Apple’s new iPhone 17 lineup is now available, with preorders being fulfilled and units arriving in stores worldwide. Early signs point to strong demand: analysts report higher preorder volumes than last year, and some models have already sold out in certain markets – especially that eye-catching Pro Max in the new Cosmic Orange finish.
That bodes well for Apple, but which of the new models is actually worth your money? Here’s a quick roundup of what the critics are saying after a few days of hands-on testing.
iPhone 17: The crowd-pleaser
The standard iPhone 17 is drawing widespread praise for offering a meaningful set of upgrades at the same $799/£799 price. TechRadar calls it “the best standard iPhone in years,” citing the addition of a 120Hz ProMotion display, Always-On functionality, and 256GB of storage as standard. The Verge also notes that it’s “a bigger update than many of us expected,” with the base model finally feeling like a true flagship rather than a compromise.
Reviewers generally agree this is the iPhone most people should buy. Our own team came to the same conclusion: lead writer Craig Grannell argues that iPhone 17 is the best value iPhone, making it the standout option unless you specifically want the Air’s design or the Pro’s extra power.
iPhone Air: Impressive but compromised
If the regular iPhone 17 is about balance, the new iPhone Air is about the wow factor. At just 5.6mm, Tom’s Guide points out that it’s “the thinnest phone in the world that’s not a foldable,” while WIRED praises its lightweight titanium build. It looks and feels strikingly different, but slimming down has consequences. Battery life takes a hit, charging speeds are slower, and the single-lens rear camera lacks the versatility of its siblings.
Critics suggest those sacrifices make the Air harder to recommend over the iPhone 17, though it will appeal to those who value sleekness above all else. As we noted in our feature on Apple’s design decisions, the Air feels like a showcase for what Apple can do, even if it’s not the best practical choice today.
iPhone 17 Pro: Maximum power
The Pro models remain Apple’s heavy hitters, aimed at those who need every extra feature on offer. WIRED says they’re “better iPhones in every way,” highlighting triple 48-megapixel cameras, USB-3 data transfer, and new vapor-chamber cooling for sustained performance. The Independent also praised how the thermal system keeps the device temperate even under stress, while Tom’s Guide was smitten with the refined look but noted the higher starting price of $1,099/£1,099 will deter some buyers.
The improvements are clear: longer battery life, smoother performance, and the of telephoto camera make the Pro the natural choice for power users, photographers, and those who want the biggest display available (there’s no iPhone Plus this year). But the size, weight, and cost mean most people simply won’t need what it offers.
Verdict
The reviews are remarkably consistent. The iPhone Air is gorgeous but niche, the iPhone 17 Pro is powerful but pricey, and the regular iPhone 17 emerges as the most balanced, accessible upgrade. It’s the one we think most buyers should choose this year, unless you need a bigger screen or optical zoom that goes beyond 2x.
That said, it’s worth remembering that Apple is rumored to be planning much bolder changes for next year’s iPhone, so if the iPhone 17 lineup doesn’t strike you as a must-have, it could be worth holding out for what comes next.