Choosing a new iPhone has never been a simple decision, but Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 lineup is poised to make it a legitimate head-scratcher. For years, the iPhone Pro has been the go-to for enthusiasts who want the absolute best without the gigantic “Max” size. However, with compelling new options arriving on both sides of the Pro, this year’s model is facing a serious identity crisis. Is the standard iPhone 17 Pro still the king of the castle, or is it about to become the overlooked middle child?
The Challenger: A New ‘Air’ of Competition
The biggest threat to the iPhone 17 Pro’s dominance isn’t from the Android world; it’s from within Apple’s own ranks. Rumors suggest the company is introducing a new, ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air. This device is shaping up to be the spiritual successor to the iPhone X, a phone that prioritized cutting-edge design and a futuristic feel over raw power.
The iPhone 17 Air is expected to be impossibly thin and light, a design marvel that will turn heads and become the envy of every tech enthusiast. It may also get several “Pro-class” features, like a 120Hz ProMotion display and a new A19 chip, making it an incredibly capable phone in its own right. For many consumers who prioritize aesthetics and a fresh form factor above all else, the Air will be the most exciting iPhone Apple has released in years.
The Price Squeeze: A Familiar Tune
On top of the internal competition, the iPhone 17 Pro is also expected to come with a new price tag. Multiple sources and leakers suggest that for the first time in years, Apple will raise the price of its Pro models by $50, bringing the entry-level 17 Pro up to a cool $1,049 (approximately ₱59,933).
While a price jump might seem modest in the grand scheme of things, it comes at a time when the gap between the Pro and non-Pro models is shrinking. The standard 17 is rumored to receive significant upgrades, including a new 24MP front-facing camera, ProMotion display, and the same new chip as the iPhone 17 Pro. The Pro is still the more feature-rich device, but the price difference between it and a souped-up standard model may make some buyers pause.
The “Max Factor”: A Phone for the Elite
Then there’s the iPhone 17 Pro Max, a device that seems to be getting all of the big-ticket upgrades. Reports indicate the Pro Max will get a thicker chassis to accommodate the largest battery ever in an iPhone, a much-needed upgrade that will extend its lead in endurance. It’s also rumored to get a superior telephoto camera with an impressive 8x optical zoom, a feature that may not even make it to the smaller Pro model.
For users who want the absolute best of everything—the biggest screen, the most advanced camera system, and all-day battery life—the 17 Pro Max will remain the king. For everyone else, the decision is getting complicated. The iPhone 17 Air offers a new, sleek design, while the standard iPhone 17 is becoming a more-than-capable flagship at a lower price.
This leaves the iPhone 17 Pro in a peculiar spot. It’s not the thinnest, it’s not the most futuristic, and it’s not the most powerful. It’s simply a smaller version of the iPhone 17 Pro Max—a great phone, to be sure, but perhaps not as exciting or as compelling as the models on either side of it.
Apple’s rumored iPhone 17 lineup offers a difficult choice. Which model would you be most likely to buy?
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