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September in the GCC (and the rest of the world) means one thing: it’s the time of the year when the new iPhone(s) drop and Apple, once again, has unveiled its latest line-up and, of course, it’s got us talking.
There’s not one, not two, but three new iterations of the iPhone. Enter the featherlight iPhone Air, the polished iPhone 17 and the powerhouse iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max.
With the new models now available across the UAE and wider region, what’s different this year? Think thinner, brighter and far more flattering for your camera roll. Here, GRAZIA breaks down everything you need to know.
The one that feels like the future – the iPhone Air
Perhaps the one that’s got most of the internet talking is the iPhone Air. Jokingly dubbed the “Ozempic iPhone”, it’s Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever at just 5.6mm. Wrapped in titanium with a glossy mirrored finish, it’s sleek enough to slip into your going-out clutch and durable enough to survive almost anything.
Apple has extended its Ceramic Shield to the back for the first time, while the new Ceramic Shield 2 promises three times better scratch resistance and less glare, which is available on all of the models this year. All in all, it means fewer smudges and scratches.
As for the display, the iPhone Air features a 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR with ProMotion up to 120Hz, boasting a peak brightness of 3000 nits, which is the brightest screen Apple’s ever made. Inside, the A19 Pro chip is paired with new wireless and camera processors, meaning more speed, more efficiency, and that all-day battery life you’ll inevitably push to its limits. The 48MP Fusion Main camera delivers pro-level shots, while the new 18MP Center Stage selfie camera is built to flatter, with AI that makes sure no one gets cut from the group shot. Shade-wise, colours include Space Black, Cloud White, Light Gold and Sky Blue.
The Everyday Upgrade – The iPhone 17
For those looking for the new iPhone that balances style and stamina, the iPhone 17 is the one to go for. The 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display is brighter, smoother and slimmer than before, and Ceramic Shield 2 makes it durable. And this year, Apple has doubled the starting storage to 256GB (finally), with 512GB also on offer.
And, of course, the camera is the biggest upgrade. Every rear camera is now 48MP. That means sharper landscapes, richer close-ups, and an optical-quality 2x telephoto lens, paired with the new 18MP Center Stage selfie camera. Colourways are soft and playful with Lavender, Mist Blue, Sage, White, and classic Black.
The one for the content creators and editors – the iPhone 17 Pro & Pro Max
If you’re the kind of individual who edits video on the go or is all about content, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are for you. Crafted from aerospace-grade aluminium with a new vapour chamber cooling system, they’re designed to stay cool under pressure – whether that’s shooting 4K at fashion week or giving a closer look at the latest in luxury lifestyle.
The camera system is where things get wild: three 48MP lenses, with the Pro Max boasting up to 8x optical zoom – the longest ever on an iPhone. Add Dolby Vision video, ProRes RAW recording, and an all-new Bright photographic style. Available in Deep Blue, Cosmic Orange, and Silver, these are iPhones that look as powerful as they perform.
The GRAZIA Verdict
Each year, Apple pulls it out of the bag when it comes to their latest launches, but this year feels extra special.
The iPhone Air is impossibly chic and featherlight. The iPhone 17 is the polished everyday upgrade. And the iPhone 17 Pro Max? A creative studio disguised as a smartphone. Now available across the UAE and the rest of the region, we suggest you run, don’t walk, to get your hands on one ASAP.
