iPhone 17/Pro/Air Impressions: Spot the Red Flags!

SUMMARY

Marques Brownlee shares first impressions of Apple's 2025 iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and Air lineup, highlighting innovative designs, performance upgrades, and notable red flags like thinness compromising battery and durability.

STATEMENTS

• The iPhone 17 features pro-motion display technology for the first time on a base model, enabling adaptive 120Hz refresh rates without any handicaps, making it more usable for everyday tasks and smoother scrolling.
• Apple's new A19 chip in the iPhone 17 delivers approximately 20% faster CPU performance compared to the previous generation, alongside improved efficiency that extends battery life by a few hours during typical use.
• The iPhone 17's display brightness reaches up to 3,000 nits, enhancing visibility in bright outdoor conditions and improving the overall viewing experience for photos, videos, and apps.
• Base storage for the iPhone 17 has increased to 256GB standard, eliminating the need for users to pay extra for sufficient space, which aligns with modern data demands from photos and apps.
• The selfie camera upgrade across all iPhone 17 models uses a 24-megapixel square sensor, allowing seamless switching between vertical and horizontal shots without rotating the phone, reducing awkward compositions.
• This square selfie sensor enables automatic cropping to 18 megapixels in either orientation, making group selfies more natural and versatile for both photos and videos on social media.
• The iPhone 17 Pro introduces a redesigned camera bar, termed a "plateau" by Apple, which relocates components like the A19 Pro chip and logic board to the top, freeing space for a larger battery at the bottom.
• By shifting internals to the camera bar, the iPhone 17 Pro achieves up to 10% better battery life, quoting 39 hours of video playback, surpassing the iPhone 16 Pro Max's 33 hours.
• The iPhone 17 Pro switches back to an aluminum uni-body frame from titanium, improving thermal efficiency and paired with a new vapor chamber to prevent overheating during sustained tasks like video rendering or gaming.
• Apple's claim of 40% better sustained performance on the iPhone 17 Pro stems from the enhanced cooling system, allowing high frame rates and ray tracing in games without thermal throttling.
• The iPhone 17 Pro's telephoto camera upgrades to a 48-megapixel sensor with 4x optical zoom, 56% larger than last year's 12-megapixel 5x version, enabling better low-light shots and digital cropping.
• Pro features on the iPhone 17 Pro include genlock sync support and ProRes RAW video recording, catering to professional videographers and filmmakers for precise synchronization and high-quality editing.
• The iPhone 17 Air measures just 5.6mm thick at its thinnest point, featuring a titanium body and a single 48-megapixel rear camera, positioning it as an ultra-thin alternative in Apple's lineup.
• Despite its thinness, the iPhone 17 Air includes the A19 Pro chip (minus one GPU core) and the new square selfie camera, but lacks advanced thermal solutions, risking quicker performance throttling and overheating.
• Apple's iPhone 17 Air omits a vapor chamber and uses titanium, which conducts heat less efficiently than the Pro's aluminum, potentially leading to hotter operation under prolonged heavy loads.
• Durability concerns arise with the iPhone 17 Air's ultra-thin design, though Apple claims it's the most durable iPhone ever; historical thin phones have bent, prompting upcoming bend tests.
• Battery life on the iPhone 17 Air is compromised by its slim profile, lacking space for a large battery or high-density silicon carbon tech, with Apple touting only "all-day" usage that's likely underwhelming.
• To address the iPhone 17 Air's battery shortcomings, Apple launched a dedicated MagSafe accessory adding 3,149mAh, which combined barely matches the Pro model's video playback endurance.
• The iPhone 17 Air is eSIM-only globally and skips millimeter-wave 5G support due to space constraints, priced at $999, higher than the base iPhone 17 despite inferior camera and battery specs.
• Apple positions the iPhone 17 Air as a replacement for Plus models, but it's surrounded by superior options, making it a hard sell unless buyers prioritize thinness over practical features.
• New AirPods Pro 3 double active noise cancellation effectiveness over the previous generation, add IP57 water resistance, and include heart rate tracking for workouts, all at the unchanged $250 price.
• The Apple Watch Series 11 introduces 5G connectivity and potential hypertension detection features, enhancing health monitoring and always-on capabilities for users.
• The Apple Watch Ultra 3 features thinner bezels, LTPO3 display technology, and slightly extended battery life, building on its rugged design for extreme activities.
• Ridge power bank supports five charging methods, including 15W MagSafe wireless, built-in cables, 20W USB-C, Lightning, and an Apple Watch pad, with pass-through charging functionality.
• The Ridge MagSafe card holder attaches directly to iPhones, securely holding up to three cards, and all Ridge products include a lifetime warranty and 99-day risk-free trial.

