29 Sept 2025
Apple recently held an event to introduce its latest smartphone lineup, featuring the new iPhone 17, the surprising iPhone Air, and updated Pro models. This discussion analyzes their features and market positioning based on real footage and reports from influencers and media outlets.
Apple's recent event showcased the iPhone 17 and the unexpected iPhone Air. Discussions about these new phones are based on real product footage and reports from influencers and media outlets, as actual devices are not yet available for direct review.
The base iPhone 17 features significant camera upgrades, including a 48-megapixel main camera and a 24-megapixel selfie camera. The selfie camera's square sensor, Center Stage feature, and added stabilizer enhance photography, particularly for wide-angle selfies. The base storage has doubled from 128GB to 256GB, maintaining the $800 price, and the screen now boasts a 120Hz LTPO panel with Always-On display, departing from the previous 60Hz. It also incorporates Nano Texture Ceramic Shield for improved scratch resistance and an anti-reflective coating.
The iPhone 16 is considered a complete mistake, offering little consumer value and primarily serving as a bulk purchase option for companies seeking iPhones for employees due to its limited features and color options.
The iPhone Air was a surprise reveal, characterized by its ultra-thin (5.6mm) and light (25 grams) titanium design, featuring a 6.5-inch screen and Ceramic Shield 2 for durability. It integrates an A19 Pro chip, with its motherboard concentrated at the top ('Plato') to dedicate the rest of the internal space to the battery. The device has a mono speaker and a USB-C port, which is notably not centered.
The iPhone Air features a single 48-megapixel rear camera but lacks a LiDAR scanner. Its exclusive reliance on eSIM (no physical SIM slot) makes it unusable in regions like Iran, limiting its market appeal for many users despite its premium feel and $100 lower price compared to the S25H.
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models are differentiated primarily by size, sharing advanced features. Their camera systems boast all 48-megapixel lenses (main, ultrawide) and an 8X telephoto zoom that combines optical and digital capabilities. They also support simultaneous video recording from both front and rear cameras. These models are designed with a unified aluminum body, softened edges, and incorporate a vapor chamber for enhanced heat dissipation, indicating a return to aluminum from titanium for cooling.
The Pro models, powered by the A19 chip, show high benchmarks and offer an exceptional gaming experience. Charging speeds are improved across the Pro line, with 40-watt fast charging capable of reaching 50% in 20 minutes. Battery capacities include 3149 mAh for the Air (12GB RAM), 3692 mAh for the base iPhone 17 (8GB RAM), 4252 mAh for the iPhone 17 Pro, and a leading 5088 mAh for the iPhone 17 Pro Max, surpassing the Samsung S25 Ultra. Despite advancements, the absence of silicon carbon in batteries is noted as a missed opportunity.
In the Iranian market, initial 'bubble' pricing is expected, but the iPhone 17's 256GB base model at the same price as its predecessor is likely to make older 256GB models less desirable. iOS 26 is set for release in five days, supporting iPhone 11 and newer devices. The developer-released RC version still contains bugs and temperature issues, advising users to wait for a more stable public update.
The iPhone 17 represents a highly valuable and economical choice in the basic version, offering significant upgrades for its price point.
| Feature | iPhone 17 (Base) | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Price | $800 | $1000 | Not specified (higher than Air) |
| Main Camera | 48MP, 24MP Selfie (square sensor, Center Stage, OIS) | Single 48MP Rear (no Lidar) | All 48MP lenses (main, ultrawide), 8X Telephoto |
| Base Storage | 256GB (up from 128GB) | Not specified | Not specified |
| Display | 120Hz LTPO, Always-on, Ceramic Shield, Anti-reflective | 6.5-inch, Ultra-thin, Ceramic Shield 2 | 120Hz LTPO, Ceramic Shield, Anti-reflective |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB | 12GB |
| Battery Capacity | 3692 mAh | 3149 mAh | Pro: 4252 mAh, Pro Max: 5088 mAh |
| Processor | Latest A-series chip (implied) | A19 Pro | A19 (high benchmarks, optimized for gaming) |
| Design & Materials | Softened edges, durable glass | Ultra-thin (5.6mm), light (25g), titanium body, mono speaker | Unified aluminum, softened edges, vapor chamber cooling |
| SIM Support | Physical SIM (standard) | eSIM Only (worldwide) | Physical SIM (standard) |
| Key Market Position | Economical, best value in basic range | Luxury, design-focused, replaces 'Plus' model | High performance, advanced camera, premium features |
