The iPhone 17 series has officially launched in India, and Apple enthusiasts are out in full force. Starting today, September 19, 2025, customers can purchase the new iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max models. Massive queues have been reported outside Apple stores across the country, particularly in metropolitan cities like Mumbai and Delhi, with some eager buyers lining up before sunrise to get their hands on the latest devices.

The strong demand for the iPhone 17 series is evident, with initial pre-order numbers showing a 30-40% jump compared to the iPhone 16 series last year. Counterpoint Research suggests that the entry-level iPhone 17 is expected to outperform its predecessor in the Indian market.

Apple's newest retail stores in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Pune are experiencing high foot traffic. However, customers can also order the devices online to avoid the long queues. While buying online is an option, estimated delivery dates on Apple's official India website are already pushed back to October for the Pro Max model, indicating high demand.

The iPhone 17 series introduces several upgrades and new features. All four models boast design and performance enhancements, including improved display panels, camera systems, and battery capacity. The standard iPhone 17 features a larger 6.3-inch display with a 120Hz ProMotion display. It also includes a 48-megapixel wide camera and a 48-megapixel ultra-wide camera. A significant upgrade is the new 18MP Center Stage front camera that automatically switches from portrait to landscape when more people enter the frame.

The iPhone 17 is powered by Apple's A19 processor, featuring a six-core CPU, a five-core GPU, and Apple's Neural Engine. The base model iPhone 17 with 256GB storage starts at Rs 82,900. The iPhone Air, known for its ultra-slim design, starts at Rs 1,19,900 for the 256GB variant. The iPhone 17 Pro (256GB) is priced at Rs 1,34,900, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max (256GB) starts at Rs 1,49,900.

Several authorized retailers, including Reliance Digital, Croma, Vijay Sales, and Ingram Micro India, are also selling the new iPhone lineup. These retailers are offering various deals, including instant discounts, cashback offers, no-cost EMI options, and exchange bonuses. For example, Croma is offering an instant discount of Rs 6,000 on the iPhone 17 and up to Rs 12,000 as an exchange bonus. Vijay Sales is providing a Rs 6,000 discount on the 256GB iPhone 17 variant and Rs 4,000 off on the iPhone Air and Pro models.

Despite the excitement, reports have emerged of offline retailers charging premiums above the MRP for those who missed the pre-orders. Some retailers are charging up to Rs 40,000 extra for the top-end iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Overall, the launch of the iPhone 17 series in India has been met with considerable enthusiasm, as evidenced by the long queues and strong pre-order numbers. The new models offer a range of improvements and features, catering to diverse user preferences.