When Apple launched its newest iPhones – iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and the all new iPhone Air. It wasn’t just another incremental update. This year brings changes in design, cameras, displays, and software that make everyday use feel noticeably more seamless. One small change alone. you no longer need to rotate your phone from portrait to landscape just to get different types of shots, underscores how Apple is thinking about removing friction from common tasks. Here’s a closer look at what’s new, what’s improved, and what makes this generation exciting.
No More Phone Rotating
One of the most immediately noticeable improvements across the new models is the new front facing camera system:
- It uses a square sensor for the front camera. This lets the camera frame your image correctly whether you hold the phone in portrait or landscape, without having to physically rotate it. You get the composition you want more naturally.
- This improvement is paired with better stabilisation, so video calls or selfies stay steady even if your hand isn’t perfectly still.
So, that hassle of “flip the phone this way, then the other way” is much less of a thing now.
These advances aren’t limited to the front camera, they ripple out through display, power, build, and software. Here are the major updates:
What’s New in 2025 iPhones
Displays & Design
All new models now have 120 Hz ProMotion refresh rates and Always On displays, even the base iPhone 17. Peak brightness reaches 3,000 nits, with very low minimum brightness (1 nit) for night use. Build improvements: newer Ceramic Shield 2 glass (up front) for better scratch resistance, plus anti reflective coatings.
Cameras
Rear cameras upgraded: all models have 48 MP rear cameras. The Pro versions go further with additional zoom levels. Dual Capture capabilities: record simultaneously from front and rear cameras. Improved ultra wide and low light performance. Macro photography available on the Pro versions.
Performance & Chips
New A19 / A19 Pro processors across the line. Base iPhone 17 uses A19; Pro models get the Pro version. A new networking chip (called N1) is also included, supporting updated wireless standards such as Wi-Fi 7, faster Bluetooth, etc.
Battery & Charging
Noticeably better video-playback battery life: the base models last longer than their predecessors. Fast charging is improved. Also improvements in wireless / MagSafe options.
iPhone Air
This is a new line replacing what was the plus-size tier. The Air is the thinnest iPhone ever (around 5.64 mm), with a titanium frame, clasping design innovations without sacrificing high end features like 120 Hz display, 48 MP camera (albeit fewer rear cameras than Pro models), and the new front square sensor. It also emphasizes portability; lighter construction, fewer “extra” cameras, but still very capable.
Software & UI
iOS 26 brings a design overhaul called “Liquid Glass”: translucent, glass-like surfaces, more dynamic interaction, updated iconography and UI elements. Smarter behaviour: features like enhanced Photonic Engine, improved AI/ML for image noise reduction, better lowlight shots. Shared improvements across all devices: starting storage bumped (256 GB base on many models), better integration with services.
Our Verdict
Unless you are a professional photographer there is very little reason to buy a new iPhone. The rest of the hardware is actually the same as last year.
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