On September 9 in Cupertino, California, Apple unveiled its new iPhone 17 lineup and a collection of other groundbreaking devices. The most notable announcement was the first ever iPhone Air, which Apple calls the “smartphone of the future.” It is the thinnest iPhone to date, and all the new devices are powered by the A19 chip, designed to supercharge Apple’s advancements in artificial intelligence.
Here is a closer look at the iPhone 17 and the other gadgets coming to stores on September 19.
iPhone 17 Pricing and Upgrades
The iPhone 17 starts at around $800, with the iPhone 17 Pro at $1,100 and the iPhone 17 Pro Max at $1,200. While the base and Pro Max prices remain consistent with recent years, the Pro model is $100 more expensive, keeping Apple’s flagship prices in the $800 to $1,200 range.
The new lineup brings significant improvements. The front camera on all iPhone 17 models has been upgraded, allowing for more versatile shots without needing to rotate your phone. The iPhone Air introduces a new feature that lets you record video with both the front and back cameras at the same time. Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max boast the most powerful camera system in Apple’s history.
Battery life also sees a welcome boost. The iPhone 17 can now get a 50 percent charge in just 20 minutes. The iPhone 17 Pro offers an impressive 39 hours of video playback. Additionally, the iPhone 17 Pro is four times more durable and three times more scratch-proof than its predecessors.
A Quick Look at the Specs
| Features | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max |
| Display | 6.5-inch, 120 Hz, OLED, 3,000 nits peak, always-on, anti-reflective | 6.3-inch, 120 Hz, OLED, 3,000 nits peak, always-on, anti-reflective | 6.3-inch, 120 Hz, OLED, 3,000 nits peak, always-on, anti-reflective | 6.9-inch, 120 Hz, OLED, 3,000 nits peak, always-on, anti-reflective |
| Processor | A19 Pro (5-core GPU) | A19 (5-core GPU) | A19 Pro (6-core GPU) | A19 Pro (6-core GPU) |
| Storage | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB | 256 GB or 512 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB |
| Cameras | 48-MP main, 18-MP front | 48-MP main, 48-MP ultrawide with Macro, 18-MP front | 48-MP Fusion, 48-MP ultrawide with Macro, 48-MP telephoto with 8X zoom, 18-MP front | 48-MP Fusion, 48-MP ultrawide with Macro, 48-MP telephoto with 8X zoom, 18-MP front |
| USB-C Speed | USB 2, up to 480 Mb/s | USB 2, up to 480 Mb/s | USB 3, up to 10 Gb/s | USB 3, up to 10 Gb/s |
| Colors | Space Black, Cloud White, Light Gold, Sky Blue | Lavender, Mist Blue, Black, White, Sage | Silver, Deep Blue, Cosmic Orange | Silver, Deep Blue, Cosmic Orange |
| Material | Titanium, Ceramic Shield 2 on front, Ceramic Shield on back | Aluminum, Ceramic Shield 2 on front | Aluminum, Ceramic Shield 2 on front, Ceramic Shield on back | Aluminum, Ceramic Shield 2 on front, Ceramic Shield on back |
| Weight & Thickness | 165 g, 5.64 mm | 177 g, 7.95 mm | 206 g, 8.75 mm | 233 g, 8.75 mm |
| Extras | Qi2 20W wireless charging, Face ID, Dynamic Island, Ultra Wideband (2nd Gen), IP68, N1 networking chip, Apple C1X modem, Dual Capture | Qi2 25W wireless charging, Face ID, Dynamic Island, Ultra Wideband (2nd Gen), IP68, N1 networking chip, Dual Capture | Qi2 25W wireless charging, Face ID, Dynamic Island, Ultra Wideband (2nd Gen), IP68, N1 networking chip, Vapor chamber cooling, Dual Capture | Qi2 25W wireless charging, Face ID, Dynamic Island, Ultra Wideband (2nd Gen), IP68, N1 networking chip, Vapor chamber cooling, Dual Capture |
| Price | $999 | $799 | $1,099 | $1,199 |
AI and iOS 26
The new iPhone 17 lineup comes preloaded with Apple’s latest operating system, iOS 26. This OS brings incredible AI advancements, including the ability to take a screenshot and receive a detailed breakdown of what is on the screen, as well as live translation. Apple also introduced new AI features exclusive to the iPhone 17, such as the “Center Stage” feature for its front-facing camera. While Siri improvements were announced, they have been delayed until next year.
Other Gadget Updates
Apple also introduced new AirPods Pro 3, Apple Watch Series 11, and Apple Watch Ultra 3. The new AirPods Pro 3, priced at $249, feature on-device AI for live translation. The Apple Watch Series 11, starting at $399, adds a “sleep score” and hypertension notifications, though the latter is still pending FDA approval. The high-end Apple Watch Ultra 3, priced at $799, boasts the biggest display and longest battery life of any Apple Watch.
Which iPhone 17 Should You Buy?
What’s the right choice for you?
- iPhone 17: If you are like most people, you will be more than satisfied with the iPhone 17. The welcome 120-Hz display and the boosted 256 GB of base storage make it a fantastic choice.
- iPhone Air: If you are a fan of minimalist design and want Apple’s lightest iPhone ever, and you do not require a professional-grade camera, the Air will be a great fit.
- iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max: You should buy one of these if you want the absolute best Apple has to offer. If you use many of Apple’s camera features and need various zoom levels, these iPhones will provide the best experience. For heavy gamers, the improved thermals and extra power of the iPhone 17 Pro are a major plus. Choose the Pro Max for a big screen and the longest battery life, or the Pro for a more manageable size with all the same power.
Do You Even Need to Upgrade?
If your current iPhone is only a few years old and is still in good condition, you probably do not need to rush out and upgrade to the latest model. You can often fix common issues, like a weak battery, with a simple replacement. The key takeaway is not to feel pressured to upgrade just because Apple has a new release.
Our recommendation is to take your time. Wait for people’s reviews and then make an informed decision that is right for you 😊
