Apple’s September Launch: iPhone 17, iPhone Air & Everything You Need to Know

September means only one thing for the tech-obsessed: it’s Apple launch time.

Tim Cook took to the Keynote stage on September 9^th to talk all things new releases, including the new iPhone 17 and long-rumoured iPhone Air. In case you missed the event or want to catch up on the highlights, we’re here to run you through everything.

Remember, if the new devices announced have you considering an upgrade, you can use our ‘Sell My iPhone’ service to cash in your current phone.

iPhone Air

Before we get into the latest device in the standard iPhone lineup, we need to talk about Apple’s thinnest phone – the iPhone Air. It’s only 5.6mm thick and has a grade-5 titanium frame with a new ‘plateau’ back design and Ceramic Shield 2 glass on the front and back. Despite the slimness, the phone has a 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display and features the new A19 Pro chip, meaning it doesn’t compromise on power.

One of the main ways in which the Air differs from existing iPhones, is the camera. It has just one 48MP ‘Dual Fusion’ main camera and an 18MP ‘Centre Stage’ front camera for ultra-wide selfies. Even though it’s thin, battery life is all-day (comparable to the iPhone 17), and it charges via USB-C, supporting an action button and camera control shortcuts.

The iPhone Air is available on September 19^th, with prices starting at £999 for the 256GB model, going up to £1,399 for the 1TB option.

If you’ve ever wanted a powerful iPhone that doesn’t feel like a brick in your pocket, the Air is perfect.

iPhone 17: Base, Pro, and Pro Max

Aside from the impressive Air, the iPhone 17 (and its variations) were a key talking point for the Apple event. Here’s what you need to know about the different phones:

iPhone 17 – The Everyday Flagship

Apple’s standard iPhone is no longer the ‘entry-level’ experience. The iPhone 17 now includes features that used to be reserved for the Pro line:

• 3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED with 120Hz ProMotion and Always-On.
• All 48MP rear cameras (main + ultrawide), plus a new 18MP Centre Stage front camera.
• 30 hours of video playback, which is a huge jump in battery life over the iPhone 16.
• Starting at £799 (256GB).

We expect that this is the phone that will attract the most people, as it’s got plenty of power, an incredible display, and cameras that can rival last year’s Pro models.

iPhone 17 Pro – The Creator’s iPhone

If the cameras and performance of the base 17 and Air aren’t quite impressing you, the 17 Pro might have more to offer:

• 3-inch OLED with ProMotion and 3,000-nit peak brightness.
• Triple-lens camera system 48MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, and a 24MP telephoto with 3x zoom.
• Improved video capabilities like 4K60 Dolby Vision, Cinematic Mode, and simultaneous front/rear recording.
• New aluminium unibody design for strength and style.
• From £1,099

This is the model for content creators and budding photographers who need professional-level video and photography tools without going all-in on the Max.

iPhone 17 Pro Max – The Powerhouse

The biggest iPhone got even more extreme this year. If you’re one who likes to have the top-of-the-range device, check out the features on the Pro Max:

• 6-9-inch OLED display with ProMotion and Always-On.
• Periscope telephoto camera with up to 8x optical zoom – Apple’s most advanced zoom system yet.
• Longest iPhone battery life ever: 42 hours audio, 31 hours video.
• Available in new colours, including an exclusive Cosmic Orange.
• Pricing starts at £1,199 (256GB), with storage options up to 2TB (£1,999).

If you want the absolute best Apple offers in display, cameras, and durability, this is it.

iPhone Comparison Table

Check out our iPhone comparison table to see how the latest models stand against one another, including the iPhone 16.

Feature	iPhone 16 (2024)	iPhone 17 (2025)	iPhone Air (2025)	iPhone 17 Pro/Max (2025)
Display	6.1/6.7″, 60 Hz, 2,000 nits	6.3″, 120 Hz, 3,000 nits	6.5″, 120 Hz, 3,000 nits	6.3/6.9″, 120 Hz, 3,000 nits
Chip	A18	A19	A19 Pro	A19 Pro
Main Camera	48 MP + 12 MP ultrawide	48 MP + 48 MP ultrawide	48 MP (dual focal lengths)	48 MP wide + 12 MP ultrawide + 3×/8× tele
Front Camera	12 MP	18 MP	18 MP	18 MP
Battery	~18h video	~30h video	Similar to iPhone 17	Up to 31h video / 42h audio
Other	Dynamic Island	Faster charging, Wi-Fi 7	Ultra-thin titanium, gestures	Same + highest durability

 

Other Releases

Apple didn’t just stop at iPhones – the event also brought updates across its wearables and accessories lineup.

The Apple Watch Series 11 shows another step toward the smartwatch becoming a full health companion. It has new blood pressure monitoring and a Sleep Score each morning, giving wearers a deeper insight into their wellbeing. Available in 42mm and 46mm sizes, it starts at £369 for the 42mm GPS model.

For those who want something more budget-friendly, the Apple Watch SE 3 is catching up with features including sleep apnoea alerts and wrist temperature sensing. At around £259, it offers excellent value for anyone buying their first Apple Watch.

At the top end, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is designed for explorers and outdoor athletes. It now includes satellite SOS and messaging, making it a lifeline in off-grid situations. Pricing begins at £749 for the 49mm titanium model.

If you’re considering upgrading, remember that older watches still hold value. Services like our ‘Sell My Apple Watch’ option make it easy to trade in your current device and put that money toward the latest Apple model.

Apple also revealed the new AirPods Pro 3, featuring a smaller design, five different tip sizes for comfort, twice the noise cancellation of the Pro 2, and even a built-in heart rate sensor.

Whether you’re looking to use our ‘Sell My iPhone 13’ or ‘Sell My iPhone 14’ service, or trade in a different phone altogether, we can help. With tracked shipping, fast payment turnarounds, and thousands of positive reviews, Mazuma can help you get your hands on the latest phones from Apple.