IDEAS

• ProMotion on base iPhones democratizes smooth scrolling for all users.

• Square selfie sensor revolutionizes group photo compositions effortlessly.

• Camera bar relocates components to maximize battery space innovatively.

• Aluminum switch enhances thermal management over titanium frames.

• Vapor chamber debuts in iPhones for sustained high-performance cooling.

• Ultra-thin design impresses tactilely despite practical compromises.

• iPhone Air's thinness echoes early MacBook Air's evolutionary role.

• Dedicated battery accessory highlights thin phone's energy limitations.

• eSIM-only global shift eliminates physical SIM clutter entirely.

• No black Pro color disappoints but Dbrand skins offer customization.

• 48MP telephoto narrows gap with main camera for versatile zooming.

• Genlock sync enables pro video synchronization in mobile setups.

• AirPods heart rate tracking integrates fitness into earbuds seamlessly.

• Watch hypertension detection could preempt health issues proactively.

• Ridge power bank's multi-method charging simplifies on-the-go needs.

• Thinner Watch Ultra bezels improve screen real estate subtly.

• iPhone Air priced higher than base despite fewer features risks.

• Apple's plateau design mimics Android trends with internal twists.

• Selfie camera applause underscores user demand for social upgrades.

• Thin phones' durability claims invite rigorous bend testing scrutiny.

• Pro features trickle down, blurring lines between base and premium.

• Battery stats like video playback obscure real-world usage variances.

• Titanium in Air prioritizes aesthetics over thermal practicality.

• Ultra-thin gamble tests market appetite for form over function.

• Networking N1 chip boosts efficiency in slimmed-down hardware.

• C2 display support elevates Pro's color accuracy for creators.

• AirPods IP57 rating withstands dust and submersion better.

• Watch 5G enables standalone connectivity without iPhone nearby.

• Ridge's orange color matches new Pro aesthetic perfectly.

• Component rearrangement in Pro optimizes space holistically.

• Selfie cropping automates orientation for intuitive capturing.

• Air's single camera simplifies yet limits photographic versatility.

• Apple's durability boasts for Air counter historical bending issues.

• ProRes RAW on phones empowers mobile professional filmmaking.

• Base iPhone's 256GB standard meets growing storage expectations.

• Ultra-thin future might inspire foldable iPhone innovations.

• ANC doubling in AirPods enhances immersive audio experiences.

• Vapor chamber sustains gaming without performance drops.

• iPhone Air's emotional appeal overrides logical buying reasons.

• Keynote's selfie reveal drew biggest crowd reaction surprisingly.

INSIGHTS

• Thinness prioritizes wow-factor over endurance, signaling design evolution.
• Pro features democratizing base models accelerate industry standards upward.
• Component shuffling reveals Apple's ingenuity in space-constrained innovation.
• Selfie upgrades highlight social media's influence on hardware priorities.
• Thermal trade-offs in thin devices underscore performance versus portability balance.
• Accessory ecosystems mitigate hardware limitations, extending product viability.
• Durability claims in ultra-slim phones demand empirical testing validation.
• Pricing strategies for novel designs test consumer value perceptions.
• Battery compromises in thin form factors expose energy density challenges.
• Professional tools on consumer devices bridge amateur-pro creative gaps.

