So you’re thinking about the iPhone 17? Yeah, I get it. Every September, we go through the same routine – Apple releases new phones, we ponder whether to upgrade, and somehow we end up spending way too much money.
I’ve been following this iPhone 17 situation since the rumours started flying earlier this year. My iPhone 14 was getting sluggish, battery dying faster than my motivation on Monday mornings. Sound familiar?

Should You Actually Care About the iPhone 17?

Here’s the thing nobody wants to admit: most of us don’t need the latest iPhone. But Apple made some changes this year that might actually matter.
The iPhone 17 comes with a 6.3-inch display, an A19 chip, and finally brings ProMotion to the base model. That 120Hz refresh rate thing that Pro users have been bragging about? Now everyone gets it.
My buddy Mike upgraded from his iPhone 12 last week. First thing he noticed? Everything feels smoother. Scrolling, gaming, even just swiping between apps. It’s one of those changes you don’t think you need until you have it.

iPhone 17 Release Date and Pricing Drama

Pre-orders started September 12, 2025, with phones shipping September 19. Classic Apple timing – announce on Tuesday, order on Friday, and get it the following Friday.
Pricing is where it gets interesting. The base iPhone 17 starts at $799, the same as last year’s iPhone 16. But here’s the catch: storage starts at 128GB again. In 2025. When photos get bigger and apps become bloated.
My advice? Go for 256GB minimum. Learned this lesson the hard way with my current phone. Nothing worse than getting that “storage full” message when you’re trying to take photos.

What Actually Changed in the iPhone 17

The Display Gets Better
6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion and adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz. The always-on display finally makes sense now, too.
I tested this at the Apple Store. The screen adapts from 120Hz when you’re scrolling down to 1Hz when it’s just sitting there showing the time. Battery savings are real.

A19 Chip – Do You Care?

Honestly? Unless you’re editing 4K videos or playing hardcore games, you probably won’t notice the difference from the A18. But it’s there if you need it.
What I noticed is that apps open faster, multitasking feels smoother, and the camera processes photos quicker. Small stuff that adds up.Camera Changes That Matter

The front camera got an upgrade. Finally, those FaceTime calls don’t look like they’re from 2015 anymore.
The primary camera is similar to last year’s but with better low-light performance. Took some shots at dinner the previous weekend – way less noise in dim lighting.

iPhone 17 vs iPhone 17 Pro: Which One?

This is where it gets tricky. The iPhone 17 Pro comes with a new aluminium unibody design and some Pro-only features.

Go iPhone 17 if:

• You want ProMotion without paying Pro prices
• The camera is good enough for Instagram and family photos
• $800 feels expensive already

Go iPhone 17 Pro if:

• You actually use the camera for serious stuff
• Money isn’t the primary concern
• You want the absolute latest everything
Honestly? Most people will be happy with the regular iPhone 17. The Pro features are nice, but not life-changing unless you’re a content creator.

The iPhone Air Situation

Apple also dropped the iPhone Air alongside the iPhone 17, featuring an ultra-thin design and targeting a different audience entirely.
Tried it briefly – feels fragile in a premium way, like holding expensive paper. Cool concept, but I’m too clumsy for something that delicate.

Real Talk: Should You Upgrade?

Upgrade if you have:
• iPhone 12 or older
• A battery that dies by lunch
• Storage constantly full
• A camera that makes you look like a potato
Maybe wait if you have:
• iPhone 13 or newer that works fine
• No major complaints about the current phone
• Better things to spend $800 on
I ended up ordering the iPhone 17 in the natural titanium colour. My iPhone 14 was showing its age, and the ProMotion display sealed the deal. Plus, my carrier had a decent trade-in offer.
iPhone 17 Colours and Storage Options
Colours are pretty standard this year:
• Natural Titanium (looks clean)
• Blue Titanium (darker than expected)
• White Titanium (shows fingerprints)
• Black Titanium (safe choice)
• Pink (surprisingly nice in person)
Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB. Skip 128GB unless you’re really tight on cash.

What Nobody Tells You About iPhone 17

The accessories game changed. Some old cases won’t fit perfectly because of minor dimension tweaks. Factor in $50-100 for a new case, screen protector, and possibly a charger.
iOS 19 runs great on it, but it also runs fine on older phones. The software isn’t a reason to upgrade by itself.
Trade-in values are decent if you’re coming from an iPhone 13 or newer. Check Apple’s site and your carrier – sometimes carriers beat Apple’s offers.

Bottom Line on the iPhone 17

Look, it’s a solid phone. Not revolutionary, but good improvements where they count. The ProMotion display on the base model is the biggest win.
Is it worth upgrading? Depends on what you’re coming from and how much $800 means to you. But if you do decide to get one, you probably won’t regret it.
Maybe wait a few weeks if you’re not in a rush. Launch day bugs are real, and sometimes early production units have quirks that get sorted out.
The iPhone 17 hits that sweet spot of being noticeably better without being outrageously expensive. Sometimes that’s exactly what you need.