Apple’s September 9th event brought the spotlight to its newest products: the iPhone 17 series, new Apple AirPods 3, and updated Apple Watches. It’s been a little over a week since the reveal, and we are not hearing the end of it. This year, the changes are more noticeable, especially when it comes to the design, which feels like one of the boldest updates we’ve seen in a while.
For nearly two decades, Apple has introduced a new iPhone every year, each one promising to be faster, smarter, and more refined than the last. Some years bring huge leaps, while others feel more like small step-ups. That’s why the big question always comes up: “Should I upgrade?” The truth is, it depends on what you’re looking for in a phone.
Now that the iPhone 17 series is here, let’s break down what’s new and see whether it’s truly a game-changing upgrade — or just another yearly refresh.
Which iPhone 17 Suits you
No matter which iPhone 17 you pick, some things come standard across the lineup. All models share several core features, including OLED displays with 120Hz ProMotion refresh rates, Always-On capabilities, USB-C ports, improved in-house N1 wireless chip for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread support, as well as IP68 water and dust resistance. Apple also standardized 256GB as the base storage across the lineup and upgraded the front camera on all models to an 18MP sensor with support for Center Stage.
iPhone 17
The Base Apple iPhone 17 features a 6.3-inch OLED display and is powered by the new A19 chip, paired with approximately 8GB of RAM. It has a dual rear camera system, including a 48MP main sensor and an ultra-wide lens, and delivers up to 30 hours of video playback. The iphone 17 price in Kenya is set to range between Ksh 125,000 and 135,000
iPhone 17 Air
The iPhone 17 Air, a new addition to the lineup, stands out for its ultra-thin and lightweight design with a slightly larger 6.5–6.6-inch display. It runs on the more powerful A19 Pro chip but has only a single 48MP rear camera, catering to users who want flagship performance in a minimalist form factor. Despite its slimness, it still offers respectable battery life at around 27 hours of video playback.
iPhone 17 Pro
The iPhone 17 Pro is designed for power users and professionals. It retains the 6.3-inch size but includes advanced features like improved thermals with a vapor chamber cooling system, higher screen brightness, and triple 48MP cameras (wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto) with enhanced zoom capabilities. It uses the A19 Pro processor with a more powerful GPU and likely includes around 12GB of RAM, giving it significant performance gains over the non-Pro models. Battery life comes in at around 33 hours.
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Lastly, the iPhone 17 Pro Max offers the largest 6.9-inch display and is the most powerful and feature-rich model. It shares the Pro’s triple camera setup but offers the best zoom and camera performance in the lineup. With up to 2TB of storage, superior thermals, and the largest battery, it delivers nearly 39 hours of video playback, making it the top-tier choice for users who want maximum performance, battery life, and media capabilities.
A Closer Look at the iPhone 17 series
Let’s take a closer look at what each model’s specification.
iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16
The big question is whether these new features are enough to justify an upgrade. Let’s break down the key differences, highlight each model’s strengths, and see if moving to the iPhone 17 series is really worth it.
| Feature | iPhone 16 series (baseline) | What’s New / Improved in iPhone 17 lineup | Does it matter? |
| Display Refresh Rate | Standard models stuck with ~60Hz displays. | iPhone 17 brings ProMotion (120Hz adaptive/variable refresh rate) to non-Pro models. | Yes — smoother scrolling, animations, better responsiveness. |
| Screen Size / Design | iPhone 16 had its size/design constraints; non-Pro models didn’t always share Pro design elements. | The standard iPhone 17 gets a larger 6.3-inch display (matching some Pro sizes), thinner bezels, similar design cues to Pro; new “Air” model too which is ultra-slim (~5.6mm). | Yes, for people who care about aesthetics, portability, or feel/design. The “Air” especially might appeal to those wanting something sleek/light. |
| Chip / Performance | iPhone 16 had current-gen chip, but some features reserved for Pro only. | iPhone 17 uses A19 / A19 Pro chips, more efficiency, better thermal management, likely better multitasking etc. | Probably yes. If you push your phone (gaming, video editing, etc.), or want longer support, more efficient chips help. |
| Camera Upgrades | iPhone 16 had decent improvements, but some advanced features were Pro-only. | iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max get larger sensors, better telephoto zoom, probably improved computational photography. Even standard models see front camera improvements. | For photo/video enthusiasts: yes, these upgrades matter. |
| Battery & Efficiency | Good battery life in iPhone 16, but some limitations due to display refresh etc. | iPhone 17 has more efficient displays & chip; some claims of much better video playback hours etc. | Definitely helps if battery life or charging speed is a pain point for you. |
| New Model: iPhone Air | No ultra-slim “Air” option in iPhone 16 lineup with premium features. | Adds a new tier: ultra-thin design, premium aesthetics, still decent inside. Good for those who care more about portability/design than raw specs. | Adds more choice. Good move by Apple. |
| Software / Features | iPhone 16 supports iOS updates, Apple Intelligence etc. | iPhone 17 continues with iOS 26 / Apple Intelligence, perhaps more features tied to hardware (display, chipset). | Depends on whether those features actually work better on newer hardware. If you’re using older iPhones, upgrade helps. |
To learn more about how they differ you can visit Apple iPhone 17 where you can get in depth specifications.
Should You Upgrade to iPhone 17?
In conclusion, upgrading to the latest iPhone is nothing new — it’s almost expected at this point. The iPhone 17 lineup does bring solid improvements, but nothing that feels groundbreaking. Yes, every model finally gets a 120Hz ProMotion display. Yes, battery life has improved. Yes, the new ultra-thin “iPhone Air” is sleek and surprisingly powerful. And yes, USB-C and upgraded cameras are now standard across the board. But if your current phone is still fast, takes great photos, and lasts through the day, you’re not really missing out. On the other hand, if you’re holding onto an older device (like the iPhone 13 or earlier), or if you’re into photography, gaming, or simply love having the newest tech, then the iPhone 17 could be a worthwhile step up. And don’t forget — iOS updates tend to favor the latest models, so sooner or later, you might want to consider upgrading.
The iPhone 17 series is now available for pre-orders at Gadget Connect Limited.