Apple's iPhone 17 lineup, including the new iPhone Air, has replaced the iPhone 16 as the company's flagship models and is now available in stores. The iPhone 17 emerges as the top choice for most users, offering key features from pricier Pro models at a more accessible price. Reviews highlight improvements in display, camera, and battery life across the series.
The iPhone 17 series launched in September 2025, introducing significant updates that narrow the gap between base and Pro models. Starting at $829—or $799 with carrier activation—the iPhone 17 includes a 1-120Hz variable refresh rate display for smoother scrolling and always-on functionality, alongside support for Dual Capture and Center Stage camera features. Its ultrawide camera upgrades to 48 megapixels from the iPhone 16's 12 megapixels, and Apple claims up to eight hours more video playback. In CNET's three-hour streaming test, the battery dropped from 100% to 89%, outperforming the iPhone 16's 86%. The device also features a Ceramic Shield 2 display with three times better scratch resistance and starts with 256GB storage.
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, priced at $1,099 and $1,199, boast a redesigned "camera plateau" in colors like cosmic orange, moving away from subdued titanium finishes. These models set records for battery life, with the Pro Max retaining 22% or more after heavy use. Their rear cameras use 48-megapixel sensors across wide, ultrawide, and a new 4x telephoto lens—shorter than the prior 5x but improved for portraits with better detail and dynamic range. The 18-megapixel Center Stage front camera allows horizontal selfies when holding the phone vertically via a square sensor.
At $999, the slim iPhone Air measures 5.6mm thick and weighs 165 grams, with a titanium frame and Ceramic Shield protection. It has a single 48-megapixel rear camera supporting 2x zoom and an 18-megapixel selfie camera, but trades off with 20-watt charging and shorter battery under heavy use. The entry-level iPhone 16E, at $599, uses an A18 chip and suits upgrades from older models like the iPhone SE or 11, though it lacks MagSafe and an ultrawide lens.
All models run iOS 26, featuring Live Translation, Call Screening, and the Liquid Glass interface. The iPhone 16 remains a solid option at a discount, with a brighter screen and ultrawide camera.