QUOTES

• "It got pro-motion and a better selfie camera and the rest is mostly the same."
• "This is the first time we are seeing a pro branded feature on a nonpro iPhone."
• "It's funny. We always used to have that, oh, regular people don't care about 120 Hz argument."
• "Honestly, this might be genius. Like the default for most people is obviously to take a vertical selfie."
• "Hey, they got better zoom and more battery and orange."
• "It kind of looks a little bit like the Pixel's visor, or frankly what we've been seeing on a ton of other Android phones."
• "Apple is saying 40% better sustained performance."
• "This new zoom camera is a 56% larger sensor and has way more resolution."
• "They're doing the ultra thin thing, and they're leaning in hard."
• "This thing is a stunningly, ridiculously thin, 5.6 mm at the thinnest part."
• "If you subtract emotions from it, it it's just it's the worst one."
• "There's just no way battery life can be good on this phone, right?"
• "It is either Apple just throwing something new at the wall and seeing if it sticks."
• "Maybe someday in the future every phone will be this thin."
• "New AirPods Pro 3, which have twice as good A&C as the last gen."
• "I've seen plenty of power banks over my 15 years of reviewing tech."
• "Every Ridge product comes with a lifetime warranty and a 99-day risk-free trial."
• "Get subscribed and I'll see you in those videos."
• "Peace. back."
• "Definitely get subscribed to be among the first to see the full reviews."

HABITS

• Reviewing phones for over a decade shapes critical evaluations.
• Attending events to form immediate hands-on impressions.
• Summarizing announcements into digestible texts for friends.
• Testing pro features like ProRes RAW in upcoming videos.
• Watching JerryRigEverything for bend test durability checks.
• Sponsoring with Ridge for practical charging solutions.
• Subscribing viewers for ongoing review content access.
• Using Dbrand skins to customize phone color options.
• Prioritizing battery life in long-term device assessments.
• Incorporating heart rate tracking in workout routines.

FACTS

• A19 chip boosts CPU by 20% in iPhone 17 models.

• Display reaches 3,000 nits brightness on base iPhone.

• Selfie sensor is 24-megapixel square across lineup.

• Pro battery quotes 39 hours video playback time.

• Vapor chamber first appears in iPhone Pro series.

• iPhone Air thins to 5.6mm at narrowest point.

• AirPods Pro 3 double previous ANC effectiveness.

• Watch Series 11 adds 5G cellular connectivity.

• Ridge power bank offers 15W MagSafe charging.

• iPhone 16 Pro Max had 33 hours video playback.

• Telephoto sensor 56% larger at 48 megapixels.

• Base storage starts at 256GB for iPhone 17.

• Air priced at $999, replacing Plus models.

• MagSafe accessory adds 3,149mAh to Air.

• Aluminum uni-body improves Pro thermal efficiency.

• Air lacks millimeter-wave 5G support entirely.

• ProRes RAW enables advanced video editing.

• LTPO3 tech in Watch Ultra 3 saves power.

• IP57 rating on AirPods resists dust and water.

• N1 chip handles Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.

• Genlock sync supports professional video timing.

• Hypertension detection possible in Watch 11.

• Ridge includes lifetime warranty on products.

• 99-day risk-free trial for Ridge accessories.

• C2 display support in Pro enhances colors.

• A19 Pro in Air minus one GPU core.

• eSIM-only design in all Air variants globally.

• 4x optical zoom on Pro telephoto lens.

• Thinner bezels on Watch Ultra 3 model.

• 20W USB-C output on Ridge power bank.

