Apple iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max | comparisons price

Here is the complete guide to the iPhone 17 series for January 2026, detailing the specs, pricing, and features of the lineup released in late 2025.

Executive Summary: The iPhone 17 Series

Released in September 2025, the iPhone 17 lineup brought the most significant shake-up to the iPhone family in years. The “Plus” model is dead, replaced by the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air.¹ The entire lineup now features 120Hz ProMotion displays, and the Pro models have completed the transition to a full 48MP Triple-Camera system.

• Current Software (Jan 2026): iOS 26.2 (Apple shifted to year-based naming, previously expected as iOS 19).

• Key Upgrade: All models now start at 256GB storage.

• Headline Feature: The “Fusion” Camera system and the ultra-slim design of the iPhone 17 Air.

1. Quick Comparison: Specs at a Glance

2. Deep Dive: The Models

iPhone 17 (The New Standard)

For the first time, the “base” iPhone feels like a Pro device. Apple finally brought ProMotion (120Hz) to the standard model, meaning scrolling and animations are just as smooth as on the Pro Max.

• Camera: A massive upgrade to a Dual 48MP system. The Ultra Wide lens is now 48MP (up from 12MP), allowing for incredibly sharp macro shots and better low-light wide angles.

• Best For: 90% of users. You get the fast screen, the A19 chip, and great cameras for $799.

iPhone 17 Air (The Style Statement)

Replacing the “Plus,” this is the thinnest iPhone ever made (~5.6mm). It sacrifices utility for style.

• The Controversy: It has only one rear camera. It uses a powerful 48MP “Fusion” sensor to do the work of two lenses (1x and 2x crop), but it lacks an Ultra Wide and Telephoto lens.

• Performance: It runs the A19 Pro chip (slightly binned), making it faster than the base iPhone 17.

• Best For: Minimalists who value portability and aesthetics over camera versatility.

iPhone 17 Pro & 17 Pro Max (The Powerhouses)

These are for power users. The Pro Max features a massive 6.9-inch display with thinner-than-ever bezels.

• Performance: Powered by the A19 Pro with 12GB of RAM, specifically designed for on-device AI tasks (Apple Intelligence).

• Connectivity: Features Wi-Fi 7 and faster USB-C transfer speeds (USB 3).

• Best For: Photographers, gamers, and anyone who wants the absolute best battery life (Pro Max).

3. Detailed Pricing & Storage (January 2026)

Note: Prices are MSRP in USD. Retailers may offer small discounts ~4 months post-launch.

4. Camera Updates: “The Fusion Era”

Apple rebranded its camera system this year to “Fusion Cameras.”

• The “All-48MP” Pro System:The iPhone 17 Pro/Max are the first to feature three 48MP sensors.

  • Main: 48MP Fusion (24mm).

  • Ultra Wide: 48MP (13mm) – Huge improvement for low light and macro.

  • Telephoto: 48MP (120mm) – The 5x zoom lens now has a high-res sensor, allowing for a “lossless” crop at 10x digital zoom.

• Front Camera Upgrade:All four models now feature a 24MP Selfie Camera (up from 12MP) with autofocus and a wider aperture (f/1.9) for clearer FaceTime calls and sharper low-light selfies.

5. Software: iOS 26 (Formerly iOS 19)

In a surprise rebranding, Apple aligned its OS version with the year. The iPhone 17 series shipped with iOS 26.

• Latest Version: iOS 26.2 (Released Dec 12, 2025).

• Top Features:

  • “Liquid Glass” UI: A new visual language with more translucency and depth, inspired by visionOS.

  • Siri 2.0 (LLM): Siri is now powered by a Large Language Model, allowing for complex, multi-step commands (“Send the photos I took at dinner to my wife and add the restaurant to my food list”).

  • Interactive Widgets: Expanded capabilities on the Lock Screen and StandBy mode.

Verdict: Which one to buy?

• Buy the iPhone 17 ($799) if you want the best value. The 120Hz screen upgrade makes it feel like a Pro phone.

• Buy the iPhone 17 Pro Max ($1,199) if you need the best battery life and the complete triple-camera system.

• Skip the iPhone 17 Air unless you absolutely hate heavy phones. You pay more ($999) for fewer cameras and less battery, purely for the thin design

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