Apple has officially launched the iPhone 17 series, marking one of the company’s most polarizing releases in recent years. The devices were unveiled on September 9, 2025, at a glittering Apple Park keynote. Pre-orders opened on September 12, with devices beginning to reach customers and retail shelves worldwide on September 19, 2025. Long queues formed outside flagship stores in New York, London, Tokyo, and Dubai, as eager fans picked up their new devices while critics simultaneously lit up social media with biting commentary.
The lineup consists of four distinct models: the standard iPhone 17, the high-end iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, and the eye-catching iPhone 17 Air. The base iPhone 17 now comes with a 120Hz ProMotion display and the new A19 chip, while the Pro models boast more advanced cameras, better battery life, and refined materials. The new Air model, meanwhile, takes center stage with its ultra-slim 5.6 mm titanium body, aimed at design-conscious consumers. Across all models, Apple has eliminated the smaller storage tiers, every iPhone 17 starts at 256GB. Pricing starts at $799 for the iPhone 17 and climbs above $1,199 for the Pro Max, with the Air sitting in the middle at around $999.
Much of the attention, however, has focused on Apple’s bold design choices. The Pro and Pro Max models feature a new full-width camera bar stretching across the top back of the phone, replacing the familiar diagonal layout of recent generations. Apple billed this as a clean, functional update, but reactions online have been mixed to negative. Memes quickly flooded social platforms, likening the design to “mouse eyes” or parodying the oversized camera bar. Making matters worse for Apple’s loyalists, the company decided to drop black from the Pro lineup, introducing colors like deep blue, silver, and the much-mocked Cosmic Orange instead.
Not all reactions have been critical. The iPhone 17 Air is being celebrated for its sleek look and futuristic thinness, though reviewers and fans alike worry that the ultra-light frame could compromise battery life. Apple is promoting the Air as a fashion-forward alternative to bulkier models, but analysts warn it may split the consumer base between those who value design and those who prioritize power and endurance.
Financial markets reacted nervously to the launch. Apple’s stock price slipped in the days following the September 9 event, reflecting investor concerns about whether the new models offer enough innovation to drive strong upgrades. Analysts note that producing ultra-thin titanium models increases costs, potentially tightening margins, especially as prices inch upward. While demand remains strong at launch, Apple faces questions about long-term sales momentum.
Competitors have seized the opportunity to mock. Samsung, in particular, revived its long-running rivalry with a sharp campaign under the hashtag #iCant, needling Apple for still not offering a foldable iPhone. Social media reactions have been equally unforgiving. Memes and jokes about the iPhone 17’s design trended globally, with phrases like “ugliest iPhone ever” and “just another camera bump” dominating online conversations. Meanwhile, disappointed fans lamented the loss of a black model, calling it an unnecessary break from tradition.
Yet, even amid mockery, Apple’s cultural impact remains undeniable. Thousands queued up worldwide on September 19, proving that the iPhone still inspires excitement unlike any other gadget. The polarizing design choices may sting in the short term, but they also reinforce Apple’s role as a trendsetter willing to push boundaries, even at the cost of backlash. Whether the iPhone 17 becomes a sales juggernaut or a cautionary tale will depend on how the company balances bold style with user expectations in the months ahead.
