Introduction to the iPhone 17 Family
Apple kicked off its launch season with the official unveiling of the iPhone 17 family, which includes the highly anticipated ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air. The tech giant aims to reignite the update cycle of its users amidst a landscape marked by tariff pressures, uncertainties about AI capabilities, and fierce competition in the global smartphone market.
Release Date in Mexico
According to Apple Mexico’s official website, pre-orders for the iPhone 17 began on September 12, 2025. The device will be available in physical stores and online starting Friday, September 19.
Apple’s Bet on Ultra-Thin Design
The star of the show was undoubtedly the iPhone 17 Air, described by CEO Tim Cook as “a complete revolution.” At just 5.6 mm thick, it’s the thinnest iPhone ever made, featuring a titanium frame and “ceramic shield” glass for enhanced durability. The Air incorporates the new A19 Pro chip, designed to boost AI tasks, and promises a long-lasting battery with up to 40 hours of video playback. The lineup ditches physical SIM cards in favor of eSIM, aligning with the global trend towards digitalizing mobile services.
While the Air is the main attraction, Apple also introduced the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max models to cater to a broader range of prices and needs.
Navigating Pressures and Expectations
Apple’s presentation comes in a complex context: the White House is putting pressure on the company to reduce its reliance on Chinese manufacturing, and former President Donald Trump’s tariffs have increased Apple’s production costs. Tim Cook acknowledged that these tariffs cost the company $800 million in the previous quarter and could impact the current one by up to $1.1 billion.
Despite this, Apple decided to keep the prices of its new models unchanged from the previous year, potentially improving its competitiveness against rivals like Samsung and Huawei, who already dominate the ultra-thin and foldable smartphone segments.
Echoes of Steve Jobs and Apple’s Promise
During the Cupertino event, Cook recalled Steve Jobs’ iconic quote: “Design is how it works.” Analysts see this shift towards thinness as an attempt to regain the innovation narrative that many believed stagnated in recent years.
The iPhone 17 Air might be a precursor to the eagerly anticipated foldable iPhone, rumored to arrive in 2026. However, some experts warn that the challenge will be convincing users to accept a single camera and reduced battery, design choices made to achieve the ultra-thin form.
Renewed Ecosystem: AirPods Pro 3 and Apple Watch Series 11
Alongside the iPhone, Apple introduced the AirPods Pro 3, featuring improved noise cancellation and real-time translation, as well as the Apple Watch Series 11, now with 5G connectivity and blood pressure monitoring (pending regulatory approval). These products will also be available starting September 19.
Key Questions and Answers
- When will the iPhone 17 be available in Mexico? Pre-orders started on September 12, 2025, and the device will be available in stores from September 19, 2025.
- What are the key features of the iPhone 17 Air? It’s the thinnest iPhone ever, with a titanium frame and ceramic shield glass. It features the A19 Pro chip for AI tasks, a long-lasting battery, and ditches physical SIM cards for eSIM.
- How is Apple addressing production cost increases? Despite tariff-related costs, Apple decided to maintain the prices of its new models unchanged from the previous year.
- What else did Apple launch alongside the iPhone 17? Apple also unveiled the AirPods Pro 3 with improved noise cancellation and real-time translation, as well as the Apple Watch Series 11 with 5G connectivity and blood pressure monitoring.