iPhone 17, iPhone Air & iPhone 17 Pro now in stores – should you upgrade?
Apple’s newest iPhones are officially in stores today. The lineup includes four models: the entry-level iPhone 17, the brand-new and super-thin iPhone Air, and the top-of-the-line iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. The big question is the same every year: should you upgrade? This time, the answer might be yes.
iPhone 17 – better value at the entry level
The iPhone 17 gets a brighter display with less glare, smoother scrolling, and a stronger screen that should hold up better against drops. The ultra-wide camera captures more detail, and the selfie camera is all new — it can automatically snap vertical or horizontal shots without having to turn your phone. Storage has doubled to 256GB for the same $800 price. Charging is also faster, though you’ll need a new 40-watt adapter to take full advantage.
iPhone Air – thin, light, and different
The all-new iPhone Air is super thin and light, with a faster processor and the same great display as the iPhone 17. But it comes with just one camera lens, which limits zoom and ultra-wide shots. Battery life could also be a challenge if you’re on your phone all day, though Apple sells a $99 snap-on battery pack. At $1,000, the Air is a good choice if you want something new and different and mainly take basic photos.
iPhone 17 Pro & Pro Max – for creators and power users
The Pro models are where you’ll see the biggest upgrades. There’s a redesigned back, excellent battery life, and upgraded cameras with up to 8x zoom. These phones are built for people who are not only scrolling through social media but posting, editing photos and videos, and playing games. You also get a choice of two sizes, three colors (including the bold new Cosmic Orange), and storage options up to 2TB.
Bottom line
No matter which iPhone you choose, you’ll get faster charging this year — but plan on picking up a new 40-watt adapter to make the most of it. The new iPhones are available now.