Apple has unveiled the iPhone 17 lineup, introducing four new models alongside its latest generation of in-house processors. The launch marks another step in Apple's broader strategy to reduce reliance on external suppliers by expanding its custom silicon portfolio.

The new devices include the iPhone 17, the ultra-thin iPhone Air (just 5.6 mm thick), the iPhone 17 Pro, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The base model runs on the new A19 system-on-chip (SoC), while the iPhone Air and Pro models are powered by the more advanced A19 Pro. Both chips are expected to be manufactured on TSMC's N3P process node, also slated for Apple's upcoming M5 processors for iPads and Macs.

The A19 features a six-core CPU with two performance and four efficiency cores, paired with a five-core GPU that supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing, mesh shading, and MetalFX upscaling. The A19 Pro builds on this foundation with enhanced branch prediction, higher bandwidth, and a 50% increase in last-level cache for efficiency cores. On the iPhone Air, its five-core GPU integrates second-generation Dynamic Caching, faster floating-point math, and better image compression. Each GPU core includes its own Neural Accelerator, enabling performance Apple claims is comparable to a MacBook Pro.

The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are equipped with a six-core GPU delivering up to 40% more sustained performance than the previous generation. These models also debut a new vapor chamber cooling system, said to be 20 times more efficient than the titanium-based design used in the iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro.

Beyond processors, Apple introduced two additional in-house chips. The new N1 networking chip brings Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread support across the iPhone 17 lineup, aiming to improve efficiency for features like AirDrop and Personal Hotspot. Meanwhile, the upgraded C1X modem doubles performance compared to the previous C1, though it still lacks millimeter-wave support. Pro models continue to rely on Qualcomm 5G modems to retain that capability.

All four iPhones will be available for preorder this Friday and officially launch on September 19. Pricing starts at $799 for the iPhone 17, $999 for the iPhone Air, $1,099 for the iPhone 17 Pro, and $1,199 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max. All models ship with 256 GB of storage, with the Pro Max now offering a new 2 TB option.

Apple also announced new wearables and accessories, including the AirPods Pro 3, Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch SE 3, and Apple Watch Ultra 3.

By introducing the A19, A19 Pro, N1, and C1X, Apple is steadily broadening its in-house chip ecosystem. This not only strengthens control over performance, power efficiency, and supply chain risks but also reduces dependency on external vendors, positioning Apple for greater integration across its hardware lineup.