Apple’s September 2025 event has set the stage for its most diverse iPhone lineup yet, with the mainstream iPhone 17, the ultra-thin iPhone Air, and the powerhouse iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. Here’s what Aussies can expect as pre-orders open 12 September and devices hit shelves 19 September.
iPhone 17: The New Standard
Apple’s iPhone 17 is a clear step up for everyday users. It sports a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion, tougher Ceramic Shield 2 glass, and a more refined design. The camera system features a 48MP Fusion Main, a 48MP Ultra Wide, and the new 18MP Center Stage front camera for smarter group selfies. Powered by the A19 chip, it promises better battery life and smoother performance. Available in five colours and starting at 256GB storage, the iPhone 17 launches at A$1,399.
Key features:
- 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion (120Hz)
- Ceramic Shield 2 for 3x better scratch resistance
- 48MP Fusion Main and Ultra Wide cameras
- 18MP Center Stage front camera with smarter AI framing
- A19 chip for improved performance and battery life
- Up to 30 hours video playback
- Starts at 256GB storage
Comparisons to Google’s Pixel 10 are inevitable—Apple’s hardware focus this year stands out, especially in battery life and camera versatility, while Google leans into AI features. It remains to be seen how Apple Intelligence will compete in the coming year.
iPhone Air: The Ultra-Thin Challenger
The iPhone Air is Apple’s thinnest phone ever at just 5.6mm, wrapped in titanium and topped with Ceramic Shield front and back. Its 6.5-inch ProMotion display is bright and sharp, and the single 48MP main camera is paired with the new 18MP Center Stage front camera. Inside, the A19 Pro chip and eSIM-only design keep things light and efficient, though battery size is trimmed for thinness.
Key features:
- Only 5.6mm thick—Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever
- Grade 5 titanium frame with Ceramic Shield front and back
- 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion
- 48MP main camera with updated Photonic Engine
- 18MP Center Stage front camera
- A19 Pro chip, N1, and C1X modem for top-tier performance
- eSIM-only design for space savings
- Starts at 256GB storage
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge is the closest rival, coming in slightly thicker but offering dual rear cameras. Apple’s Air wins on sheer slimness and design, while Samsung’s Edge appeals to those needing more camera flexibility. The iPhone Air is available in space black, cloud white, light gold, and sky blue from A$1,799.
iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max: The Flagship Powerhouses
For those who want the absolute best, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max deliver. These models feature a new brushed aluminium unibody with a forged plateau for bigger batteries and enhanced cooling. The Super Retina XDR displays (6.3-inch and 6.9-inch) are protected by Ceramic Shield 2 on both sides and reach up to 3000 nits brightness.
Key features:
- New aluminium unibody with vapour chamber cooling
- Super Retina XDR displays: 6.3-inch (Pro), 6.9-inch (Pro Max), up to 3000 nits
- Ceramic Shield 2 (front and back) for superior durability
- A19 Pro chip with 40% better sustained performance
- Triple 48MP Fusion cameras (Main, Ultra Wide, Telephoto) with up to 8x optical zoom
- 18MP Center Stage front camera with Dual Capture video
- Pro-level video: ProRes RAW, Log 2, genlock, Dolby Vision HDR, 4K120fps
- Storage up to 2TB (Pro Max)
- Best battery life ever on an iPhone
Pro-level video features like ProRes RAW, Log 2, and genlock make these models ideal for creators. Storage starts at 256GB, with Pro Max reaching up to 2TB. Colours include deep blue, cosmic orange, and silver, with prices starting at A$1,999 for the Pro and A$2,199 for the Pro Max.
Availability and Extras
All new iPhones launch in Australia with pre-orders from 12 September and retail availability from 19 September. Each ships with iOS 26, introducing Apple Intelligence, new privacy tools, and a refreshed design. Accessories include new MagSafe cases and crossbody straps.
Here are the starting prices for Apple’s 2025 iPhone lineup in Australia:
- iPhone 17: A$1,399 (256GB)
- iPhone Air: A$1,799 (256GB)
- iPhone 17 Pro: A$1,999 (256GB)
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: A$2,199 (256GB)
Apple’s 2025 lineup covers all bases: the iPhone 17 for mainstream users, the Air for design enthusiasts, and the Pro series for power users and creative pros. The competition is fierce, but Apple’s blend of hardware innovation and design polish looks set to keep the competition on its toes.
