iPhone 17 Debuts Ultra-Slim 5.5 mm Body, eSIM-Only & 120 Hz Across All Models

Apple TV+ is raising its monthly fee by 30%, from $9.99 to $12.99, effective Thursday for new subscribers and after the next renewal for existing accounts. The annual subscription remains unchanged at $99, translating to savings of over $50 versus the new monthly cost.

This marks the third price increase in under three years, following hikes to $6.99 in October 2022 and $9.99 in October 2023. Apple highlights its ad-free library of hundreds of Originals, but industry reports indicate the service still trails competitors in both subscriber base and profitability.

Apple's next iPhone unveiling promises its most dramatic overhaul since 2017's iPhone X. At the center is the all-new iPhone 17 Air, which taps advanced materials and a "high-density" battery to reach a record-breaking 5.5 mm thickness—about 33% slimmer than the iPhone 16 Pro models. To fit that slim profile, Apple will drop the physical SIM tray for eSIM-only connectivity and limit the Air to a single 48 MP rear camera, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and supply-chain sources.

Beyond the Air, Apple is unifying its display and performance across all four iPhone 17 models by adding 120 Hz ProMotion, enlarging the base model's screen from 6.1 to 6.3 inches, and introducing a full-width horizontal camera bar. The Pro variants may revert to aluminum frames, debut Apple's custom 5G C1 modem with theoretical speeds up to 4 Gb/s, and, in the Pro Max, pack three 48 MP lenses, 8K recording, a 5,000 mAh battery and faster wired and MagSafe charging.

Apple Inc. will adjust its App Store pricing and tax structures in Brazil, India and select European countries starting September 2025, aiming to align with changing local regulations and currency movements. Foreign developers in Brazil face a new 10% VAT, and Indian users will see a 2% digital services tax on in-app purchases.

In Europe, VAT rates will shift—Slovakia's standard rate rises to 23% with a reduced 5% tier for ebooks, and Estonia makes similar tweaks. Apple will also require user consent for subscription price hikes in certain regions, reflecting growing regulatory scrutiny.