What's going on Here?
Before you think to yourself “Oh Look! Another iPhone…”, we have quite a bit to say about the new models. Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup—including the ultra-thin iPhone Air and the powerful iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max—marks the company’s biggest smartphone refresh in years. With new chips, brighter displays, upgraded cameras, and slimmer builds, many ask: is this the best iPhone ever?
Smartphones are no longer just phones. They’re cameras, creative tools, and productivity hubs. The iPhone 17 launch matters because it reshapes Apple’s product tiers, introduces the thinnest iPhone ever, and doubles down on performance with the Pro’s vapor chamber cooling. Whether you’re upgrading or just comparing, this lineup sets the tone for the next few years of Apple design.
The iPhone 17 family includes:
iPhone 17: A balanced flagship with ProMotion display and dual 48MP cameras.
iPhone Air: The slimmest iPhone ever, built in titanium, focused on lightness and style.
iPhone 17 Pro & Pro Max: Workhorse models with triple cameras, up to 8× optical zoom, and the new A19 Pro chip.
Brief Overview
Apple refreshes the iPhone every September. Over the last decade, it balanced power vs. thinness, switching from stainless steel to titanium and ceramic composites. The iPhone Air introduces a new naming tier (echoing the MacBook Air). The Pro series continues Apple’s push to make iPhones professional-grade tools for film, photography, and gaming.
Each model runs on either the A19 or A19 Pro chip, paired with a new N1 wireless chip supporting Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. The Pro models add USB-C with USB 3 speeds, while all others use standard USB-C, with the slower 480Mbps speed. Displays now hit 3,000 nits peak outdoor brightness and support 120Hz ProMotion.
- Benefits of the new iPhones
Thinnest design ever with the Air.
Brighter 3,000-nit displays across all models.
Pro models deliver 40% better sustained performance.
Base storage starts at 256GB.
Risks / Downsides of the new iPhones
Air sacrifices multi-lens cameras.
Pro/Pro Max pricing still climbs past $1,099-even up to $1999!
eSIM-only in some countries could frustrate travelers.
Long-term durability of Ceramic Shield 2 back remains unproven
Noteworthy Facts:
Launch event: Sept 9, 2025.
Preorders: Sept 12, 2025.
Release date: Sept 19, 2025.
Base prices: iPhone 17 – $799; Air – $999; Pro – $1,099; Pro Max – $1,199.
| The Full iPhone Lineup | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Feature |
iPhone 17 |
iPhone Air |
iPhone 17 Pro |
iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|
Display |
6.3″ XDR, 120Hz, 3,000 nits |
6.5″ XDR, 120Hz, 3,000 nits |
6.3″ XDR, 120Hz, 3,000 nits |
6.9″ XDR, 120Hz, 3,000 nits |
|
Design |
Ceramic Shield 2 front |
5.6mm thin, Titanium |
Aluminum unibody, vapor chamber |
Aluminum unibody, vapor chamber |
|
Chipset |
A19 |
A19 Pro |
A19 Pro |
A19 Pro |
|
Rear Cameras |
Dual 48MP (Main + Ultra Wide) |
Single 48MP Main |
Triple 48MP (up to 8× optical) |
Triple 48MP (up to 8× optical) |
|
Front Camera |
18MP Center Stage |
18MP Center Stage |
18MP Center Stage |
18MP Center Stage |
|
Battery Life |
~30 hrs |
~27 hrs |
~33–35 hrs |
~39 hrs |
|
Storage |
256–512GB |
256–512GB |
256GB–1TB |
256GB–2TB |
|
Connectivity |
Wi-Fi 7, BT 6, USB-C |
Wi-Fi 7, BT 6, USB-C |
Wi-Fi 7, BT 6, USB-C (USB 3) |
Wi-Fi 7, BT 6, USB-C (USB 3) |
The Best and Worst Things About them
The Pro Max battery—up to 39 hours video playback—sets a new record. Compared to Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra, the iPhone 17 Pro Max delivers better sustained performance (thanks to vapor chamber cooling), but still lags in raw zoom at extreme levels.
The Air’s single rear camera may limit versatility for photography enthusiasts. The battery life accuracy is questionable because of the thinness of the phone, and the immediately announce battery pack specifically designed for it. But despite this, the entire lineup is sporting some very serious features accross the board.
Pros
Uniform 120Hz displays across lineup.
Base 256GB storage.
Thinnest iPhone ever (Air).
Strong trade-in promos.
Cons
Air camera trade-off.
High price for Pro models.
eSIM-only rollout can frustrate travelers.
Ceramic Shield 2’s durability untested.
With all these amazong features, some have speculations as to what this could mean for the entire future of iphones and their competition to up and coming samsung and other smartphone competitors.
Vapor chamber cooling on Pro. Could this become a standard feature to improve thermal performance on all future iphones?
