At a Glance
- Apple replaces the iPhone 16 line with the new iPhone 17 series and Air.
- The base iPhone 17 starts at $829; the iPhone Air at $999; the budget 16E at $599.
- All models ship with iOS 26, a 1-120Hz OLED display, and upgraded cameras.
Why it matters: Consumers now have a full spectrum of flagship, mid-range, and ultra-thin options that bundle new software and hardware upgrades.
Apple’s latest iPhone lineup arrives this fall, bringing the new iPhone 17 series and a slimmer iPhone Air to the market. The company has dropped the iPhone 16 line, offering three new tiers that cover every budget and use case. Below we break down what each model brings and why it matters for buyers.
iPhone 17 Series Overview
The flagship iPhone 17 and its Pro variants share a 1-120Hz OLED display, 48-MP wide and ultrawide cameras, and the new iOS 26 suite. The Pro models add a 48-MP telephoto lens and larger battery, while the base model delivers the same camera performance at a lower price. Battery life on the iPhone 17 tops out at 30 hours of video playback, matching the Pro’s 27 hours and exceeding the older 16 line.
- 48-MP wide and ultrawide cameras on all 17 models
- 48-MP telephoto on Pro and Pro Max
- 30 hrs video playback on iPhone 17, 27 hrs on Pro, 40 hrs on Pro Max
iPhone Air and 16E Highlights
The iPhone Air is a 5.6 mm thick, 165-gram device that trades a single 48-MP rear camera for an 18-MP selfie camera and a lighter build. It still runs iOS 26 and offers a 1-120Hz display, but its battery lasts only 33 hours of video playback. The 16E, priced at $599, keeps the 6.1-inch 60-Hz screen and 48-MP ultrawide camera, making it a budget-friendly upgrade for older iPhones.
| Model | Starting Price | Video Playback (hrs) | Display |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 | $829 | 30 | 1-120Hz |
| iPhone 17 Pro | $1,099 | 27 | 1-120Hz |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | $1,199 | 40 | 1-120Hz |
| iPhone Air | $999 | 33 | 1-120Hz |
| iPhone 16E | $599 | 22 | 60Hz |
| iPhone 16 | $829 | 26 | 60Hz |
All models ship with Ceramic Shield 2 glass, MagSafe support, and Apple Intelligence, bringing features like Live Translation and Call Screening to every device.
Key Takeaways
- The iPhone 17 series unifies flagship and mid-range hardware, making the Pro’s features accessible at a lower price.
- The ultra-thin Air offers a lighter design but trades battery life and camera versatility.
- The 16E provides a budget-friendly upgrade with a 48-MP ultrawide camera and 60-Hz display.
With the iPhone 17 series, Apple delivers a cohesive set of options that balance price, performance, and design. Whether you want the flagship Pro power or a lightweight Air, the new lineup offers something for every user.
