iPhone 17 Launches with ProMotion, 256GB Base Storage at $799

Apple’s latest non-Pro flagship, the iPhone 17, arrives with its first-ever ProMotion display outside the Pro lineup and doubles down on storage and performance at a compelling $799 starting price. Building on the success of the iPhone 16, this model blends advanced screen technology, the new A19 chip, and dual 48 MP cameras to deliver an exceptional user experience without the Pro premium.

Display & Design Upgrades

ProMotion Adaptive Refresh Rate

For the first time in a non-Pro model, the iPhone 17 features ProMotion, bringing an adaptive refresh rate from 1 Hz up to 120 Hz. This dynamic scaling smooths scrolling, animations, and gaming visuals while conserving battery by lowering the rate when high frame rates aren’t needed. The display also supports an Always-On mode showing the time, widgets, and Live Activities at a glance.

Ceramic Shield 2 & Ultra-Bright Display

The new Ceramic Shield 2 offers three times better scratch resistance and a seven-layer anti-reflective coating to reduce glare. Apple claims a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, making it the brightest iPhone display ever and dramatically improving outdoor visibility. The screen size grew slightly from 6.1 to 6.3 inches, with thinner bezels for a more immersive experience.

Performance & Battery Life

A19 Bionic Chip on 3 nm Process

The heart of the iPhone 17 is Apple’s A19 Bionic, built using a 3 nm fabrication process that delivers higher efficiency and power. The 6-core CPU is 1.5 times faster than the A15 Bionic, and the 5-core GPU more than doubles graphics performance. The Neural Engine and image signal processor (ISP) power advanced AI-driven photography and real-time computational tasks.

All-Day Battery & Fast Charging

Apple rates the iPhone 17 for up to 30 hours of video playback, extending usage for most users. The 40 W Dynamic Power Adapter, sold separately, can rapidly charge the phone to 50% in just 20 minutes, ideal for quick recharges on busy days.

Connectivity & eSIM-Only Markets

The integrated Apple N1 chip supports the latest in connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread protocols, enhancing network speed and reliability. The iPhone 17 ships with eSIM only in major markets such as the U.S., Canada, Japan, and GCC countries, simplifying activation and supporting global roaming more flexibly.

Camera System Advancements

Dual 48 MP Sensors with Fusion Technology

For the first time on a non-Pro iPhone, the iPhone 17 includes two 48 MP rear sensors: a wide main camera with integrated 2× lossless optical zoom and an ultrawide camera capable of macro shots at 12 MP resolution. The sensors use ‘Fusion’ technology to merge image data for exceptional detail and color accuracy.

Front Camera & iOS 26 Bright Style

The upgraded 18 MP Center Stage front camera features a novel square sensor, allowing for landscape selfies without rotating the device, plus ultra-stabilized 4K HDR video capture. iOS 26 introduces Bright Style, enhancing portrait vibrancy by intelligently adjusting skin tones and brightness for lifelike images.

Storage, Pricing & Availability

• Base Storage: 256 GB, doubled from 128 GB on the iPhone 16 base model to meet modern app and media demands.

• Price: Starting at $799 in the United States.

• Colors: Lavender, Mist Blue, Sage, White, and Black.

• Pre-Orders: Begin September 12 across 63 countries.

• Release Dates: September 19 for the initial rollout, with 22 additional regions on September 26.

New Developments Since Launch

• iOS 26.1 Update: Adds advanced Private Relay routing for enhanced privacy and on-device Siri processing for quicker, more accurate voice commands.

• Third-Party MagSafe Accessories: Official partners now offer up to 200 W MagSafe pucks, reducing wireless charging times significantly.

• Exclusive ProMotion Apps: New video editing and gaming applications optimized for 120 Hz refresh rates are launching on the App Store, showcasing smoother animations and responsiveness.

Practical Upgrade and Usage Tips

• Who Should Upgrade? Users on iPhone 13 or 14 will noticeably benefit from A19's speed and ProMotion's smoothness for everyday apps and gaming.

• Photography Enthusiasts: The dual 48 MP sensors empower high-fidelity mobile photography and versatile shooting options without paying Pro prices.

• Frequent Travelers: eSIM-only support simplifies switching carriers while abroad and ensures flexible data plans without physical SIM swaps.

• Fast Charging: Investing in the 40 W Dynamic Power Adapter can keep the phone operational even during tight schedules with rapid 20-minute boosts.
  

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