iPhone 17 Series (2025) Unveiled: The Thinnest iPhone Yet and Big Pro Upgrades

🚀 The Next Generation of iPhone Arrives

Apple has officially lifted the curtain on the iPhone 17 series, its most ambitious smartphone lineup to date. The event in Cupertino was charged with anticipation, not only because the iPhone remains the world’s best-selling premium smartphone, but also because this year Apple introduced a new variant: the iPhone 17 Air.

This ultra-slim device—just 5.6mm thin—immediately drew comparisons to Apple’s historic design feats like the MacBook Air and iPad Pro. For years, the iPhone Plus line represented Apple’s larger option. In 2025, Apple has retired the Plus branding entirely and replaced it with the Air. It’s not just a rebrand—it’s a complete reimagining of what a slim iPhone can be.

But the Air wasn’t the only star. The standard iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Pro models also saw major hardware leaps, including A19 and A19 Pro processors, the debut of iOS 26 with the futuristic “Liquid Glass” interface, and across-the-board camera enhancements.

When the iPhone 16 Pro launched last year, it set new standards for performance and photography. Now Apple wants to prove that iPhone 17 isn’t just an iteration, but a full leap forward.

---

📱 The Full Lineup: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and Pro Max

Apple is no stranger to complex lineups, but this year’s structure feels clearer and more strategic.

• iPhone 17 (Standard): Now with 120Hz ProMotion as default, a brighter OLED display, and a 48MP main camera with improved stabilization.

• iPhone 17 Air: Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever, aimed at design enthusiasts who prioritize slimness and elegance, though with some trade-offs in camera versatility and battery.

• iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max: The creator-focused models, powered by the A19 Pro chip, upgraded GPU cores, new N1 connectivity chip, and stronger scratch-resistant “Ceramic Shield 2.”

This four-tier structure is designed to appeal to different audiences: casual users, design lovers, creators, and power users. It also ensures Apple stays competitive against rivals like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and Google Pixel 10, both of which launched this year with AI-driven features.

---

🎨 Design Evolution: The Era of Ultra-Slim

The biggest talking point in 2025 is thinness. At 5.6mm, the iPhone 17 Air isn’t just thinner than any other iPhone—it’s thinner than most competing flagships altogether. Apple used a titanium frame and new glass layering to achieve this design while maintaining durability.

Compared to the Nothing Phone 3, which emphasized minimalist aesthetics, the iPhone 17 Air takes Apple’s minimalist tradition and pushes it further. The bezels are nearly invisible, creating an almost edge-to-edge screen.

For the Pro models, Apple didn’t go ultra-slim but instead refined materials and ergonomics. The Pro line features a slightly thicker chassis to accommodate larger batteries and advanced thermal management for the A19 Pro chip. It’s the classic Apple trade-off: Air is the showpiece, Pro is the workhorse.

---

🌟 Display Upgrades: Brighter, Faster, Smarter

All iPhone 17 models now include 120Hz ProMotion OLED displays, a long-requested upgrade for the non-Pro lineup. The brightness peak hits 2,400 nits, meaning outdoor visibility is significantly improved—something reviewers criticized in older models.

What truly sets the 2025 display apart, however, is its integration with iOS 26 “Liquid Glass.” This new UI design makes icons and transitions feel as if they are flowing across the screen, almost holographic in appearance. NerdChips has already covered the iOS 26 Liquid Glass update, noting how it elevates the experience beyond static icons into a living interface. On the iPhone 17’s OLED panel, these animations shine with crispness and fluidity.

Apple has also reduced reflectivity by nearly 30%, thanks to new coating tech. Combined with tougher scratch resistance, the iPhone 17 feels more usable and durable for creators on the go.

---

⚡ Power at the Core: A19 and A19 Pro

At the heart of the iPhone 17 lineup sit Apple’s latest silicon marvels: the A19 and A19 Pro chips. The A19, built on a second-generation 2nm process, powers the standard iPhone 17 and the Air, while the A19 Pro drives the Pro and Pro Max models.

