Apple Event 2025 Highlights: iPhone 17 India prices; Pre-bookings and more- iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro

With the arrival of the iPhone 17 series, Apple is likely to reduce the prices of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus globally. Based on past trends, the official Apple website could list these models at up to Rs. 10,000 less.

Apple is expected to retain the classic black and white options for the iPhone 17. Additional colour variants likely to be offered include Steel Grey, Green, Purple and Light Blue.

iPhones losing support with iOS 26

For 2025, Apple is drawing the line at devices first launched in 2018. The following models will not receive iOS 26 or future security updates:

• iPhone XR
• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max
  

These models will remain on iOS 25, but without ongoing support. Older iPhones, such as the iPhone 8 and iPhone X, had already been phased out in earlier years, making this the next step in Apple’s update cycle.

iPhones compatible with iOS 26

For most iPhone users, the news is positive. All iPhones introduced from 2019 onwards remain eligible for the new update. The full list of supported devices includes:

• iPhone SE (second generation and later)
• iPhone 11 series
• iPhone 12 series
• iPhone 13 series
• iPhone 14 series
• iPhone 15 series
• iPhone 16 range, including the iPhone 16e

This ensures that even older models like the iPhone 11 continue to receive the latest features and security improvements, extending their usable lifespan.

iPads getting iPadOS 26

Apple has also confirmed which tablets will support iPadOS 26. The list covers recent and older models still in circulation:

• iPad Pro (M4 and later models)
• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and newer)
• iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and newer)
• iPad Air (3rd generation and later, including M2 and M3 versions)
• iPad (8th generation and newer, including A16 variant)
• iPad mini (5th generation and newer, including A17 Pro version)

Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to push boundaries in mobile photography, with camera upgrades positioned as one of the key highlights of the 2025 lineup. Over the years, Apple has consistently focused on improving its imaging system, and this year’s flagship is likely to take another significant step forward.

First periscope telephoto lens on an iPhone

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is widely tipped to debut Apple’s first-ever periscope telephoto camera. Industry leaks suggest the lens will support up to 6x optical zoom, which would be the longest zoom capability ever offered on an iPhone. Until now, Apple has limited its telephoto zoom range, while rivals such as Samsung have capitalised on periscope designs. The inclusion of this feature will help Apple catch up in the zoom photography race and appeal to buyers who want sharper, more detailed long-range shots without digital crop loss.

Improved low-light photography

Low-light performance is another area where Apple is expected to make strides. The iPhone 17 Pro Max may ship with larger sensors and improved image signal processing through the new A19 Pro chip, resulting in cleaner, brighter photos even in challenging conditions. Night Mode is likely to see upgrades, with faster shutter response and reduced motion blur in dim environments.

8K video recording

Video has always been a strong suit for iPhones, and this year, Apple could extend its lead by enabling 8K video recording. For professional creators, this will allow higher flexibility in editing and cropping without losing detail. Combined with advanced stabilisation and ProRes support, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is set to be a powerful tool for mobile filmmakers and content creators.

While many of these features target professionals, Apple is also expected to refine the overall camera experience for casual users. Better portrait shots, enhanced HDR, and more efficient processing will benefit day-to-day photography. For many buyers in India and globally, these upgrades could be a deciding factor when weighing the iPhone 17 Pro Max against competing ultra-premium devices.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is shaping up to be Apple’s most ambitious camera phone to date. With the combination of a periscope telephoto lens, enhanced low-light performance, and 8K video support, it may set new benchmarks for smartphone imaging in 2025.

Apple is preparing to launch the iPhone 17 series globally on 9 September 2025, with India as one of the first wave markets. Among the new devices, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to be the most expensive model in the lineup.

While Apple will reveal the official pricing at the launch event, industry analysts estimate that the iPhone 17 Pro Max price in India is expected to begin at around Rs. 1,39,900. This would place the smartphone at the top end of the ultra-premium category, in line with Apple’s strategy of keeping the Pro Max model as its flagship offering.

Apple has followed a similar pricing structure with previous launches, where the Pro Max carried the highest entry price compared to the standard and Pro models. The final price may vary depending on storage configurations, with higher-capacity variants expected to cross the Rs. 1,60,000 mark.

Pre-booking and availability in India

Pre-bookings for the iPhone 17 Pro Max will most likely begin on 12 September 2025 across authorised Apple resellers, Apple’s online store, and major e-commerce platforms. The smartphone may go on sale both in stores and online from 19 September 2025.

Apple typically ensures parallel availability across its key markets, and India is expected to receive stock from day one. With the iPhone 17 series being assembled in India, supply is likely to be more streamlined than previous years, reducing wait times for customers.

At IFA 2025 in Berlin, we spotted several MagSafe-supported cases allegedly designed for the upcoming iPhone 17 series, launching tomorrow, September 9. The line-up includes cases for the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and even a new variant. These cases, paired with dummies, give us an early glimpse at what Apple’s next-gen iPhones could look like.

Apple will manufacture all four iPhone 17 models in India, including the two Pro variants, and ship them to the United States from the very first day of sales. This marks the first time that Pro models will also be assembled in India for global supply. The move reflects Apple’s long-term strategy to diversify production away from China and reduce risks linked to tariffs and geopolitical tensions.

According to Bloomberg, Apple now runs five iPhone manufacturing facilities in India, with two of them opening in the past year. These factories are expected to serve a major portion of US demand for the iPhone 17 lineup directly from India, starting September 2025. By increasing capacity in India, Apple aims to shield itself from trade duties, which could cost the company around $1.1 billion this quarter alone.

The production shift is part of Apple’s broader plan to establish India as a core manufacturing hub for its global supply chain. The country has become increasingly important for Apple, both as a growing consumer market and as a base for export-led production.

The Tata Group is emerging as a key partner for Apple in India’s iPhone production ecosystem. Tata’s Hosur plant in Tamil Nadu is expected to play a leading role in manufacturing, while its facilities could account for nearly half of India’s iPhone output within the next two years.

Alongside Tata, Foxconn has expanded its presence with a new manufacturing hub near Bangalore airport, which is already producing units for export. Together, these facilities form the backbone of Apple’s India production strategy.

If you urgently need a new phone because your current one has stopped working, picking up the iPhone 16 Pro is still a solid choice. It remains a powerful device with excellent cameras and enough performance to last several years. For buyers who do not prioritise having the latest specifications or design changes, the iPhone 16 Pro continues to be a dependable option.

However, if you can wait a few more days, holding out for the iPhone 17 Pro makes sense. Apple is expected to introduce design refinements and upgraded hardware, including a new processor, display improvements and other performance enhancements that could make the iPhone 17 Pro a more future-proof purchase.

There is also an important factor to consider regarding materials. Reports suggest that the iPhone 17 Pro may move away from titanium and adopt aluminium instead. This change could disappoint users who prefer the premium feel and durability of titanium. If titanium is a priority for you, the iPhone 16 Pro might be the better option while it is still available.

Apple is expected to discontinue the iPhone 16 Pro models once the new iPhone 17 Pro goes on sale, continuing its established strategy of phasing out older Pro variants. In previous years, the iPhone X was removed from the line-up when the XS launched, the XS when the iPhone 11 Pro arrived, the 11 Pro with the 12 Pro, and most recently, the 15 Pro when the 16 Pro was introduced.

Going by the same approach, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will likely be discontinued once the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max become available. However, Apple is expected to retain the standard iPhone 16, along with the iPhone 16e, at reduced prices to appeal to a wider audience.