Apple iPhone 17

Apple launched the iPhone 17 at its September 2025 event and made it available in Australia on 19 September 2025. The base model retains a familiar starting price: AU $1,399 for the 256 GB variant, with a 512 GB option costing $1,799. 

In terms of design, the iPhone 17 offers a refined aluminium frame and a tougher front glass known as Ceramic Shield 2, which Apple claims is three times more resistant to scratches than the prior generation. The rear is made from colour-infused glass and comes in five shades - black, white, sage, mist blue and lavender. The device measures 149.6 mm tall, 71.5 mm wide and 7.95 mm thick, weighing in at 177 grams. It also carries IP68 water and dust resistance (6 metres for up to 30 minutes).

The display is a standout upgrade in the iPhone 17. It features a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED panel with ProMotion adaptive refresh rates up to 120 Hz, and an Always-On mode. The resolution is 2,622 by 1,206 pixels, giving a pixel density of 460 ppi. 

Under the hood, the iPhone 17 is powered by Apple’s A19 chip, designed to balance speed and efficiency. Storage options are 256 GB and 512 GB. Apple also leverages its Apple Intelligence suite across the system, tying in features such as Clean Up (for photos) among other on-device smart tools. Connectivity includes support for USB-C (USB 2.0 speeds for this model) and MagSafe wireless charging up to 25 W. Wireless features include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread, and Apple’s second-generation Ultra Wideband chip. Apple also supports Emergency SOS via satellite, Crash Detection and Find My via satellite. 

Camera upgrades are among the most visible changes. Apple equips the iPhone 17 with two 48MP Fusion rear cameras: a main (wide) and an ultra-wide. The main camera includes an optical-quality 2× telephoto built into the sensor, effectively combining two focal lengths in one. The ultra-wide lens is also 48MP, delivering improved detail and enhanced performance in macro shooting and wider scenes. Photographic Styles have been improved and a new “Bright” style (coming with iOS 26) helps enhance skin tones with vibrance. For video, the iPhone 17 supports 4K Dolby Vision up to 60 fps, Cinematic mode, Action mode, and Dual Capture (recording with front and rear simultaneously). The front (selfie) camera is entirely new: an 18MP Center Stage camera with a square sensor, offering a broader field of view, ultra-stabilised video and dynamic framing during calls. Across photo and video, features like Smart HDR, Deep Fusion and sensor-shift optical image stabilisation contribute to improved image quality, especially in lower light conditions. 

Battery life is strong — Apple quotes up to 30 hours of video playback for the standard iPhone 17. Fast charging lets you reach 50 % charge in 20 minutes (with a 40 W or higher adapter) using USB-C, or via the MagSafe route with a 30 W adapter. In practical use, most users should comfortably get through a full day of use, including streaming, photography, apps and games.

Everyday experience is elevated by the 120 Hz refresh rate (giving smooth animations and scrolling), the Always-On feature (so you can glance at notifications or time without waking the phone fully), and the stronger scratch resistance of the glass. The tactile design, camera upgrades, and chip enhancements collectively make for a noticeably more premium feel. iOS 26 will be the default software, bringing deeper integration for Apple Intelligence, advanced photo tools, and improvements across the system — many of which are tailored to leverage the new hardware.

In summary, the iPhone 17 is a substantial step forward in display, imaging and performance. It’s pitched as a modern all-rounder: strong enough for enthusiasts, but polished enough for everyday users. If you’re upgrading from an older iPhone or considering your next flagship, this model offers a compelling balance of features, durability and performance — especially given that the entry price hasn’t been pushed up despite its upgrades. Let me know if you’d like a comparison against iPhone 17 Pro or earlier models.

This description was generated with the help of AI and last updated October 2025.