The Best iPhone Lineup in Years
After yesterday’s Apple event, I came away feeling this may have been one of the most solid overall lineups in a very long time. Each of the models has a compelling set of features, and I think this is a strong upgrade year — even if you’re coming from the iPhone 16 generation. So I wanted to make the case for each, to highlight why I think this year is so strong.
iPhone 17
This is the best base iPhone release in years. It starts with ProMotion and the Always-On Display. On their own, these features will make iPhone 17 owners feel like they’re having a completely new experience. The phone will feel faster, smoother, and better suited to the many new animations in iOS 26. I’m really happy these features are finally standard across the lineup.
The resolution increase and new features for the selfie camera are also going to be a big hit. Making it possible to take horizontal selfies while holding the phone vertically is a stroke of genius. I think this alone could be a strong motivator for upgrades, since it’s the kind of feature that demos well in everyday life.
iPhone Air
I mean, come on. Look at this thing. Yes, there are trade-offs, and yes, we don’t yet know how it will perform in terms of speed, battery life, or heat management. But you’ve seen it, right? This phone is stunning, and I cannot wait to get my hands on one.
The big question for me is the camera system. I’ll be interested to see how the single camera performs, especially considering how much the other models rely on the ultra-wide for close-up shots.
But again — you saw it, right? This phone looks like a piece of jewellery. I really hope this marks the start of a new era for smartphones. Once the technology matures, do we get longer battery life and more cameras? Or do we get two of these stuck together to make a foldable? Whatever happens, I’m along for the ride.
iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max
Colours! They finally did it. A real, honest-to-goodness colour — and it’s orange! Did you know orange has been my favourite colour since I was a kid?
The Pro design this year is fantastic. I’m excited about the aluminium frame and the two-tone look with the glass back. This is the kind of phone that will feel so new in your hand — and often, that is the best feature of upgrading.
The only thing I’m hung up on is the weight creeping up. Here is a breakdown of each pro model over the last few years, starting with the last of the stainless steel iPhones:
- 14 Pro: 206g
- 15 Pro: 187g
- 16 Pro: 199g
- 17 Pro: 204g
Since the 15 Pro, it’s been a gradual increase — I assume to support battery and the camera system — but I do miss the lightness of that first titanium model. But I guess if you want lightness, the Air is right there…
I’m very curious about the new all-48MP camera system. I’ve been critical of the macro mode, since you’re forced into it for close-ups, and I’ll be watching closely to see if image quality improves this year.
I am very happy Apple have so clearly addressed thermals. My iPhone 16 Pro gets hot. It’s been bad during the beta cycle, but it was happening before too. I don’t use a case, so I may feel it more than some people, but it can make the phone uncomfortable to hold. I’m thrilled to see Apple addressing this with the new vapor-chamber cooling system.
And did I mention orange? I’m so excited to finally have an orange iPhone, and I expect many of you will join me in living the no-case life.
I can’t wait to see the reviews, and I’m looking forward to getting my hands on these phones. I’ll be ordering an orange 17 Pro as my personal device, but I also have my eyes on an iPhone Air to use as a testing device for my work at Cross Forward. As we’ve been preparing iOS 26 builds, it’s been tough to capture screenshots and video without exposing my own data. Having a totally separate device will allow me to more easily make destructive changes. I guess this is what life in development is like.
Overall. I think this is just a great year to be upgrading. No matter what you’re coming from, I think there’s something here to make the leap worthwhile.
And if you do upgrade, please also consider kicking in a little extra to our fundraising campaign for the lifesaving work of St. Jude.