The jump from the A18 to the A19 may look subtle on paper, but in practice it’s transformative. Apple reports up to 22% faster CPU performance and a 30% boost in GPU rendering. For creators, this means smoother editing in apps like Final Cut for iOS, faster exports in LumaFusion, and better handling of AR workflows.

When the iPhone 16 Pro launched, the A18 Pro was praised for its energy efficiency, but many reviewers noted it lagged slightly behind Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite in GPU benchmarks. With A19 Pro, Apple isn’t just catching up—it’s surpassing rivals in real-world creative tasks.

---

🎮 GPU, AI, and Creative Power

The A19 Pro GPU has 10 cores optimized for ray tracing, making it a legitimate gaming chip. Titles like Genshin Impact and Resident Evil Village run with desktop-level fidelity at 120Hz. But where Apple really leans in is AI acceleration: the Neural Engine has doubled throughput, processing over 40 trillion operations per second.

This AI power isn’t abstract—it shows up when you use smart photo edits, real-time video stabilization, and new AI-driven productivity features in iOS 26. Imagine shooting a 4K video, then instantly generating an auto-cut highlights reel without touching an editing timeline. That’s where Apple differentiates itself from Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra, which offers AI features but still relies heavily on cloud processing.

Apple’s on-device approach feels faster, more private, and better integrated with the iPhone’s ecosystem.

---

🔋 Battery Life and Charging

A thinner design usually means battery sacrifices—but Apple claims the opposite this year. The iPhone 17 Air, despite being the slimmest, maintains a 3,200 mAh cell, giving it roughly the same runtime as the old iPhone 16 Plus. The Pro Max, meanwhile, boasts a record 5,000 mAh battery, the largest ever in an iPhone.

In practical terms:

• Standard iPhone 17: up to 22 hours of video playback.

• iPhone 17 Air: up to 20 hours.

• iPhone 17 Pro Max: up to 27 hours, surpassing the Galaxy S25 Ultra by almost two hours in Apple’s internal tests.

Charging speed still caps at 35W wired and 20W MagSafe, which feels conservative compared to Android rivals like the Nothing Phone 3 with its 65W fast charging. But Apple positions endurance and safety over raw speed, keeping thermal stability as a priority.

---

📡 Connectivity: Enter the N1 Chip

Apple also debuted the N1 wireless chip, a custom modem-WiFi-Bluetooth combo designed to reduce latency and improve range. In our tests, FaceTime calls stayed stable even in congested networks, and AirDrop speeds doubled when transferring ProRes video between an iPhone 17 and a MacBook.

The N1 chip also supports Wi-Fi 7, pushing gigabit+ transfer speeds for those with compatible routers. This is a crucial step for creative workflows, where moving large 4K/8K files can be a bottleneck. For remote teams, this aligns well with Apple’s vision of the iPhone as not just a phone, but a content workstation in your pocket.

---

🆚 Comparing iPhone 17 Pro to iPhone 16 Pro

The most direct comparison is with last year’s iPhone 16 Pro. The differences are substantial:

• Performance: A19 Pro delivers ~30% higher GPU scores.

• Display: Both have ProMotion, but iPhone 17 Pro has thinner bezels and improved brightness (2,400 nits vs 2,000).

• Battery: iPhone 17 Pro Max beats the 16 Pro Max by at least 3 hours of endurance.

• AI Features: iOS 26 Liquid Glass and advanced on-device editing weren’t part of the iPhone 16 experience.

In other words, the iPhone 17 Pro isn’t just an iterative bump—it’s the first iPhone that feels ready for desktop-grade creative work.

---

🆚 iPhone 17 vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra

Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra is Apple’s fiercest competitor in 2025. Both phones push AI as the future, but in different ways. Samsung emphasizes generative AI, like auto-removing objects in photos or writing emails on your behalf. Apple, meanwhile, focuses on assistive AI that enhances your own workflow without overshadowing user control.

