iPhone 17 release date: how soon is it coming?

Since the iPhone 7 in 2016, Apple’s stuck to early September unveilings almost every year. The only time the Cupertino tech giant broke the rhythm was in 2020, during the height of the pandemic, when the iPhone 12 launch got split into two waves: first came the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro and a bit later, the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max.

But aside from that, Apple’s timing has been rock solid. So if the iPhone 17 gets unveiled on Sept 9 or 10, preorders would likely go live on Friday – either September 12 or 19, depending on which day the event happens. And if that happens, the phones should start shipping and landing in your hands the following Friday, most likely September 19 or September 26.

To get a better idea of what to expect, I think it helps to look at how Apple has handled iPhone launches in recent years. So, here is a quick comparison to see how the iPhone 17 fits into the usual pattern.

*probable dates

Will all iPhone 17 models launch at the same time?

Short answer: most of them, yes.

So, yes, don’t expect an iPhone 17 Plus this year. Apple is ditching the larger non-Pro model altogether and giving us something lighter and thinner instead. That’s where the new Air model comes in.

But there is one more model missing from the fall party: the iPhone 17e. This is expected to be the follow-up to the iPhone 16e, which already replaced the SE line as Apple’s budget option.

What does this all mean for you?

If you are eyeing an upgrade, you won’t have to wait much longer. By early September, Apple will likely have the iPhone 17 lineup up for preorder and by late September, it should be in your hands.

And with some pretty solid upgrades expected – like improved cameras on the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, more RAM across the lineup, and hopefully (finally!) higher refresh rates on the regular models – not to mention the thinner and lighter Air version, the wait could actually be worth it.

But even if you are not buying a new iPhone, September still brings something big: iOS 26. That stable version of the update is expected to roll out alongside the iPhone 17 launch and it includes the new Liquid Glass look. So, if your iPhone supports it – and if you’ve got anything from an iPhone 11 or newer, it does – you’ll still get something fresh and fun to play with.