iPhone 17e Release Date, UK Price & Features You Must Know (2026)

Apple has officially launched the iPhone Air, billed as its slimmest ever model, just 5.6 mm at its thinnest point. While the sleek design has grabbed attention, many are asking: how many compromises were made for aesthetics? Here’s what the iPhone Air delivers, what it gives up, and whether it lives up to the hype.

What’s New & Special

The iPhone Air proves Apple can still surprise with daring design choices. Its razor-thin build and premium display make it one of the most elegant devices on the market. However, elegance comes at a price: less battery stamina, a simpler camera system, and potential concerns about durability. For those who value style and portability above all else, the Air delivers. For users who demand power, longevity, and versatility, the Pro lineup remains the safer bet.

Featherweight Design & Build

The defining feature of the iPhone Air is its astonishing thinness. At around 5.6 mm, it’s Apple’s thinnest phone ever, replacing the Plus line in the iPhone family.

Every new iPhone generation brings changes that divide opinion, and one of the biggest talking points around the iPhone 17 has been its SIM setup. In the US, Apple has already removed the SIM tray entirely, pushing users towards a digital-only future with eSIM. That led many UK customers to wonder: will we lose our SIM cards too?

The answer, at least for now, is no. According to Apple’s own specifications, the iPhone 17 sold in the UK still supports Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM) as well as Dual eSIM. In simple terms, that means users can continue using a traditional SIM card while also taking advantage of the flexibility eSIM brings.

What Exactly is eSIM?

An eSIM is a digital version of the small plastic SIM card we’ve all been sliding into our phones for years. Instead of a physical chip, the details of your mobile plan are stored electronically within your iPhone. Activation is usually as simple as scanning a QR code from your network or confirming details in their app.

The main appeal

Apple’s dropped the iPhone 17, and the big question is simple: how much better is it than the iPhone 16? Some changes are genuinely useful; others are just Apple flexing for headlines. I’ve been testing both side by side to see what’s actually new, what’s worth caring about, and what you can safely ignore. Here’s the straight-talking breakdown.

1. Design & Display

The iPhone 16 was already a tidy-looking slab of glass and metal, but the 17 smooths a few edges. Bezels are slimmer, the notch has finally been binned off, and the front looks cleaner overall. The big win? ProMotion 120Hz is now standard, so scrolling and swiping feels buttery instead of sticky. Plus, the always-on screen makes it look a bit more alive on your desk.

Is it night and day? Nah. But once you’ve had 120Hz, going back feels like rubbing sandpaper on your eyeballs.

Winner: iPhone 17 – smoother screen, cleaner front, and always-on perks.

2. Performance & Power

The 16’s A18 chip was no slouch, but the iPhone 17 packs

Apple’s 2025 drop is a one-two punch: iOS 26 brings a fresh look and smarter tools, while the iPhone 17 line turns those ideas into everyday wins. If you’re deciding whether to update, upgrade, or both, this guide lays out what’s new, why it’s useful, and how to get the most from it on day one.

iOS 26 At a Glance

Apple describes iOS 26 as a major update centered on a gorgeous new design, intelligent experiences, and daily improvements to the apps you use. In practice, that means a cleaner interface, on-device smarts that actually help, calmer communication, and quality-of-life tweaks across CarPlay, Music, Maps, Wallet and more.

A beautiful new look: Liquid Glass everywhere

The first thing you’ll notice is the design. iOS 26 introduces Liquid Glass, a translucent material that reflects and refracts what’s behind it. It brings a gentle sense of depth to icons, widgets, controls and navigation without making the interface feel busy. The result is expressive and modern, yet instantly familiar.

What’s Going on with the iPhone 17 Camera?

iPhone 17 has landed and, as usual, Apple’s made a song and dance about its shiny new features. Titanium frame? Nice. Periscope zooms on all models? Lovely jubbly. But let’s be real: what’s everyone actually talking about? The camera. And not in a “wow this is insane” way, more like a “hang on, why is my £1k+ phone acting up when I try to snap a pic?” sort of way.

