The iPhone Air might get many of the consideration at immediately’s Apple occasion, however the “common” iPhone 17 is the one a whole lot of the iOS devoted will purchase. This 12 months’s new mannequin might not appear like an enormous overhaul because the design is generally the identical, however do not let that idiot you. The corporate has massively upgraded the show to incorporate ProMotion and a 120Hz refresh fee. There’s extra energy beneath the hood, able to harness all the options that Apple Intelligence and iOS 26 present. Plus, there’s eight extra hours of battery life and quicker charging while you want it. And I have never even talked about the digicam updates but, that are highlighted by the Heart Stage entrance digicam.
With the introduction of the iPhone Air, Apple nixed the iPhone 17 Plus. Now you are left to resolve between the 6.3-inch iPhone 17, 6.5-inch iPhone Air or the 6.9-inch iPhone 17 Professional Max (and 6.3-inch Professional) — in the event you’re primarily involved with measurement. I used to be nervous the corporate would depart us with a 6.1-inch base iPhone, a handset that feels extremely small after I lastly received used to the iPhone 16 Plus. I am glad to report that the iPhone 17 bridges the hole properly, and I do not suppose the smaller “common” mannequin will likely be a pressure on my delicate sensibilities.
Billy Steele for Engadget
On first look, the true star of the present this 12 months is the majorly upgraded show on the iPhone 17. Not solely is it barely bigger, but it surely now has a 120Hz refresh fee and helps Apple’s ProMotion tech. The distinction between this new mannequin and my iPhone 16 Plus was instantly obvious. Colours are extra vivid, particulars are sharper and it is simply extra nice to have a look at. After all, I wasn’t capable of dive into the finer factors of what the improve supplies in a fast demo, however I walked away impressed after my first look on the cellphone.
I used to be additionally capable of briefly strive the brand new Heart Stage entrance digicam within the foyer exterior the Steve Jobs Theater. There are different digicam updates on the iPhone 17, however this one will likely be what’s most useful to most individuals. It mechanically adjustments orientation as extra individuals enter the body for selfies, and most significantly, it does so rapidly with none jitters or lag. It labored nicely on a number of makes an attempt I noticed, and it is one of many few new options I am trying ahead to testing additional.
Moreover, Twin Seize, the flexibility to document footage from each the rear and front-facing cameras on the identical time, will likely be nice for recording response movies. A busy demo space exterior of an Apple keynote is not probably the most thrilling spot for this, however what I used to be capable of see excited me for my upcoming afternoons of youth sports activities.
We’ll have to attend for our full overview for a deep dive on the remainder of the brand new options on the iPhone 17, however after my first introduction, I anticipate that this may very well be probably the most sturdy annual replace in a number of years.