Apple iPhone Plus models have had a turbulent run. They kicked off with iPhone 6, hung around until 8, and then got the axe. Years later, they popped back with iPhone 14, 15, and 16, and guess what? It has been dropped again. The new iPhone is on a solo journey without a Plus model.
However, there’s a new model with a completely different philosophy that has taken its place: iPhone 17 Air. More on that slim Olympian in the next article. For now, it’s all about the iPhone 17, which is rocking, ermmm, the familiar iPhone 16 design.
So, what’s fresh about it? Yes, it does have something new! For starters, the iPhone 17 introduces the new Center Stage front camera, Apple’s first square front sensor that shoots up to 18 MP selfies without you fumbling to rotate the phone. It even auto-expands for group shots, records stabilized 4K HDR video, and does the neat trick of Dual Capture—recording with front and back cameras at once. Meanwhile, both rear cameras are now 48 MP, with the Fusion Main offering a 2x telephoto punch and the Fusion Ultra Wide capturing macro detail at 4x the previous resolution.
The 6.3-inch (16 cm) Super Retina XDR display now flexes ProMotion up to 120 Hz, Always-On smarts, and a peak 3000 nits for outdoor use. Protection comes via Ceramic Shield 2 with 3x better scratch resistance and less glare. Under the hood, the A19 chip delivers 1.5x faster CPU and 2x faster GPU than the A15, plus an all-day battery with up to 30 hours of video playback. Charging hits 50% in 20 minutes with the new 40 W USB-C adapter.
Storage starts at 256 GB, and the iPhone 17 comes in black, lavender, mist blue, sage, and white. Pre-orders open September 12, with availability September 19. Prices begin at 799 US dollars. In case you are wondering, there is no price hike this time. Phew!
Images: Apple.
