4 Minutes
On Tuesday, Apple introduced the iPhone 17 family — four distinct models: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Preorders start on Friday, and the devices will arrive in stores on September 19. In this article we present a detailed comparison and analysis of what’s new, which technologies lead the pack, and which model is best suited to different types of users.
Comparison table
| Model | Display | Size / Weight | Processor | Rear camera | Front camera / Charging | Colors / Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 | 6.3" Super Retina XDR | 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm; 177 g | A19 | 48MP Fusion Main + 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide (.5x, 1x, 2x opt.) | 18MP Center Stage; USB-C (USB 2) | Black, lavender, mist blue, sage, white; from $799 |
| iPhone 17 Air | 6.5" Super Retina XDR | 156.2 x 74.7 x 5.64 mm; 165 g | A19 Pro | 48MP Fusion Main (1x, 2x opt.) | 18MP Center Stage; USB-C (USB 2) | Sky blue, light gold, cloud white, space black; from $999 |
| iPhone 17 Pro | 6.3" Super Retina XDR | 150.0 x 71.9 x 8.75 mm; 206 g | A19 Pro | 48MP Fusion Main (ƒ/1.78), 48MP Ultra Wide (ƒ/2.2), 48MP Telephoto (ƒ/2.8); .5x-8x opt. | 18MP Center Stage; USB-C (USB 3) | Deep blue, cosmic orange, silver; from $1,099 |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | 6.9" Super Retina XDR | 163.4 x 78.0 x 8.75 mm; 233 g | A19 Pro | 48MP Fusion Main, Ultra Wide, Telephoto; .5x-8x opt. | 18MP Center Stage; USB-C (USB 3) | Deep blue, cosmic orange, silver; from $1,199 |
Technologies and innovations
Several core developments define this lineup: the A19 and A19 Pro chips, Apple’s complete move to USB-C, and the shift to 48MP "Fusion" camera systems. The A19 Pro brings increased performance and improved power management — benefits that matter for professional photographers, video editors and gamers. USB 3 support is reserved for the Pro models, enabling faster transfers of large files, while the USB 2 limitation on the standard models remains a cost-versus-capability compromise.
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Use cases and real-world applications
The 48MP Fusion camera combined with optical zoom (up to 8x on Pro models) opens up real possibilities for professional mobile photography, media production and hybrid workflows. The iPhone 17 and 17 Air are excellent for everyday use, while the Pro variants are tailored to intensive creative work and business scenarios where fast data transfer and larger displays are important.
Experts' perspective and industry trends
Analysts view Apple’s approach as balancing distinct specification tiers and price points: the A19 delivers sufficient speed for mainstream users, while the A19 Pro underpins advanced AI/ML features and professional tools. Standardizing on USB-C is a logical move given EU regulations and consumer expectations. Continued improvements in computational photography and larger, higher-resolution sensors are clearly steering the industry’s direction.
Advantages, challenges and future outlook
Advantages: improved camera systems, a wider range of product choices, USB-C adoption and more powerful processors. Challenges: high pricing for Pro models, partial USB 2 support on non-Pro devices, potential supply chain impacts and environmental concerns tied to frequent upgrades. Looking ahead, we can expect deeper ML integration, more advanced image-processing algorithms and possibly broader USB 3 support throughout the lineup.
Conclusions
The iPhone 17 family establishes a clear split between everyday consumers and professionals: iPhone 17 and 17 Air are lighter, more accessible options with different display sizes and chipset configurations, while the 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max aim for maximum performance and photography capabilities. Buyers in Lithuania should consider whether they need USB 3 speeds and advanced camera features, as that will determine whether the Pro models justify the extra cost. Overall, the series emphasizes better image quality, higher performance and compatibility with new ecosystem standards.
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