iPhone 17: Deciding which iPhone model to buy is usually straightforward for me—I typically opt for the Pro model, usually the more compact one. However, the upcoming iPhone 17 lineup, including the anticipated ultra-thin 17 Air model, is set to make my choice more challenging than ever. Here’s what I’m weighing as I prepare to make my decision.
Goodbye Plus, Hello Air: The iPhone 17 Revolution!
Apple is constantly evolving its flagship iPhone lineup, especially when it comes to the fourth model.
The iPhone mini was discontinued due to low sales, and Apple replaced it with the iPhone Plus. However, it seems the Plus hasn’t fared much better, as history appears to be repeating itself.

Next year, Apple is set to introduce the iPhone 17 Air, featuring:
- An ultra-thin design
- A display size positioned between the Pro and Pro Max
- A single rear camera
- A premium price tag
While the 17 Air may not be the most feature-packed iPhone, it aims to showcase a glimpse of the future. Similar to how the iPhone X revolutionized design, the 17 Air offers innovation but with some compromises that might make it less appealing to some users.
iPhone 17 Air: A Step Forward with Trade-Offs for Pro Users
The iPhone 17 Air brings a lot of exciting possibilities. After years of minor updates to the iPhone’s design, the prospect of a significant change in form factor is refreshing.
Currently, I use an iPhone 16 Pro, and under normal circumstances, I’d plan to upgrade to the 17 Pro next year.

The iPhone 17 Air introduces several factors that make the decision to upgrade more challenging:
- Loss of the 5x Telephoto Lens
- I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the 5x telephoto camera on my iPhone 16 Pro, especially for capturing distant shots while walking around the city.
- It’s a feature I had missed before, as the Pro Max was too large for my preference.
- Unless the 17 Air significantly improves digital zoom, parting with the telephoto lens would be a tough compromise.
- Potential Battery Trade-Offs
- While specifics aren’t clear yet, it’s likely the ultra-thin design of the 17 Air will result in reduced battery life compared to the thicker Pro models.
- A small reduction might be manageable, but the extent of the sacrifice will be a critical factor.
- Uncertainty About Display Size
- I’m comfortable with the 6.3-inch screen of the iPhone 16 Pro and appreciated the smaller size of the 15 Pro.
- The 17 Air’s 6.6-inch display doesn’t sound ideal for one-handed use, which I rely on while walking.
- However, the thinner design might offset the size increase, so I’ll reserve judgment until I can test it.
Will the 17 Air be worth it?
The iPhone 17 Air feels more like a fashion statement than anything else. I believe the real choice will come down to the standard iPhone versus the Pro models. If the rumors are true, next year’s base iPhones might finally include ProMotion displays, making them quite similar to the Pro models, apart from the cameras. I had considered upgrading to the iPhone 16 this year since I’m still using an iPhone X, but I think waiting another year might be worth it.

Giving up so much for a new iPhone model wouldn’t be easy, but the best choice will become clearer once Apple unveils the full lineup. While there’s plenty of information available about the 17 Air, details about the 17 Pro and Pro Max remain limited.
I’m leaning towards buying the 17 Air, even with the sacrifices it may come with. However, if the 17 Pro introduces some standout features exclusive to the Pro models, Apple could make the choice much harder.
Which iPhone 17 model are you considering? What factors are influencing your decision? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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