and everything else announced at Apple’s hardware event
Apple hosted its new hardware event today, releasing its iPhone 17 lineup, along with updates for the Apple Watch and AirPods. Updates included larger screens and an improved camera system for the iPhone 17 models, as well as the introduction of an ultra-thin iPhone Air that replaces the Plus model.
iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max
The iPhone 17 received a makeover to align more closely with the Pro models. It features a slightly larger 6.3-inch screen, which is an increase of 0.2 inches compared to the iPhone 16. It also has a 120 Hz display, a substantial upgrade from the current 60 Hz. The phone also has a 48-megapixel ultrawide camera. It comes in new colors: lavender, mist blue, black, white, and sage.
The Pro’s upgrades are mainly on the back of the phone. The three rear cameras are now arranged in a rectangular bar that extends from one edge of the device to the other. The flash, light sensor, and microphone are positioned far to the right side. Where the MagSafe charger is, the Apple logo is centered for aesthetic reasons.
Notably, the iPhone 17 Pro switched materials, replacing the titanium band around the screen with aluminum.
The iPhone 17 starts at $799, and notably has a base storage of 256GB. In contrast, the iPhone 16 started at $699 for 128GB. The Pro model costs $1,099, and the Pro Max is $1,199.
While the primary focus was on the iPhones themselves, Apple announced new phone cases as a bonus. Called “TechWoven” cases, these feature a higher quality woven material compared to the discontinued “FineWoven” line of fabric cases Apple released in 2023.