Apple has officially unveiled the iPhone 17, showcasing a refined design paired with upgraded hardware and smarter features. The new device introduces significant improvements in photography, display brightness, and durability, while also delivering faster performance and longer battery life.
For the first time, all three rear cameras on the iPhone 17 are equipped with 48MP sensors. The Fusion Main, Fusion Ultra Wide, and built-in 2x optical-quality telephoto lens promise sharper details, more vibrant colours, and enhanced macro photography. Video recording matches the iPhone 16 Pro series, supporting 4K at 60 frames per second. Recordings are captured with Spatial Audio, while an Audio Mix feature allows users to adjust sound after capture, boosting voices and reducing background noise.
Apple describes the new Centre Stage front camera as its most advanced tool for selfies and video calls. It automatically adjusts the field of view to ensure subjects remain in frame. A Dual Capture option records simultaneously with both the front and rear cameras, making the feature particularly useful for vloggers and content creators.
Brighter screen and tougher protection
The iPhone 17 introduces a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology, delivering adaptive refresh rates of up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and gaming. With a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, it is the brightest iPhone display to date and offers double the outdoor contrast of its predecessor.
Apple has also introduced Ceramic Shield 2, which the company says provides three times better scratch resistance than before. The upgraded glass reduces glare, increasing durability for everyday use.
A19 chip, all-day battery, and faster connectivity
Powering the iPhone 17 is the new A19 Bionic chip, built on a 3nm architecture. Featuring a five-core GPU, it is designed to handle demanding tasks such as AI-driven features, mobile gaming, and 4K video editing while conserving energy. According to Apple, users can expect up to 30 hours of video playback, which is eight hours more than the iPhone 16. Fast charging enables the battery to reach 50 per cent capacity in just 20 minutes when using a high-wattage USB-C adapter.
The device also introduces Apple’s N1 wireless chip, which supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, faster AirDrop, and improved Personal Hotspot connections.
Availability, pricing, and offers in Singapore
The iPhone 17 will be available in lavender, mist blue, sage, white, and black. Prices in Singapore start at S$1,299 for the 256GB model, with a 512GB version also available. Pre-orders open on 12 September, with official sales beginning on 19 September.
Apple is offering trade-in credits of up to S$1,240, depending on the model returned. For example, customers upgrading from an iPhone 13 or newer may qualify for cash-back through bank transfer, helping to reduce the cost of upgrading.
New buyers will also receive three months of Apple Arcade, Apple Music, and Apple TV+ at no cost, subject to subscription terms. Accessories include MagSafe cases from S$7, a new Crossbody Strap priced at S$89, Apple’s 40W Dynamic Power Adapter at S$59, and Qi2-certified MagSafe chargers priced at S$59 for the 1-metre version or S$79 for the 2-metre version.
Apple continues to recommend AppleCare, which provides coverage for accidental damage, theft, and loss protection on eligible products, battery replacement services, and round-the-clock support.
Local telecom operators, including M1, Singtel, and StarHub, are expected to announce bundle plans and additional trade-in offers, giving consumers more ways to purchase the iPhone 17.
