Overview

• After extended use, Tom's Guide recommends the iPhone 17 over the thinner iPhone Air, citing longer battery life, faster 40W charging in tests, an added ultrawide with macro and spatial video capture, and a lower starting price.
• Tom's Guide confirms every iPhone 17 variant uses the new 18MP Center Stage front camera, with comparison shots showing a wider field of view and strong detail versus the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Pixel 10 Pro XL.
• Macworld highlights the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s upgraded 48MP telephoto that expands optical and digital zoom ranges with crisper results, alongside a square front sensor that enables flexible framing and Center Stage video calls.
• The 17 Pro Max earns praise for practical refinements including Ceramic Shield 2 glass protection, a back design with less exposed glass, improved Camera Control button feel, a vapor chamber to reduce hot spots, longer battery life, and faster charging.
• Analyst reports point to a lower-cost iPhone 17e targeted for early 2026 and early iPhone 18 leaks suggest a new A20 chip and a staggered launch timeline, though these details remain unconfirmed.