iPhone 17: Apple Shakes Up Lineup with ‘Air’ Model and Radical Pro Redesign – Breaking News!
Cupertino, CA – September 9th, 2025 is already circled on the calendars of Apple enthusiasts, but this year’s iPhone launch promises to be more revolutionary than incremental. Leaks suggest a dramatic shift in Apple’s iPhone strategy, with the discontinuation of the ‘Plus’ model in favor of a brand new, ultra-thin ‘Air’ variant, alongside a potentially groundbreaking redesign of the iPhone 17 Pro. This is breaking news that will reshape the smartphone landscape, and we’re bringing you all the details. For those following Google News, this is a story you won’t want to miss.
Goodbye Plus, Hello Air: A New iPhone Category Emerges
Apple has experimented with smaller-sized iPhones in the past (remember the iPhone mini?), and then attempted to find success with the larger ‘Plus’ models. Now, it appears they’re charting a new course. The iPhone Plus is reportedly being retired, replaced by the iPhone 17 Air. This isn’t just a size adjustment; the Air is being positioned as the thinnest and lightest iPhone ever created, boasting a remarkably slim profile of 5.5-6mm and a weight of just 145 grams. Constructed from a titanium-aluminum alloy, the iPhone 17 Air will feature a 6.6” OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a reduced Dynamic Island. While the design is captivating, concerns are already surfacing about battery life, prompting speculation about a dedicated battery case from Apple.
iPhone 17 Pro: A Design Overhaul Years in the Making
If the iPhone 17 Air represents a subtle evolution, the iPhone 17 Pro is poised for a full-blown revolution. Sources indicate this will be the most significant redesign since the iPhone 12, with a focus on both aesthetics and functionality. The most striking change? A new photographic module that spans the entire width of the phone’s back. Apple is also reportedly returning to an aluminum frame, introducing an innovative MagSafe system, and unveiling a completely new color palette. This isn’t just a cosmetic upgrade; it’s a statement about Apple’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of smartphone design. This is a major win for SEO and will drive traffic to archyde.com.
Under the Hood: The A19 Chip and iOS 26
Powering the entire iPhone 17 lineup will be the A19 chip, built on a third-generation 3-nanometer process. This promises significant improvements in performance and efficiency, with full support for Apple Intelligence features and optimized power consumption. The Pro models will receive a more powerful variant of the A19. Alongside the new hardware, iOS 26 is set to debut, bringing a renewed operating system focused on intelligent features, enhanced photography capabilities, and improved battery management. The interface is also expected to embrace a “Liquid Glass” aesthetic, further blurring the lines between hardware and software.
A Closer Look at the Models: Specs and Pricing
iPhone 17 Pro: Photography Focused
- Camera: 48MP main sensor with 5x (potentially 8x on the Pro Max) optical zoom, improved wide-angle and ultra-wide lenses, new LiDAR Scanner, directional microphone, possible 8K ProRes video recording, 24MP front camera.
- Performance: A19 chip with 12GB RAM, vapor chamber cooling, up to 5,000 mAh battery.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, potential eSIM-only in select markets.
- Price: Starting at $1,339
iPhone 17: The Balanced Choice
- Display: 6.27” LTPO display with ProMotion (up to 120Hz).
- Camera: 48MP main camera, 24MP front camera.
- Performance: A19 chip with 8GB RAM, vapor chamber cooling, 25W wireless charging.
- Colors: Black, white, steel, soft green, pastel purple, light blue.
- Price: $939 – $999
iPhone 17 Air: Design and Portability
- Dimensions: 5.5-6mm thickness, 145 grams weight.
- Display: 6.6” OLED display with 120Hz and reduced Dynamic Island.
- Performance: A19 or A19 Pro with 12GB RAM, 5-core GPU, vapor chamber cooling.
- Camera: Single 48MP rear camera, 24MP front camera.
- Colors: Deep black, opaque white, very light gold, frozen blue.
- Price: $1,029 – $1,099
Apple aims to maintain consistent pricing, but potential tariff impacts could lead to adjustments. Pre-orders are expected to begin on September 12th, 2025, with the official launch date set for September 19th, 2025.
The iPhone 17 lineup represents a bold new chapter for Apple, one that prioritizes innovation, design, and user experience. From the ultra-portable Air to the photography-focused Pro, there’s a model for everyone. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage and in-depth analysis as we get closer to the launch date – we’ll be your source for all things iPhone 17.
