BANGKOK – In Thailand, Apple fans are looking forward to the arrival of the iPhone 17 series, which is set to be introduced in September 2025. If Apple sticks to its usual routine, the announcement will take place between 8 and 10 September, with 9 September expected to be the most likely date, according to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg.
Pre-orders should open on 12 September, with the phones landing in Thai Apple stores and other regions around 19 September.
This year, Apple will bring four versions: the standard iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the all-new iPhone 17 Air, which steps in where the less-popular Plus model left off.
The iPhone 17 Air is generating buzz for being Apple’s slimmest phone yet, said to measure between 5.5mm and 6.25mm in thickness. With its sleek shape and mid-range spot in the lineup, it’s drawing lots of interest. Tech analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes the iPhone 17 Air could change what people expect from a premium but more affordable Apple device.
iPhone 17 Design and Feature Updates
Compared to last year’s iPhone 16, the iPhone 17 series introduces some big changes. Every model will have a 120Hz ProMotion screen, making scrolling and gaming feel smoother. For the first time, non-Pro iPhones will offer this feature. The regular iPhone 17’s display will grow to 6.3 inches, catching up to the Pro, while the Air will have a 6.6-inch OLED display. The Pro Max keeps its 6.9-inch size.
Camera technology is getting a major lift. The iPhone 17 and Air will now have a 24MP front-facing camera, doubling last year’s 12MP. The Air is expected to come with a single 48MP rear camera. Pro models will include a triple-lens system, with the Pro Max offering up to 8x optical zoom, up from 6x on the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The Air and Pro models may introduce a new horizontal camera bar instead of the usual square bump.
All iPhone 17 devices will run on the latest A19 chip, while the Pro and Pro Max get the more advanced A19 Pro. The Pro models will now have 12GB of RAM, while the standard and Air versions get 8GB. This boost should help with performance, especially for Apple Intelligence features.
Every model will support Wi-Fi 7. The iPhone 17 Air is believed to use Apple’s own C1 5G modem, while the rest may stick with Qualcomm. The Air might also use a high-density silicon-anode battery to help balance its thinner 2,800mAh power cell, perhaps paired with a dedicated battery case.
Colour options will be refreshed. The iPhone 17 will come in black, white, light blue, green, and purple, with the Air bringing in a new light gold. The Pro versions will see brighter shades, including a bold papaya orange and dark blue indigo.
Prices and Upgrades
In Thailand, the entry-level iPhone 17 with 128GB should start at about ฿32,000, a small rise from last year’s ฿29,900, likely due to global tariffs. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to cost about ฿32,900, much like the iPhone 16 Plus. The Pro and Pro Max versions will start at around ฿41,900 and ฿48,900. These numbers are based on posts shared on X and could change if currencies shift or tariffs are adjusted.
The iPhone 17 series takes several steps forward from the iPhone 16. The switch to a 120Hz ProMotion display on all models answers long-standing calls for smoother screens on non-Pro versions. The standard iPhone 17 now offers a bigger 6.3-inch screen, and the Air brings an ultrathin design to the range.
Camera upgrades, including the new 24MP front camera and up to 8x optical zoom on the Pro Max, will appeal to those who take a lot of photos and videos. The new A19 chip should make the phones faster and more efficient than the A18 found in the iPhone 16, though Apple Intelligence features may see their full benefits with the launch of iOS 26 in 2026.
However, the regular iPhone 17 keeps much of the iPhone 16’s look, with a vertical dual-camera layout. The Air’s slim build means a single rear camera and a smaller battery, which could be a drawback for users who value long battery life.
What the Experts Think
Apple watchers are mostly positive about what’s coming. Jeff Pu points out that while the iPhone 17 Air’s thin design stands out, its battery life may not suit heavy users. Mark Gurman calls attention to the improved cameras, especially the 8x zoom and camera control button, which he believes will attract those interested in mobile photography. Some analysts, reported in The Wall Street Journal, are cautious, saying tariffs could drive prices up, which may affect sales in regions like Thailand.
On social media, users are enthusiastic about new colours and camera features, but many are worried about prices. One popular post summed it up: “The iPhone 17 sounds great, but I’m not ready for the price jump.”
With the iPhone 17 series on the way, Thai shoppers can expect a mix of new design, better speed, and standout features. The thin iPhone 17 Air and the camera improvements on the Pro models could be the main attractions this year, while possible price rises and battery trade-offs may be something to think about. With launch day around the corner, people are keen to see if Apple delivers on its promises.
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