Apple has once again taken center stage with its highly anticipated annual fall event, this time named “Awe Dropping.” True to its name, the showcase was packed with product launches and updates that aim to redefine the company’s ecosystem. Although the rumored major Siri upgrade was missing, Apple compensated with a slate of exciting announcements. From the slimmest iPhone ever — the all-new iPhone Air — to the redesigned iPhone 17 Pro series, upgraded Apple Watch models, and AirPods Pro featuring health sensors, the event had plenty to keep Apple enthusiasts buzzing.
Alongside the hardware reveals, Apple also confirmed rollout timelines for its next-generation operating systems across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. For users in India, the biggest highlight is that the entire iPhone 17 lineup and companion devices are already headed for pre-orders, starting September 12 at 5:30 PM IST, with general availability from September 19.
iPhone Air: Apple’s Slimmest iPhone Yet
For years, Apple has reserved its “Air” branding for products that prioritize slimness and portability, like the MacBook Air and iPad Air. Now, after nearly 18 years of the iPhone, Apple has finally given its flagship smartphone the same treatment with the introduction of the iPhone Air. Importantly, it’s named iPhone Air — not “iPhone 17 Air” — marking it as a distinct new category in the lineup.
- Design & Build: The iPhone Air comes in at an astonishing 5.6mm thickness and weighs just 156 grams, making it the lightest and thinnest iPhone Apple has ever produced. The phone is crafted with 80% recycled titanium, offering a combination of sleekness and durability.
- Display: A 6.5-inch ProMotion display ensures smooth visuals with adaptive refresh rates, a first for a non-Pro iPhone in this price bracket.
- Performance: Powered by the A19 Pro chip, the iPhone Air delivers high-speed performance and energy efficiency. It also debuts two new pieces of Apple hardware: the N1 wireless networking chip and the C1X cellular modem.
- Camera: Unlike the Pro models, the iPhone Air keeps things minimal with a single 48MP sensor, capable of capturing images across four focal lengths.
- Connectivity: In line with Apple’s move towards eSIM technology, the iPhone Air supports only digital SIMs, dropping the physical SIM slot completely.
- Compromises: The slim design comes with trade-offs — a smaller battery, no dual-camera system, and limited versatility compared to the Pro lineup.
- Price in India: Starting at ₹1,19,900.
By replacing the “Plus” model in the iPhone lineup, the iPhone Air creates a unique mid-tier option that blends ProMotion technology and advanced internals in a slimmer frame.
iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max: Redesigned With Power and Style
The iPhone 17 Pro series represents one of the most significant design overhauls in years. Apple has finally moved away from the familiar stove-top camera layout that debuted with the iPhone 11 Pro.
Design Overhaul
The new “plateau” design introduces a smooth glass panel across the rear, lowering the Apple logo for better alignment with MagSafe coils. For the build material, Apple has returned to aluminium, citing its superior heat management compared to titanium. To further enhance sustained performance, the phones are equipped with a vapour chamber cooling system.
Display & Performance
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the showstopper of the lineup with a massive 6.9-inch LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) Super Retina XDR OLED display, supporting a 120Hz refresh rate and 3000 nits peak brightness. The combination ensures unmatched clarity even under direct sunlight. Under the hood, Apple’s latest A19 Pro chip powers the device, delivering blistering performance for gaming, productivity, and everyday use.
Cameras
The iPhone 17 Pro Max maintains Apple’s reputation for industry-leading smartphone photography with a triple rear camera setup:
- 48MP primary sensor for detailed shots,
- 48MP periscope telephoto lens for powerful zoom capabilities,
- 48MP ultra-wide lens for expansive landscape photography.
For selfies and video calls, the phone sports an 18MP front camera.
Also Read: Apple iPhone 16e Launched: Features, Specs, and First Impressions
Battery & Charging
The device is fueled by a 4832mAh battery, paired with 25W MagSafe wireless charging support, ensuring both endurance and convenience.
Colours
Apple offers the iPhone 17 Pro series in three stunning finishes: Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue, and Silver.
Price in India (Pro Max Models)
- 256GB – ₹1,49,900
- 512GB – ₹1,69,900
- 1TB – ₹1,89,900
- 2TB – ₹2,29,900
Pre-Orders in India: How to Book the New iPhones
For Indian consumers, Apple has timed the iPhone 17 series launch perfectly with the festive season. Pre-orders open on September 12 at 5:30 PM IST across online and offline platforms, with deliveries starting from September 19.
Devices Available for Pre-Order:
- iPhone 17
- iPhone Air
- iPhone 17 Pro
- iPhone 17 Pro Max
- Apple Watch Series 11
- Watch SE 3
- Watch Ultra 3
- AirPods Pro 3
Platforms:
- Apple Online Store and official Apple offline outlets
- Leading retailers such as Croma, Reliance Digital, and Vijay Sales
- Amazon India (currently showing a “notify me” option)
- Flipkart (listed as “coming soon”)
Pre-Booking on Vijay Sales
On Vijay Sales, customers must first register on the official website by entering their details. Once pre-orders open, the platform notifies customers to proceed. To secure an iPhone 17 Pro Max, buyers must pay a ₹17,000 pre-booking amount, which will later be adjusted against the final purchase price.
Apple Watch and AirPods: Health-Focused Upgrades
Alongside the new iPhones, Apple also launched its updated wearables lineup:
- Apple Watch Series 11: Features expanded health-tracking capabilities, including advanced sleep and heart monitoring.
- Apple Watch SE 3: A budget-friendly option retaining core Apple Watch features.
- Apple Watch Ultra 3: Designed for extreme athletes and adventurers, with improved durability and battery life.
- AirPods Pro 3: Now equipped with built-in heart rate sensors and improved active noise cancellation.
These devices are already available for pre-order on Apple’s online store.
Final Thoughts
With the launch of the iPhone Air, Apple has introduced a completely new category that blends premium design with affordability in its own way. Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro Max pushes the envelope in terms of design, performance, and photography. Coupled with the health-focused Apple Watch lineup and upgraded AirPods Pro, Apple has ensured that this year’s fall event truly lived up to its “Awe Dropping” theme.For Indian buyers, the opportunity to pre-order begins today at 5:30 PM, making this one of the most anticipated shopping events ahead of the festive season.
