Apple’s Released iPhone 17 Series and Its Schedule
1. Apple is set to launch the iPhone 17 series in the fall of 2025. Apple has announced that the new iPhones starting the iPhone 17 series will be unveiled in the second week of September 2025. However, the exact release date remains uncertain, with PEM:PEM, rumors have indicated that delays, invaluable changes, and updates might be on the horizon. Apple has emphasized that it remains committed to delivering an enhanced software update, iOS 26, as the next generational update, which could potentially be released in the same week. Despite this, some leaks suggest that the release cycle may deviate from usual practices.
2. The iPhone 17 series features four variants:
- iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and the upcoming 17 Air. All models promise to feature groundbreaking updates, including 5G, Price-Grid Learning, new software, and real-time Connectivity. The latter models, 17 Air and 17 Pro Max, are expected to be the first to be released in the same week as the main models, but this could vary based on production capacity.
3. Pre-orders are live on the Friday of the week following Apple’s main launch. Based on past trends, pre-orders for the iPhone 17 series are expected to open on the Friday of the week that precedes the main release in September 2025. For example, if pre-orders open on Friday, September 12, the main release for the iPhone 17 is projected to take place on that same Friday, followed by release on Friday, September 19. This schedule allows for potential spacing between pre-order confirmation and release, reducing confusion among customers.
4. Apple is tracking its first launch of the iPhone 18, which may alter the schedule for models released in 2026. Apple has mentioned that the release timeline for the iPhone 18 will be affected by early availability of the lower-end models. This strategy may shift the containment of non-pro models to early in the year, potentially delaying the introduction of higher-end features. However, Apple remains optimistic, expecting that these models will become available in the fall of 2026.
5. The iPhone 17 series is currently in a relatively early toy phase, with rumors of a revised schedule suggesting that it may not influence Apple’s future premium release schedule for Pro models. A report suggested that the iPhone 17 Pro Max and 17 planes are likely to be released in early 2026. While app and fitness highlights indicate that the 17 Pro and 17 may be available in the fall of 2025, delayed release of these models could make the 18s a eventual release vehicle rather than the 17s. This PIC (product introduction capability) delay aligns with Apple’s strategy to prioritize early launches of non-Pro models, ensuring a balanced lineup throughout the year.
6. Recent rumors about changes in Apple’s schedule point to a shift in the timeline for the iPhone 17 series, potentially clarifying the order and deployment of recent models. While Apple has emphasized its commitment to maintaining a high-touch approach with the customer experience, shifting production or release schedules is seen ambiguously by some reporters. For instance, a report mentioned that some rumors suggest the release cycle might have delayed the introduction of the 17 Pro Max, calling it "marked a dramatic shift in Apple’s approach." This kind of nuance underscores Apple’s decade-long reputation for innovation, but also the ability to adapt to calendar demands while maintaining its identity as a premium brand.