Yep, if you’ve noticed your shots glitching, freezing, or showing weird distortions, you’re not alone. This is what’s now being dubbed the iPhone 17 camera glitch, and it’s caused enough noise online that Apple’s had to officially acknowledge it. Classic, right? New phone hype meets first-week bugs.

The Symptoms: What Does the Camera Glitch Look Like?

Basically, you don’t need to be a tech whizz to spot when something’s off. Here is, what’s off about iPhone 17’s camera:

• Shaky Previews: Your camera viewfinder stutters or skips frames.

• Weird Distortions: Images sometimes look stretched

Apple has done it again - trimmed its iPhone line-up to make room for the shiny new models. With the launch of the iPhone 17 series, the company has officially discontinued the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, along with last year’s iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max. If you’ve been eyeing up an iPhone 15 or already own one, this news might feel like a curveball. After all, the 15 series only debuted in late 2023, and here we are two years later with Apple quietly removing it from the shop floor.

But here’s the thing: discontinuation doesn’t mean “dead.” Apple’s strategy has always been to streamline its line-up after new launches, focusing on the latest flagships while phasing out older models. The iPhone 15 may no longer be sold on Apple’s website, but it will continue to be supported for years to come.

So what does this mean for you? If you’re a current owner, should you panic about support or resale value? If you’re shopping for a new iPhone, is it still worth picking up a discontinued model at

If you’ve been holding off on upgrading your Apple tech, this is the moment you’ve been waiting for. Black Friday 2025 is just around the corner, which means serious savings on everything from MacBooks and iPhones to iPads and AirPods.

Apple products rarely see big discounts, so when Black Friday arrives, it’s a golden opportunity to grab the device you’ve had your eye on or to tick a few gifts off your Christmas list. Whether you’re looking for the best MacBook Pro deals, a lightweight MacBook Air, an iPad for the kids or even a refurbished iMac, this year’s offers are shaping up to be impressive.

Here’s your ultimate guide to finding the best Black Friday Apple Deals in 2025, how to shop smartly, and where to get the most for your money.

Why Black Friday 2025 Is a Big Deal for Apple Fans

Apple’s premium design and performance mean prices don’t drop often which is exactly why Black Friday is so exciting. Retailers across the UK slash prices on top Apple gear for a limited time, making

With the right timing and the right specs, you can land an upgrade that feels genuinely transformative: faster performance, longer battery life, sharper screens, and smoother workflows for work, study, and downtime. New Year promotions are also one of the easiest moments to buy smarter. Stock moves quickly, retailers rotate lines, and discounts get sharper as people reset budgets and goals, meaning the best-value Apple kit often sells out first. That’s why this guide focuses on what to look for, what to prioritise, and how to choose the right Apple device for your needs.

Why New Year is the Best Time to Buy Apple Tech

Apple gear holds value well, which is great when you own it, but it also means discounts can feel harder to find at other times of the year. Around New Year, pricing tends to loosen up across multiple categories, making it easier to upgrade without compromising on model quality. Here’s why New Year shopping is ideal:

• Retail Stock Rotation: end-of-year inventory clears,

Buying a new iPhone is exciting, but with Apple’s ever-expanding lineup, choosing the right model can feel overwhelming. Whether you are a pro photographer, a mobile gamer, or simply need a reliable phone for your day-to-day life, finding the right fit is essential.

That is where this iPhone buying guide comes in. To help you make the best decision, we have put together a comprehensive iPhone comparison, weighing up the latest iPhone models against older favourites.

Whatever your lifestyle or budget, let’s find the best iPhone to buy for you.

The iPhone 17 Series: The New Standard for 2026

The iPhone 17 series is the pinnacle of Apple smartphones UK users can get right now. These premium smartphones offer faster AI processing and stunning new designs that set them apart from older 5G smartphones.

iPhone 17 (Standard)

The standard iPhone 17 is no longer the "basic" choice; it is a powerhouse. With a larger display and the new A19 chip, it offers a pro-level experience at a more accessible