Leaked iPhone 17 Pro Box Images Reveal Design Details

Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Launch Faces Initial Shipping Delays and EU Feature Restrictions

Apple’s new iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air models launch globally on Friday, September 19th. Pre-orders for the devices began last week in the United States and numerous other countries. Initial consumer demand appears strong, particularly for the high-end Pro Max variant. Delivery estimates for many configurations have already slipped into October.

According to Apple’s online store, shipping times for the iPhone 17 Pro Max extended beyond the launch date within hours. Select configurations of the iPhone Air and standard iPhone 17 Pro are now also facing extended wait times. This high demand follows the company’s annual September event where the new lineup was unveiled.

Technical Specifications and Global Limitations

All new iPhone models feature Apple’s new N1 chip. This chip provides Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread connectivity. However, FCC documents reveal a technical limitation for Wi-Fi 7.

The N1 chip supports a maximum of 160 MHz channel bandwidth. This falls short of the full 320 MHz capability of the Wi-Fi 7 standard. This may affect peak wireless data transfer speeds for some users.

Furthermore, Apple continues its shift away from physical SIM cards. The latest iPhone models are eSIM-only in several key markets. These countries include Canada, Japan, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia. The United States had already transitioned to eSIM-only with a previous model.

EU Regulations Impact New AirPods Feature

A key new software feature will not be available to millions of European customers. Apple’s Live Translation for AirPods will be blocked for users in the European Union. This restriction applies if the user is physically in the EU and their Apple Account region is also set to an EU country.

This move is widely attributed to the EU’s strict Digital Markets Act (DMA). The regulations often require significant changes to how Apple integrates its services. The company has not provided a timeline for the feature’s potential release in the region.

Apple’s environmental reports did not include box renders for the new iPhones this year. However, T-Mobile’s president shared real-world photos of the packaging. The company also shows the boxes on its iPhone Upgrade Program page.

The new iPhone 17 Pro series brings significant upgrades amid strong early demand. Global customers should expect longer wait times for popular models. Certain features will have limited availability due to regional regulations.

Info at your fingertips

When is the iPhone 17 Pro release date?

The official launch date is Friday, September 19. The devices will be available in Apple Stores and from other retailers on that day.

What is the new N1 chip?

It is Apple’s custom-designed connectivity chip. It enables Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 support in the new iPhone models.

Why is Live Translation blocked in the EU?

EU digital regulations like the DMA are the likely cause. Apple has not enabled the feature for users with EU Apple Accounts.

Which countries are eSIM-only?

The list includes the U.S., Canada, Japan, and Mexico. Several Middle Eastern nations like Saudi Arabia are also included.

What are the iPhone battery replacement costs?

Apple’s out-of-warranty battery fee remains $119 in the U.S. This cost is consistent for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air.

Sources:
Bloomberg, Reuters, FCC documentation, Apple Inc.