Apple has unveiled the iPhone 17, introducing a raft of hardware and software upgrades aimed at creators, gamers and everyday users who want more speed, better battery life, and smarter cameras.
Headlining the changes are a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion (up to 120Hz), an all-48MP rear camera system with an optical-quality 2x Telephoto, and a brand-new Center Stage front camera that captures up to 18MP selfies and keeps users perfectly framed in calls and videos. It’s all driven by Apple’s A19 chip for higher performance and on-device AI features in iOS 26.
A front camera that finally acts like your best videographer
Apple’s new Center Stage front camera is the first on iPhone to use a square sensor, enabling a wider field of view, higher resolution, and smarter framing.
Users can record portrait or landscape while holding the phone vertically, shoot ultra-stabilized 4K HDR video, and even Dual Capture with front and rear cameras at once.
For group shots, Center Stage can automatically widen and rotate the frame so everyone fits without awkward arm gymnastics. During FaceTime and supported third-party calls, Center Stage keeps the subject steady and centered.
All-48MP rear cameras for sharp detail and creative flexibility
For the first time, iPhone features 48MP sensors on both rear cameras. The 48MP Fusion Main camera delivers crisp detail and an optical-quality 2x Telephoto without a separate lens, while the 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide captures up to 4x the resolution versus the previous generation for sweeping landscapes and macro shots.
With next-generation Photographic Styles and a new Bright profile in iOS 26, users can tune color, highlights, and shadows with better handling of skin tones ideal for social posts or quick edits without pro software.
iPhone 17’s 6.3-inch panel pushes Apple’s mainstream display closer to Pro territory. ProMotion ramps up to 120Hzfor silky scrolling and responsive gaming, and drops to 1Hz for the Always-On display to save power.
Ceramic Shield 2 improves durability with 3x better scratch resistance and reduced glare. Outdoor legibility gets a big lift with 3,000 nits peak brightness and 2x better outdoor contrast, making maps, photos, and messages easier to read under Malaysia’s mid-day sun.
A19 performance, on-device AI and all-day battery
Built on third-generation 3-nanometer tech, the A19 chip ramps CPU and GPU performance for modern mobile gaming and Apple Intelligence features. Apple says the 6-core CPU is 1.5x faster than A15 (iPhone 13 era), while the 5-core GPU is over 2x faster, with Neural Accelerators in each GPU core to accelerate generative AI models on device. Paired with iOS 26 optimizations, Apple claims all-day battery life, up to 30 hours of video playback (eight more hours than before), and fast charging to 50% in around 20 minutes using a compatible high-wattage USB-C adapter (like Apple’s new 40W Dynamic Power Adapter).
Connectivity also levels up through N1, an Apple-designed wireless chip supporting Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread, improving reliability for AirDrop, Personal Hotspot, and smart-home accessories.
iOS 26 brings Apple Intelligence to the masses
Out of the box, iPhone 17 runs iOS 26, introducing a refreshed visual design (Liquid Glass), Live Translation for text and audio across Messages, Phone, and FaceTime, upgraded visual intelligence to search or act on whatever’s on screen, and a new Apple Games app to organize titles in one place.
Apple Intelligence’s on-device foundation model powers private, context-aware experiences even offline and opens new hooks for third-party developers. New call and message screening tools help filter distractions so users focus on what matters.
eSIM convenience and global rollout
Apple continues its push toward a simpler setup with eSIM, supported by 500+ carriers worldwide. An eSIM-only variant will roll out in select markets, while most regions including Malaysia can pre-order from Friday, September 12 with availability beginning Friday, September 19. A second wave of countries follows on September 26.
Storage, colors, price and accessories
Apple doubles the base storage this year: iPhone 17 starts at 256GB, with a 512GB option. Colorways include lavender, mist blue, sage, white and black.
U.S. pricing starts at $799 (or $33.29/month) with trade-in and carrier offers available via Apple and participating telcos (regional eligibility varies).
Accessories include a Clear Case and Silicone Case with MagSafe (new colors), plus a Crossbody Strap made from recycled yarns for hands-free carry. Apple’s 40W Dynamic Power Adapter and Qi2 MagSafe Charger arrive alongside the phone.
Key specs at a glance
- Display: 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR, ProMotion 120Hz, Always-On, up to 3,000 nits outdoor peak
- Durability: Ceramic Shield 2, 3x better scratch resistance, reduced glare
- Cameras: 48MP Fusion Main (with optical-quality 2x Telephoto), 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide, 18MP Center Stage front camera, 4K60 Dolby Vision, Spatial Audio, spatial photos & videos
- Chip: A19 (3-nm), 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU with Neural Accelerators
- Battery & charging: All-day battery, up to 30 hours video playback, ~50% in 20 minutes with compatible USB-C adapter
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread, eSIM
- Storage & colors: 256GB/512GB; lavender, mist blue, sage, white, black
- Software: iOS 26 with Apple Intelligence (region/language availability varies)
Pricing and availability (high level)
- Pre-order: Friday, September 12 (from 5 a.m. PDT; regional times vary)
- On sale: Friday, September 19 in 63+ countries (including Malaysia); more regions on September 26
- From: $799 (U.S.) with 256GB base storage
Shahriena Shukri is a journalist covering business and economic news in Malaysia, providing insights on market trends, corporate developments, and financial policies. More about Shahriena Shukri.
