Apple released the iPhone 17 series on 19 September 2025 in the UK. It was announced on 9 September 2025 at Apple’s annual launch event, with pre orders opening on 12 September.
The lineup introduced four models: the iPhone 17, the iPhone Air (replacing the old Plus model), the iPhone 17 Pro, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Each targets a different type of buyer and a different budget.
Nearly a year on, the phones are well established and widely available. Here is what each model offers, what they cost in the UK, and what has changed since launch.
iPhone 17 Lineup at a Glance
| Model | UK Starting Price | Display | Chip | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 | £799 | 6.3″ OLED | A19 | 256 GB / 512 GB |
| iPhone Air | £999 | 6.6″ OLED | A19 | 256 GB / 512 GB |
| iPhone 17 Pro | £1,099 | 6.3″ OLED | A19 Pro | 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | £1,199 | 6.9″ OLED | A19 Pro | 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB / 2 TB |
All four models now come with a minimum of 256 GB storage. Apple dropped the 128 GB option entirely, which means even the base iPhone 17 has enough room for most people without worrying about running out of space.
All four models also include ProMotion (120Hz) and Always On displays. These features were previously limited to the Pro models, so the standard iPhone 17 and iPhone Air are a significant step up from their predecessors.
What Is the iPhone Air?
The biggest change in the 2025 lineup was the arrival of the iPhone Air. This replaced the iPhone Plus and takes the concept in a completely different direction.
The iPhone Air is the thinnest iPhone Apple has ever made, measuring just 5.6 mm. For comparison, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is 8.75 mm thick. It slots between the base iPhone 17 and the Pro models in terms of both price and features.
It shares the A19 chip with the standard iPhone 17 rather than the A19 Pro in the Pro models. It has a single rear camera (48 MP wide) rather than the dual or triple setups on other models. The trade off is obvious: you get a lighter, slimmer phone at a lower price than the Pro, but you lose the telephoto camera and some of the processing headroom.
For people who want a premium feeling iPhone without the bulk or the cost of a Pro model, the Air fills a gap that did not exist before.
Key Differences Between iPhone 17 and iPhone 16
If you are trying to decide whether to upgrade from an iPhone 16 or earlier, here are the changes that actually matter in daily use.
ProMotion on every model. The 120Hz display was previously only available on Pro models. Now all four iPhone 17 models have it. If you are coming from an iPhone 16 or 15, you will notice the smoother scrolling immediately.
256 GB base storage. The 128 GB option is gone. This alone makes the iPhone 17 better value than the iPhone 16 at launch, where you had to pay extra for 256 GB.
Aluminium frames on Pro models. Apple switched from titanium to aluminium on the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. The phones are slightly lighter as a result. Durability is similar for most real world use.
Larger batteries. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a 5,088 mAh battery, the largest Apple has put in an iPhone. Battery life across the whole lineup has improved compared to the iPhone 16 series.
Camera improvements. The Pro and Pro Max models have upgraded telephoto lenses and improved low light performance. The standard iPhone 17 also received a bump to its front facing camera.
Should You Buy Now or Wait?
The iPhone 17 series has been available for nearly a year. If you are thinking about buying one, the timing is worth considering.
Apple typically announces new Pro models each September. Reports suggest the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will arrive in September 2026, along with Apple’s first foldable iPhone. The standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e are expected to follow in spring 2027.
If you want a Pro model and are happy to wait a couple of months, the iPhone 18 Pro announcement is likely imminent. When new Pro models launch, prices on the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max often drop through carriers and resellers.
If you want the standard iPhone 17 or iPhone Air, now is a good time to buy. These models will not be replaced until 2027, so you are getting a phone with plenty of life ahead of it.
What Happens When Your iPhone 17 Needs a Repair
The iPhone 17 series has been in customers’ hands for nearly a year now. We are starting to see the first wave of accidental damage come through our stores: cracked screens, charging issues from lint packed ports, and the occasional back glass crack.
If you own an iPhone 17 and something goes wrong, here is what to know.
Screen repair. All iPhone 17 models use OLED displays with Ceramic Shield glass. When the screen cracks, the full display assembly needs replacing. At Phone Clinic, an iPhone 17 Pro Max screen replacement costs from £220, with other models priced lower. Most screen repairs are completed in under an hour.
Battery. It is too early for most iPhone 17 batteries to need replacing (they are under a year old), but if you bought a used or refurbished unit, battery health is worth checking. Go to Settings, then Battery, then Battery Health and Charging. If Maximum Capacity is below 80%, a replacement makes sense.
Charging port. The USB C port on the iPhone 17 can get clogged with lint from pockets and bags. Before paying for a repair, try cleaning it with a wooden toothpick. If that does not fix the problem, the port itself may need attention.
Every phone repair at Phone Clinic comes with a warranty, and our no fix, no fee policy means you do not pay if we cannot fix the problem. You can walk into any of our 14 UK stores or book an appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the iPhone 17 released in the UK?
The iPhone 17 was released in the UK on 19 September 2025. It was announced at Apple’s launch event on 9 September 2025, with pre orders opening on 12 September 2025. All four models were available from day one.
How much does the iPhone 17 cost in the UK?
UK pricing starts at £799 for the standard iPhone 17, £999 for the iPhone Air, £1,099 for the iPhone 17 Pro, and £1,199 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max. All models start at 256 GB storage. Higher storage options are available at additional cost, with the Pro Max offering up to 2 TB.
What is the difference between iPhone 17 and iPhone Air?
The iPhone Air is thinner and lighter (5.6 mm vs 7.95 mm) but has a single rear camera instead of the dual camera on the standard iPhone 17. Both use the A19 chip and have the same display quality. The Air costs £999 compared to £799 for the standard model. The main appeal of the Air is its slim design rather than additional features.
Is it worth upgrading from iPhone 16 to iPhone 17?
The biggest upgrades are ProMotion (120Hz) on every model, 256 GB base storage, larger batteries, and camera improvements on the Pro models. If your iPhone 16 is working well, the improvements are meaningful but not dramatic. If you are coming from an iPhone 15 or earlier, the jump is more noticeable.
Will there be an iPhone 18 in 2026?
Apple is expected to release the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September 2026, along with a foldable iPhone model. The standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e are expected to follow in spring 2027. This is a change from Apple’s traditional approach of releasing all models at once.