Cosmic Orange color option on Pro. Will we ever get a black option for the pro models?
Thinnest iPhone ever (Air). Is this an sign we may get a folding iPhone?
3,000-nit brightness across all. Would this also increase the minnimum brightness?
2TB storage option on Pro Max. Could we see a 2TB model iPhone available accross the board?
Competitive Outlook *INHALES*
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Google Pixel 9 Pro are the closest rivals. Apple’s advantage is tighter ecosystem integration, while Samsung retains an edge in raw zoom (10× optical). If the iPhone’s camera system in real world use can match the Samsung, they may have a win for the smartphone photography audience.
Apple’s new iPhone 17, especially the Pro/Pro Max, competes closely with Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra and Google’s Pixel 9 Pro in several key areas.
Samsung’s S24 Ultra is still strong in terms of camera versatility (e.g. high-MP sensors, multiple telephoto lenses) and display tech, with QHD+, Dynamic AMOLED panels and Wi-Fi 7 on select models.
Google’s Pixel 9 Pro leans heavily into software and AI features (Tensor G4 chip, extended feature drops) and offers excellent computational photography at often lower prices.
However, Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup looks to pull ahead in sustained performance, materials, and display brightness. Features like the vapor chamber cooling in the Pro models, the uniform 120Hz ProMotion rate across all models, and 3,000-nit peak brightness are areas where Apple may outshine many Android competitors.
On the downside, Android rivals often offer more flexible choices in charging speed, zoom ranges (especially periscope lenses), and sometimes more competitive pricing on high-storage configurations.
So here’s what we think. For buyers focused on ecosystem, software polish, and long term resale or support, Apple’s offering is compelling. For those who prioritize camera zoom, charging speed, or variety of hardware, Android still holds very capable alternatives.
Our Final Word
The iPhone 17 lineup refines Apple’s approach: the Air emphasizes design, the iphone 17 appeals to the everyday user, all while the Pro/Pro Max focus on pro-grade performance. It’s best for upgraders wanting top-tier cameras or cutting-edge thinness. If you have an iPhone 16 model, I’d say save your money, but if you’re an iPhone purest, then by all means, go for the 17! But, if you need to upgrade because you still have an iPhone X, I say get a 16 model, if you can find any. iPhone 16’s are selling at record rates! Overall, the iPhone 17 models are not ideal for budget buyers.
FAQ
When does the iPhone 17 come out?
Apple officially unveiled the iPhone 17 lineup on September 9, 2025, at its Apple Park event. Preorders opened on September 12, with deliveries and retail availability set for September 19, 2025. As with past launches, the rollout begins in key markets like the US, UK, and Australia, with staggered international releases to follow.
What’s new in iPhone Air?
The iPhone Air is Apple’s thinnest iPhone yet, measuring only 5.6mm thick. It features a titanium frame for strength without adding weight, paired with a 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display. Unlike the Pro models, it keeps a single 48MP rear camera, focusing on style, portability, and everyday use rather than pro-level photography.
How much is the iPhone 17 Pro Max?
The iPhone 17 Pro Max starts at $1,199 USD, making it the most expensive model in the 2025 lineup. It includes a 6.9-inch display, the A19 Pro chip, and a triple-camera system with up to 8× optical zoom. Pricing scales up to the 2TB storage variant, which costs significantly more.
Does the iPhone 17 Pro come in black?
At launch, the iPhone 17 Pro is not offered in a traditional black finish. Instead, Apple has introduced Silver, Deep Blue, and a bold Cosmic Orange. Analysts note that Apple sometimes adds new colors mid-cycle, but there is no official word yet on whether a black option will return.
Which model has the best battery?
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the clear battery champion, delivering up to 39 hours of video playback on a single charge. Apple achieved this by combining a larger battery with its new vapor chamber cooling system, allowing sustained performance without overheating. Early reviews suggest it is Apple’s longest-lasting iPhone to date.
Is the Air less powerful?
No—the iPhone Air actually uses the same A19 Pro chip found in the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. However, its slimmer battery means it cannot match the longer runtimes of its bigger siblings. It’s designed for users who value design and lightness over all-day endurance.
What storage options exist?
Storage starts at 256GB across the entire lineup, doubling Apple’s old 128GB baseline. The iPhone 17 and Air top out at 512GB, while the Pro offers up to 1TB. The Pro Max goes further with a 2TB option, aimed at professionals who need massive on-device storage for 4K video or raw photography.
Do all models have ProMotion?
Yes, for the first time, every iPhone 17 model includes ProMotion with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz. That means smoother scrolling, more fluid animations, and improved responsiveness across the lineup. Previously, ProMotion was exclusive to Pro models, so this marks a major step toward feature parity.
Featured image from Apple.com
