Apple Store goes down hours ahead of iPhone 17 series launch

In preparation for its highly anticipated "Awe Dropping" event, Apple has taken its online store offline. This annual ritual serves to refresh the website with the latest products, specifications, pricing, and promotional content ahead of the launch of the new iPhone 17 series, AirPods Pro 3, and updated Apple Watches. When attempting to access the Apple Store, users are greeted with a message stating, "Be right back," accompanied by a note indicating that updates are underway. The event will kick off at 10 AM Pacific Time, which translates to 10:30 PM in India, and will be hosted at Apple's Cupertino headquarters. Fans can tune in via Apple's official YouTube channel, website, or Apple TV. If Apple adheres to its typical release schedule, pre-orders for the new iPhone 17 models are expected to become available starting Friday, September 12, with sales commencing on September 19. The standard iPhone 17 is rumored to feature a slightly larger 6.3-inch display, enhanced with a 120Hz ProMotion technology and always-on display capabilities. Additionally, it may include a 24MP front camera, Apple's new A19 processor, Qi2 25W wireless MagSafe charging, and a vibrant selection of six colors, including options like steel grey, green, and purple. A standout addition to the lineup is the anticipated iPhone 17 Air, a slim and lightweight model set to succeed the Plus variant. Measuring a mere 5.5mm thick and weighing just 145 grams, it is expected to feature a titanium-aluminium frame and a 6.6-inch ProMotion display. This model is likely to include a single 48MP rear camera housed in a sleek bar design, powered by the A19 chip alongside Apple's C1 modem, and equipped with 12GB of RAM. Other highlights may consist of a 3,000mAh battery, Action and Camera Control buttons, and four unique finishes, such as light gold and sky blue. For the top-tier iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models, significant enhancements in camera technology and performance are anticipated. Both devices are expected to showcase a redesigned rear with a horizontal camera bar made of a combination of aluminum and glass. The displays may feature increased brightness, while a new Apple-designed Wi-Fi 7 chip promises improved wireless connectivity. A 48MP telephoto lens could introduce up to 8× optical zoom capabilities, with video recording reaching impressive 8K resolution. Furthermore, the Pro Max model is likely to incorporate a larger 5,088mAh battery, with both Pro versions starting at 256GB of storage. New color options may include dark blue and orange, adding to the excitement of this upcoming launch.