iPhone 17 Launch: Rumours vs Reality

The iPhone 17 has finally landed and as usual, the rumour mill had been grinding away for months beforehand. Some whispers turned out spot-on, others, just fizzled out with the confirmation from the Apple Event.

So, what’s actually true, what was fantasy, and how much lighter will your wallet feel in the UK? Let’s break it down.

What We Thought We’d Get (The Rumours)

• ProMotion everywhere? Maybe. Some said the standard iPhone would still be stuck on 60Hz.

• A19 chip upgrade for all, with Pro models getting something spicier.

• A brand-new “ultra-thin” iPhone, possibly called “Air” or “Plus”.

• Camera madness: 48MP sensors, better selfies, maybe new zoom.

• Price hikes all round — the classic “pay more, get same” Apple move.

What We Actually Got (The Reality Check)

• Four models: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max.

• ProMotion on everything — yes, even the standard iPhone 17 gets 120Hz now. Your scrolling fingers thank you.

• iPhone Air is real: Apple’s thinnest yet, about 5.6 mm, at a premium price.

• Cameras:
    • Standard iPhone 17 = dual 48MP rear shooters + 18MP “Center Stage” selfie cam.
    • Pro & Pro Max = triple 48MP setup, serious zoom, all the photography toys.

• Storage starts at 256GB — bye-bye, 128GB option.

• Durability: stronger Ceramic Shield 2, new materials on Pro/Air models, and improved thermals.

• Battery & Performance: A19 chip in the standard; A19 Pro in the Pros and Air, with better cooling for longer gaming sessions (or doom-scrolling).

Confirmed Colours 

Because what’s an iPhone launch without arguing over which colour makes you look cooler? Here’s what Apple confirmed:

• iPhone 17 (standard) – Lavender, Mist Blue, Sage, White, and Black.

• iPhone 17 Air – Titanium Silver, Graphite, and Pearl White (all sleek neutrals to emphasise its slim design).

• iPhone 17 Pro & Pro Max – Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue, and Silver (with that tougher aluminum finish).

So, whether you’re the type to go bold (Cosmic Orange, anyone?) or prefer to keep it classy with Silver or Black, there’s a shade ready to match your personality, or your phone case, if you’re one of those who immediately covers it up anyway.

Rumours vs Reality: Scorecard

So, Should You Upgrade?

If you were bracing yourself for Apple to empty your wallet, breathe easy the base iPhone 17 stayed at it's predecessors price, despite ditching the smaller storage tier. But if you’ve got your heart set on the Pro Max with 2TB, prepare to part with almost two grand.

The iPhone Air is the stylish newcomer, sleek, feather-thin, and probably going to appeal to those who love design flexes more than telephoto lenses.

Bottom line: the rumour mill wasn’t lying too much this year. Apple actually gave us “more for the same” in several areas, which is rare. Just don’t expect them to ever be generous enough to give you more for less.

Our Take

At Netgear Gibraltar, we’re already seeing the buzz, some people love the Air’s slim looks, others are drooling over the Pro Max’s 48MP triple-camera monster. Whatever your flavour, one thing’s certain: the iPhone 17 series is going to fly off shelves.

Register your interest for an iPhone 17 and we will notify you as soon as it arrives!