Apple’s full iPhone 17 lineup is being unveiled in mere weeks, with each new model having its own unique selling points. But one model in particular could be set for a tougher sales year than usual: the iPhone 17 Pro.
iPhone 17 Air and Pro Max features could make 17 Pro more niche
Normally Apple’s iPhone lineup has two high-end models: the Pro and Pro Max.
But this year, shoppers will have three premium options:
- iPhone 17 Pro
- iPhone 17 Pro Max
- iPhone 17 Air
The new 17 Air model, which replaces the Plus option, will come with several Pro-class features and likely a more premium price too.
But of course, iPhone 17 Air will also earn its “high-end” designation because of its futuristic, ultra-thin design.
Put simply, if you want an iPhone 17 model that gives off “brand new” and “next-gen” vibes, iPhone 17 Air will be it.
It won’t be for everyone—largely due to battery and camera shortcomings.
However, the model most likely to be harmed by iPhone 17 Air is the smaller iPhone 17 Pro.
iPhone 17 Pro Max will be the best option for users who want the most powerful, capable, feature-packed iPhone on the market.
Rumors indicate the 17 Pro Max will get thicker to pack even more battery than ever, and might even have a better telephoto camera than its smaller sibling.
Plus, iPhone users have shown for years that they overwhelmingly prefer larger screens.
Top comment by Blurft
So if battery, cameras, and screen size are most important to you—and no doubt they are to many of us—iPhone 17 Pro Max will be the best option.
There are a lot of people who care about battery and cameras, but do not want the Max phones because they're too large to comfortably hold and / or carry. Anecdotes are not data, but of the people closest to me, nine have iPhone Pros and just two have the Pro Max...and one of them says they didn't mean to buy that one and will be getting the smaller model next upgrade.
If, however, you want a model that feels fresh, new, and futuristic like the iPhone X once did, iPhone 17 Air will be the way to go.
I believe this site dramatically over-estimates how many people care that much about a phone that "feels fresh, new, and futuristic." The excitement of the iPhone X was that it offered a dramatically different user experience - more screen space, OLED, Face ID - but those same things aren't true for the iPhone Air. It's just thinner. That's not something that generates nearly as much excitement for the average consumer.
Where does that leave the 17 Pro? I suspect for a lot of users—myself included—it could be a far less appealing option than usual.
I suspect it will be just as appealing as ever, and perhaps even more appealing if the Pro Max option gets thicker and heavier. Consumers who were already wary of the Pro Max's size (and cost) could very well end up choosing the regular Pro.
So if battery, cameras, and screen size are most important to you—and no doubt they are to many of us—iPhone 17 Pro Max will be the best option.
If, however, you want a model that feels fresh, new, and futuristic like the iPhone X once did, iPhone 17 Air will be the way to go.
Where does that leave the 17 Pro? I suspect for a lot of users—myself included—it could be a far less appealing option than usual.
Do you think Apple’s Pro model will lose market share to the 17 Pro Max and 17 Air this year? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments.
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