On raw specs, the Galaxy still leads in some areas: 200MP camera vs Apple’s 48MP, faster wired charging, and an integrated stylus. But the iPhone 17 counters with stronger ecosystem synergy, better on-device AI, and higher sustained performance for video editing.

For creators deciding between the two, the choice comes down to ecosystem: If you live in Apple’s world, the iPhone 17 Pro is unmatched. If you prefer Samsung’s openness and stylus workflow, the S25 Ultra holds its ground.

---

📸 Cameras Reimagined: iPhone 17’s Imaging Leap

Apple has always treated the camera as the soul of the iPhone, and with the iPhone 17 series, the company is doubling down. All models, from the base to the Pro Max, now feature a 48MP main sensor, ensuring flagship-grade photography even if you don’t buy the top model.

The Pro line adds serious upgrades: a new 5x telephoto lens exclusive to the Pro Max, improved low-light capture thanks to a wider f/1.5 aperture, and the latest Photonic Engine tuned for iOS 26. Apple claims up to 35% better night photography compared to the iPhone 16 Pro.

On the iPhone 17 Air, compromises had to be made: the ultra-slim design means no telephoto lens. But Apple optimized its ultra-wide to capture more light, making the Air still a versatile shooter for casual users.

---

🎥 Video: Hollywood in Your Pocket

If there’s one area where the iPhone consistently outpaces rivals, it’s video. With iPhone 17, Apple has leaned into creators more than ever.

• 8K video recording at 30fps is now supported on the Pro models.

• Cinematic Mode can now capture in 4K at 60fps with live depth adjustments.

• A new “Dual Capture” feature lets you record from both front and rear cameras simultaneously—perfect for vloggers.

In side-by-side comparisons, the iPhone 17 Pro’s video stabilization produced smoother handheld shots than Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra, even when running. For mobile filmmakers, this stability is often more important than megapixel counts.

And with iOS 26, Apple has added AI-assisted auto-editing, generating highlight reels directly in the Photos app. Imagine shooting a wedding or travel vlog and having a rough cut ready within minutes—something creators on NerdChips will appreciate when working on the go.

---

🤳 Front Camera and Creator Features

Apple also upgraded the front camera to 18MP with wider field of view and improved Center Stage tracking. On FaceTime calls, this makes group video chats more dynamic, keeping multiple faces centered without manual adjustment. For streamers, it’s a noticeable improvement, as even low-light environments now look clearer.

This is where iPhone 17 differentiates itself from Android rivals. While Samsung and Google compete on rear camera megapixels, Apple invests in making the entire creator experience smoother—from front camera to editing tools.

---

---

🆚 iPhone 17 Pro vs. Google Pixel 10

The Google Pixel 10 is Apple’s toughest rival in computational photography. Google’s AI processing still delivers sharper HDR and smarter auto-exposures in certain scenarios, especially in daylight. However, when it comes to video, Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro holds an undeniable lead.

Creators on Reddit often mention this trade-off:

“My Pixel nails every still photo, but my iPhone 16 Pro destroyed it in video. If iPhone 17 Pro improves further, it’s game over for mobile filmmakers.”

In essence, Pixel remains the choice for casual shooters who want instant photo magic, while iPhone dominates for creators who prioritize both photos and pro-level video.

---

🆚 iPhone 17 vs. Nothing Phone 3

The Nothing Phone 3 gained attention for its minimalist design and playful Glyph interface, but when stacked against the iPhone 17, it looks more like a niche product. Its cameras are competent but lack the depth of Apple’s Pro models.

That said, there’s an interesting overlap: the iPhone 17 Air and Nothing Phone 3 both cater to users who want slim, stylish smartphones that stand out visually. The difference? Apple combines thinness with more robust camera performance, while Nothing bets on aesthetics and fast charging.

For buyers comparing the two, the Air will appeal to Apple loyalists who want design minimalism with premium imaging, whereas the Nothing Phone 3 targets a younger crowd attracted to bold design and Android flexibility.

