• iPhone 16: AED 3,399
• iPhone 17: Likely to stay close to AED 3,399
• iPhone 17 Air: Expected to replace Plus model (AED 3,799)

In short, modest price increases of AED 200–300 are expected for mid and high-tier models, while the base model may retain its previous pricing structure.

Design and display upgrades

Redesign After 5 Years

The iPhone 17 lineup marks the first major design overhaul in five years, especially with the introduction of the iPhone 17 Air — inspired by the MacBook Air and iPad Air design language.


Key Design Highlights:

• iPhone 17 Air:
  
  
  • Expected to become the thinnest smartphone on the market, potentially replacing the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge.
  • Features a 6.6-inch display, ProMotion (120Hz refresh rate), and a super-thin chassis.
  • Will include a standard USB-C port.
  • May sport a pixel-style rear sensor island.
    
• Pro and Pro Max Models:
  
  
  • Likely to get advanced OLED displays with higher brightness levels.
  • Designed to handle 4K video recording at 60fps with minimal battery strain — appealing to content creators.
    

Hardware and camera specifications

Performance and Chipsets

• iPhone 17 & iPhone 17 Air:
  
  
  • Powered by Apple A19 chipset
  • Equipped with 8GB RAM
    
• iPhone 17 Pro & Pro Max:
  
  
  • Run on Apple A19 Pro chipset
  • Feature 12GB RAM for top-tier performance
    

All four models will run iOS 26 out of the box.


Camera Upgrades

• Front Camera (All Models):
  
  
  • 24MP sensor for selfies and video calls
    
• Rear Cameras:
  
  
  • Pro & Pro Max:
    
    
    • Triple-lens setup with 48MP sensors
      
    • Enhanced zoom and low-light performance expected
      
  • iPhone 17 Air:
    
    
    • Single 48MP rear sensor
      
  • Standard iPhone 17:
    
    
    • Will likely retain the same rear camera setup as iPhone 16
      
      

Battery Capacity

• iPhone 17 Pro Max:
  
  
  • Expected battery size: ~5,000mAh
  • Significantly larger than the 4,676mAh battery in iPhone 16 Pro Max
    
    

Color variants and finish options

Apple is reportedly experimenting with two new color options for the iPhone 17 series:

• Green
• Purple

These will join the mix alongside traditional and existing options. For context, the iPhone 16 lineup was released in:

• Black
• White
• Pink
• Teal
• Ultramarine (deep blue)

This hints at Apple continuing to offer vibrant, youthful colour options across the standard and Air models, while the Pro variants may retain more premium finishes.