Is the New iPhone 17 Design the Best Yet?

Is this one of the most exciting advancements Apple has made in years? Possibly. Apple introduced the iPhone 7 on 9th September, and it'll be making its way to shelves by Friday, September 19.

The camera upgrades, trickling down of Pro features to standard models, and design tweaks make the iPhone 17 series one of the more interesting releases from Apple. Despite some steps back (the aluminum frame rear design, for one) and the increased cost, there are plenty of fresh new design features we’re eager for – not to mention the all-new iPhone 17 Air. 

Let’s unpack what we know about the new iPhone 17 design and whether all the rumors were true.

What’s So Special About the iPhone 17 Design?

Is it the best thing since sliced bread? Well, let’s take a look at the newest features of the iPhone 17’s design to see.

1. New Camera Enhancements and Design

In one of the most refreshing developments, Apple will be redesigning the iPhone 17’s rear camera. Apple hasn’t made such a move since the iPhone 11 Pro. Looking somewhat like the Google Pixel series, the camera bar of the new Pro and Pro Max devices runs horizontally across the rear, above the Apple logo. The other design change is the new camera control button on the side to take photos and change settings.

The standard iPhone 17 will keep the two vertical cameras, while the 17 Air has just one camera. 

Are these cameras any good? The Pro has 8x optical zoom with 48MP on all rear cameras. The base model has 48MP Fusion Main with 2x optical quality telephoto and 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide lens. The latest iPhone model will also feature a 18MP front-facing camera – a marked improvement from the iPhone 16’s 12MP camera. 

The Pro camera app will also allow users to record using both front and rear cameras at the same time – a useful feature for content creators and vloggers especially.

2. Vapor Chamber Cooling

Want better performance and faster charging? The new vapor chamber cooling upgrade on the iPhone 17 Pro models will help thermal management by moving heat away from the A19 chip, meaning a phone that lasts longer and runs better. 

3. Aluminum-Infused Back

Perhaps not something fans were hoping to see, the Pro models will shift back to an aluminum body – a step back from the previous Pro models’ stainless steel and titanium backs. The standard 16 and 16 Plus already feature an aluminum rear.

However, the return to aluminum will feature a glass window for wireless charging – a shift away from the all-glass backs seen on other devices. The material will also mean a lighter phone.

4. Other Major Upgrades

What else can you expect from Apple’s iPhone 17?

• The 17 range will all get the always-on display feature usually reserved for Pro models, as well as ProMotion LPTO technology, meaning a dynamic refresh rate, smoother scrolling, and a longer battery life.

• Apple’s latest A-series chipset, the A19, will feature in all models. This means a longer battery and more efficient performance.

The New Apple iPhone Air

Apple’s newest product, the iPhone 17 Air, has the sleekest design yet (30% thinner than the 16 models). What can you expect from the iPhone 17 Air?

• Many of the same features as the rest of the series

• A lack of a SIM tray means using an eSIM – even outside the US

• Single rear camera

And despite being the thinnest iPhone model available, the 17 Air’s battery life won’t suffer for it. Battery capacity is 3,149 mAh thanks to the use of Apple’s own C1X modem, removal of an ultrawide camera, and a higher-density battery. While some skeptics estimated that users won’t be able to make it through the day without plugging their phones in, Apple boasts 27 hours of video playback.

Apple iPhone 17 Design Specs in a Nutshell

Here’s everything you need to know about the 17 series.

Display Dimensions

The iPhone 17 display dimensions are all the exact same as the 16 series, with the exception of the 17 Air. This new model is Apple’s slimmest yet at 5.6mm thick and with a 6.5-inch display. 

Colors

The Pro models feature dark blue and orange colors inspired by the Apple Watch Ultra series, while the base 17 continues the 16’s black and white colorway. The new 17 Air will come in a softer light blue and creamier gold.

Battery

Specs

Is the iPhone 17 Design Better Than the iPhone 16?

A better camera, Pro features on base models, and faster performance. From the outset, the iPhone screen and design look better than those of the iPhone 16. However, there are a few things that will stay the same – or take a step in the wrong direction. 

The display dimensions are all the same as the 16, but the iPhone 17 Air is Apple’s thinnest model yet, and a device they hope will replace Plus models.

The 17 will shift back to an aluminum body. This is something seen on the standard 16 and 16 Plus, but might feel like the wrong move for the 17 Pro Max and Air.

When Is the iPhone 17 Available?

Pre-orders start on the 12th September, and the release date is around the corner with the first phones landing in hands by Friday, 19th September.

How Much Will the iPhone 17 Cost?

Apple’s five-year price freeze is at an end. But prices start the same for the base model at $799, with the higher-end models costing up to $1,999. Why the increase? The recent government tariffs are impacting development costs, while improved designs will also come with a heftier price tag.

Our Verdict on the iPhone 17 Design

It’s new and fresh, but is the iPhone 17 design the best yet?

The 17 is an upgrade on the 16 series, but improvements are slight, and the price hike is great. The front and rear cameras are better across all models, and the new design is a refreshing (and long-awaited) change, but the aluminum back might feel like a relic from the past. Despite this, if you’re in the market for a new smartphone, the iPhone 17 might be the best yet.