It’s been nearly a month since Apple dropped their “Awe Dropping” event on 9th September 2025, and if you thought the iPhone 17 series would have a quiet, predictable launch—think again. Here at TF2 Smartphone Solutions, we’ve been watching the drama unfold with the same intensity as a Netflix thriller. Grab your cuppa, settle in, and let’s dive into what’s really been happening in the wild world of Apple’s latest flagship lineup.
Act One: The Launch That Broke the Internet (and Delivery Estimates)
When Apple unveiled the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the brand-new iPhone Air, the tech world collectively held its breath. The promise? Three 48MP “Fusion” cameras offering the equivalent of eight lenses, the longest optical zoom in iPhone history, ProMotion displays across the board, and—for the first time—a 2TB storage option on the Pro Max. Oh, and did we mention the impossibly thin iPhone Air?
But here’s where it gets interesting.
Within hours of pre-orders opening on 13th September, delivery estimates began stretching like an overused charging cable. According to Morgan Stanley’s supply chain analysis, demand for the iPhone 17 series has been “stronger than expected”—a phrase that sounds positive until you realise what it means for anyone who didn’t smash that pre-order button at 1pm sharp.
The numbers tell the story:
- iPhone 17 Pro Max delivery times stretched to 3-4 weeks in most markets
- UK customers saw average delivery times increase by 8 days, reaching 18 days for Pro Max models
- The Sage iPhone 17 and Silver or Orange iPhone 17 Pro variants? Forget about it—those colours became the Glastonbury tickets of the smartphone world
TechRadar reports that if you ordered a Pro Max today, you’d be looking at delivery somewhere between 14-21 October. That’s not a phone launch—that’s a lesson in patience.
Act Two: The Underdog and the Overachiever
Now, every good story needs contrast, and the iPhone 17 lineup delivers it in spades.
The Overachiever: iPhone 17 Pro & Pro Max
Investment analysts at Morgan Stanley didn’t just notice the strong demand—they upgraded Apple’s annual revenue target by 4% because of it. Erik Woodring, the Morgan Stanley analyst tracking Apple’s supply chain, noted that “an iPhone 17 build increase is likely imminent” to meet the unexpected surge.
The Pro models are flying off shelves (virtual and physical) faster than we can repair cracked screens. Why? The specs are genuinely impressive:
- 6.9-inch display on the Pro Max (the largest iPhone screen ever)
- Apple A19 Pro chip delivering unprecedented performance
- Starting price of £1,099 for the Pro and £1,199 for the Pro Max
- That glorious new 48MP telephoto camera
The Underdog: iPhone Air
Then there’s the iPhone Air—Apple’s “thinnest iPhone ever” and the supposed spiritual successor to the Plus models. On paper, it’s gorgeous: sleek, premium, different. In reality? Multiple reports suggest it’s the “weak link” in the lineup, with noticeably lower demand than its siblings.
Reddit users noted that every iPhone Air configuration was available for launch-day delivery—a stark contrast to the Pro Max’s weeks-long wait times. The Telegraph’s review was particularly telling, noting it sits in an awkward price position: more expensive than the standard iPhone 17 (£799) but cheaper than the Pro models, without offering a compelling reason to choose it over either.
Act Three: When Things Go Wrong (Very, Very Wrong)
Just when you thought the story was all about supply and demand, Apple’s iPhone 17 hit a proper plot twist—and not the good kind.
Connectivity Chaos
By late September and early October, reports began flooding in from across the UK and beyond: the iPhone 17 series was experiencing widespread cellular connectivity issues. We’re talking dropped calls, fluctuating signal strength, and unstable switching between 4G and 5G networks.
The Economic Times reported that the iPhone 17 launch was being “plagued by dropped calls and weak signals”—a devastating blow for a device that’s supposed to represent the pinnacle of mobile technology.
An Apple Senior Advisor confirmed on Reddit that Apple was aware of cellular signal issues affecting iPhone 17 models. One user reported losing signal “every few minutes” on their iPhone 17 Pro, whilst Instagram posts claimed that almost 50% of iPhone 17 users were experiencing call-related problems—despite the device’s redesigned, larger antenna supposedly improving cellular reception.
The Wi-Fi Woes
As if that wasn’t enough, MacRumors documented that some iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone Air users were experiencing intermittent Wi-Fi connectivity, particularly when their phones were locked. CNET reported that a fix was finally arriving via an iOS 26 update, but the damage to Apple’s reputation was already done.
Act Four: The Verdict from the Streets
So what are actual users saying once they’ve got their hands on these devices?
The Good:
- Tom’s Guide’s review praised the iPhone 17 Pro Max as a “stellar flagship phone” with better sustained performance and a more powerful zoom camera
- Reddit users celebrated that the base iPhone 17 finally addressed years of complaints about lack of RAM and high refresh rate displays
- The Telegraph’s reviewer concluded that the standard iPhone 17 offers the best value, suggesting customers “avoid paying for the most expensive models”
The Bad:
- Mashable’s headline said it all: “The iPhone 17 Pro and Air are very skippable”
- Connectivity issues have overshadowed the impressive hardware upgrades
- The iPhone Air’s positioning has left many potential buyers confused about its purpose
The TF2 Smartphone Solutions Take
Here’s what we’re seeing from our repair benches and sales floor in Telford:
1. The Pro Max is the people’s champion – Despite the connectivity hiccups, demand remains incredibly strong. Customers are willing to wait because the specs genuinely represent a leap forward.
2. Software updates are critical – If you’ve already got an iPhone 17, make sure you’re running the latest iOS 26 update to address those connectivity gremlins. We’ve seen the difference it makes.
3. The Air needs a clearer identity – Apple’s marketing hasn’t quite landed the “why” for this model. It’s beautifully thin, but that alone isn’t enough to justify the price premium over the standard 17.
4. The base iPhone 17 is the dark horse – With ProMotion, improved RAM, and a more accessible price point, it’s offering Pro-level features without the Pro-level price tag. For many customers, it’s the Goldilocks option.
5. Repairs are coming – We’re already preparing for the inevitable: cracked screens on those gorgeous OLED displays, battery replacements, and charging port issues. With our 12-month warranty on all repairs, we’ve got you covered when (not if) accidents happen.
The Final Chapter (For Now)
Three weeks into the iPhone 17 era, and we’re witnessing a launch that’s equal parts triumph and cautionary tale. Apple has delivered genuinely impressive hardware—the camera system alone is a photographer’s dream—but the connectivity issues serve as a reminder that even tech giants can stumble.
Morgan Stanley’s optimism about increased production suggests Apple believes in this line-up’s long-term success. The delivery delays indicate that consumers do too, connectivity woes notwithstanding. And with the iPhone 18 already generating buzz for September 2026, the cycle continues.
Our advice? If you’re eyeing an iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max, the wait is worth it—just make sure you update to the latest software immediately. And if you’re happy with your current device? There’s no shame in sitting this generation out and seeing what the iPhone 18 brings.
After all, in the world of smartphones, there’s always another chapter just around the corner.
Need iPhone 17 repairs, accessories, or just want to chat about the latest tech? Visit us at TF2 Smartphone Solutions:
- Main Store: 47 Market Street, Oakengates, Telford, TF2 6EL
- Second Store: Broseley, TF12 5EX
- Phone: 01952 620411 | 07424 057878
- Email: su*****@*********co.uk
All repairs come with our comprehensive 12-month warranty. Open 9AM–8PM daily (except Sundays).
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