Apple weekend deals: M6 Mac mini, AirPods Pro 3, AirTag 2, iPhone 17 Pro, more

Apple may skip releasing the iPhone 18 this year, leaving the iPhone 17 as a viable option for potential buyers. This year's iPhone 17 has made strides in closing the gap between entry-level and pricier Pro models, with notable display upgrades, camera and durability improvements, and the introduction of Center Stage and Dual Capture features across the entire lineup. The iPhone 17 is now the most affordable entry-level flagship available, thanks to increased RAM prices from Samsung and Google.

While traditionally August is a time to hold off on purchasing a new iPhone, the iPhone 17 is holding its own against Android rivals as of 2026. The next-generation iPhone announcement is set for September 9, and the iPhone 17 will have to compete with newer models until March 2027, as the iPhone 18 is expected to launch in that month.

As someone who recently used an iPhone 17, I found the display to be on par with Apple's Pro models and other Android counterparts, boasting a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and improved battery efficiency. The screen also offers better brightness and less reflection, making it ideal for outdoor use and bright environments. The screen's smaller bezels provide a more pleasing visual experience compared to its predecessor.

The iPhone 17's 120Hz refresh rate makes the phone feel faster and more responsive, particularly when scrolling through the home screen, which is noticeably smoother than the previous iPhone 15. Additionally, the improved durability of the iPhone 17, with its Ceramic Shield 2 glass, adds to its appeal. I have been using an iPhone 17 Pro Max without a case for ten months, and it has performed better than my 2024 iPhone 16 Pro when it comes to scratches and drops.

The new 18-megapixel square sensor on the iPhone 17's selfie camera is an upgrade, enabling better landscape selfies and automatic framing based on the number of people in the photo. This feature, along with Center Stage, which tracks the user during video calls, adds significant value to the camera. The square sensor also improves stability in selfie video recording, which is especially helpful for those with hand tremors like myself.

On the back, the iPhone 17 boasts two 48-megapixel rear cameras: a wide-angle and an ultrawide lens, which is an improvement over the iPhone 16's 12-megapixel ultrawide camera. These cameras deliver sharp photos, better indoor shots, and a smooth video experience. While the iPhone 17 lacks a telephoto camera for optical zoom, the two available cameras are sufficient for most users' needs.

iOS 26, Apple's operating system for the iPhone 17, offers more translucent controls, customization options, and Apple Intelligence features. However, I have experienced some bugs, such as my iPhone automatically lowering its volume during calls and alarms, as well as keyboard lag and Control Center malfunctions. These issues have reportedly been fixed in the iOS 27 Public Beta, which I have been testing on my iPhone 17 Pro Max.

In terms of battery life, the iPhone 17 performed well in CNET's 45-minute endurance test, maintaining 98% battery life after 45 minutes of continuous use, which is comparable to other recent models. My personal iPhone 17 experienced some overnight idle drain, but it remains a strong contender with the second-longest battery life among tested phones, trailing only the iPhone 17 Pro Max. As new iOS updates like iOS 27 are released, I anticipate that battery life and overall performance will improve.