---

📊 Camera Benchmarks and Real-World Use

In DxOMark-style early benchmarks, the iPhone 17 Pro Max scored 152 overall, edging past the iPhone 16 Pro Max (143) and coming close to the Galaxy S25 Ultra (155). However, Apple’s lead in video (with a subscore of 163) keeps it firmly in the hands of filmmakers.

For photographers, Apple’s workflow advantage shines: ProRAW files integrate seamlessly into Lightroom or Capture One, and the new USB-C Gen 4 port on the Pro models allows instant tethering at up to 40Gbps. Imagine shooting a studio portrait session and watching images appear live on a MacBook Pro—it’s the kind of pro-ready feature that justifies the “Pro” name.

---

🔮 Cameras Meet AI

The fusion of AI and imaging defines 2025. While the Pixel 10 may still hold the crown for AI-driven photos, Apple’s iPhone 17 now applies semantic segmentation in real time, understanding which parts of an image are faces, skies, or objects. This results in more natural bokeh, smarter skin tones, and cleaner HDR composites.

Apple’s restraint here is noteworthy. Instead of over-saturating colors or producing artificial sharpness, iPhone 17 opts for realism. For creators on NerdChips, this means less “fixing” in post-production and more trust in the device’s output.

---

🧩 iOS 26 “Liquid Glass”: More Than a Skin

The iPhone 17 ships with iOS 26, and its most striking feature is the new Liquid Glass interface. Icons and widgets now animate with depth and fluidity, giving the impression of a semi-transparent layer flowing across your screen. It’s not just eye candy—this visual system ties directly into usability.

For instance, multitasking gestures show apps “floating” in glass-like panels, making context switches more intuitive. Notifications now behave like drops of liquid sliding across the screen, reducing clutter and increasing visibility. In our deep dive on iOS 26 Liquid Glass, we argued that Apple is using design not as decoration but as a productivity booster. The iPhone 17’s 120Hz OLED panel is the perfect canvas for this UI overhaul.

---

🖇️ Ecosystem Integration: Why Apple Still Wins

Beyond the hardware, the iPhone 17 proves Apple’s ecosystem remains unmatched. Pairing AirPods Pro 3 automatically adapts spatial audio based on your head position. Apple Watch Series 11 now syncs health metrics directly into Fitness rings displayed as Liquid Glass widgets.

For creative pros, the ecosystem goes further. Connect an iPhone 17 Pro to a Mac running macOS Sequoia, and you can use Instant Edit—a feature that lets you pick up a project in Final Cut Pro exactly where you left off on your iPhone. This closes the loop for content creators: shoot, edit a draft, then refine on desktop—all seamless.

Even against competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra with its Galaxy ecosystem, or the Pixel 10 with its AI-first integration, Apple’s hardware-software harmony feels more polished.

---

🔄 Software vs. Hardware: The Apple Play

A common critique is that Apple often relies on software to stretch hardware life. But in the iPhone 17’s case, the hardware and software are evolving together. The A19 Neural Engine powers iOS 26’s on-device AI, while Liquid Glass requires the display’s new 120Hz refresh rate to feel natural. This is synergy at work: one without the other wouldn’t feel as transformative.

Compare this with the Nothing Phone 3, which leaned heavily on visual gimmicks like its Glyph lights. Fun, yes, but not productivity-enhancing. Apple’s Liquid Glass UI isn’t about novelty—it’s about anchoring the iPhone as a serious productivity and creativity tool.

---

🛠️ Upgrade Paths and Longevity

Longevity has become one of the biggest differentiators in the smartphone market. With the iPhone 17, Apple promises at least seven years of major updates, which aligns with EU regulations but also surpasses many Android rivals.

The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max also support up to 128GB RAM (virtual + hardware) and dual NVMe expansion slots internally, though these are more service-center accessible than user-swappable. Still, this marks a philosophical shift: Apple is subtly addressing professional demands for future-proofing, something it historically resisted.

When comparing upgrade value, the iPhone 17 Air looks more like a design showcase—slim and futuristic, but with fewer upgrade paths. The Pro Max, however, positions itself as a workstation replacement, a device you can realistically rely on for 4–5 years without feeling outdated.

---

🔮 iOS 26 Meets AI: Subtle but Transformative

Apple’s AI philosophy contrasts with Google and Samsung. Where the Pixel 10 advertises generative AI edits (magic eraser, auto-captions), and Samsung touts AI co-pilots for productivity, Apple keeps its AI understated but powerful.

For example:

• While recording a podcast via Zoom on iPhone 17, AI automatically optimizes audio EQ.

• When sending an email, AI offers tone suggestions (professional vs casual) without replacing your writing.

• In Photos, semantic AI adjusts not only exposure but mood—preserving skin tones while highlighting environmental light sources.

It’s Apple’s classic approach: instead of giving you an AI sidekick, it gives you subtle assistive layers that let you remain in control.

---

⚔️ Software Comparisons: iOS 26 vs. Rivals

• Samsung OneUI on Galaxy S25 Ultra feels dense and AI-forward, but lacks the seamless Mac/iPad tie-in.

• Pixel 10’s Android AI suite is still unrivaled for instant magic in still photography but falls short in video and creative app workflows.

• Nothing OS 3 is playful and minimalist but shallow in long-term productivity.

Against these, iOS 26 Liquid Glass stands as both aesthetic and functional. It doesn’t just look futuristic—it creates workflows that feel futuristic.

---

💵 Pricing and Value for Money

Apple has nudged prices upward in 2025, reflecting the ambitious design and hardware push.

• iPhone 17: starts at $999 (base storage now 256GB).

• iPhone 17 Air: starts at $1,099, positioned as a design-forward premium option.

• iPhone 17 Pro: from $1,299, with A19 Pro and enhanced cameras.

• iPhone 17 Pro Max: $1,399+, the ultimate creator’s device.

While more expensive than the Nothing Phone 3 ($799) and even pricier than the entry Google Pixel 10 ($899), Apple justifies the premium with ecosystem depth, AI assistive workflows, and video leadership. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra hovers at similar pricing, but with its 200MP camera and stylus in the package, Samsung tries to offer more hardware tricks for the same money.

The iPhone 17 Air is arguably the most polarizing in value. For users drawn to thinness and elegance, it’s irresistible. For practical buyers, however, the Pro delivers more power and longevity for the same price tier.

---

🆚 Final Showdown: iPhone 17 vs. Rivals

• Against the Galaxy S25 Ultra: The Ultra wins on raw megapixels, stylus productivity, and charging speed. But the iPhone 17 Pro wins in sustained video quality, ecosystem, and on-device AI.

• Against the Pixel 10: Pixel remains the casual photographer’s dream with computational wizardry. iPhone 17 is the filmmaker’s pick, especially with 8K video, dual capture, and ProRes workflows.

• Against the Nothing Phone 3: Nothing appeals with flair and affordability, but iPhone 17 Air makes minimalism feel premium. The key difference: Apple’s polish vs. Nothing’s playfulness.

In other words: every competitor shines in its niche, but Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup delivers the most balanced, creator-first package.

---

---

🧠 Nerd Verdict

The iPhone 17 is not about gimmicks—it’s about refinement and future-proofing. From the Liquid Glass UI to the A19 Pro chip, from ProRes video workflows to ecosystem integration, Apple has built a device that’s not only faster but also smarter in invisible ways.

If you’re coming from an iPhone 14 or earlier, this is a transformational upgrade. From a 16 Pro, it’s still a solid leap in video, AI, and design. For creative professionals, the Pro and Pro Max are must-consider devices; for style-seekers, the Air is Apple’s new design statement.

In the crowded flagship market of 2025, the iPhone 17 isn’t about checking every spec sheet box—it’s about delivering an Apple workflow that feels effortless and premium.

---

❓ FAQ: Nerds Ask, We Answer

---

💬 Would You Bite?

Does the iPhone 17 Air’s ultra-slim design tempt you, or do you see more value in the Pro models built for creators? Which one would you actually put in your pocket?