REFERENCES

• Ridge power bank for charging solutions.
• Dbrand skins for phone customization.
• JerryRigEverything channel for bend tests.
• Apple Watch center stage feature comparison.
• Samsung S25 Edge as thin phone inspiration.
• Samsung Z Fold 7 as foldable evolution.
• MacBook Air as historical thin device parallel.
• Pixel's visor camera design influence.
• AirPods Pro 3 for audio upgrades.
• Apple Watch Series 11 for health tracking.
• Apple Watch Ultra 3 for rugged wearables.
• MKBHD merch store for branded items.
• MKBHD intro music playlist on YouTube.
• Apple keynote event for announcements.
• iPhone 16 Pro Max battery comparison.
• ProRes RAW video standard.
• Genlock sync technology.
• MagSafe battery accessory for Air.
• Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 standards.
• C1X modem for cellular efficiency.

HOW TO APPLY

• Hold the iPhone Air to experience its thinness firsthand before deciding.
• Test pro-motion scrolling on base iPhone for smoother daily interactions.
• Use square selfie sensor for automatic horizontal group photos easily.
• Crop 48MP telephoto images digitally for extended zoom without quality loss.
• Monitor iPhone Pro temperatures during intensive gaming sessions.
• Pair AirPods Pro 3 with workouts to track heart rate accurately.
• Attach Ridge power bank via MagSafe for seamless charging on the go.
• Snap Ridge card holder onto iPhone for quick card access.
• Enable genlock sync for synchronized multi-camera video shoots.
• Check Watch Series 11 for hypertension alerts during routine health checks.
• Customize Pro color with Dbrand skin if black unavailable.
• Review battery life over a full day on iPhone Air with accessory.
• Test eSIM setup globally to avoid physical SIM hassles.
• Compare video playback endurance between Pro and Air models.
• Watch bend test videos post-launch to assess Air durability.
• Upgrade storage needs met by base 256GB without extras.
• Utilize vapor chamber benefits in sustained Pro tasks like rendering.
• Explore LTPO3 display on Ultra 3 for battery savings.
• Subscribe to channels for full review updates after event.
• Integrate IP57-rated AirPods in dusty or wet environments.

ONE-SENTENCE TAKEAWAY

Apple's iPhone 17 lineup innovates with thin designs but raises red flags on battery and heat.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Prioritize Pro models for balanced performance and battery life.
• Test iPhone Air thinness emotionally before logical purchase.
• Upgrade to AirPods Pro 3 for superior noise cancellation.
• Use Ridge power bank for iPhone Air's charging needs.
• Customize colors with Dbrand for unavailable Pro shades.
• Monitor Watch 11 for early hypertension health insights.
• Opt for base iPhone 17 if pro-motion suffices without extras.
• Test ProRes RAW for professional mobile video creation.
• Avoid Air if durability and battery are top priorities.
• Pair Ultra 3 with adventures for enhanced battery endurance.
• Leverage square selfie for effortless group photo capturing.
• Invest in MagSafe accessory to extend Air's usability.
• Review JerryRig tests before buying ultra-thin phones.
• Choose Pro for vapor chamber's sustained cooling benefits.
• Utilize genlock for precise multi-device video syncing.
• Start with 256GB base to meet modern storage demands.
• Explore eSIM for global travel without SIM swaps.
• Test 48MP zoom for versatile photography cropping.
• Subscribe for in-depth reviews of new Apple products.
• Integrate heart rate tracking into daily fitness routines.

MEMO

In a sleek reveal at Apple's 2025 September event, tech reviewer Marques Brownlee dissected the iPhone 17 lineup, blending excitement with caution. The base iPhone 17 emerges as a refined workhorse, inheriting ProMotion's 120Hz adaptive refresh for buttery-smooth interactions long reserved for premium tiers. With an A19 chip promising 20% faster processing, brighter 3,000-nit displays, and doubled base storage to 256GB, it caters to everyday users without revolutionary overhauls. Yet, the star upgrade—a 24-megapixel square selfie camera—earned the keynote's loudest cheers, enabling seamless vertical-to-horizontal shots that could transform social media captures.

The iPhone 17 Pro pushes boundaries with a redesigned "plateau" camera bar that shuffles internals skyward, carving room for a beefier battery and a vapor chamber cooling system unseen in prior models. Swapping titanium for aluminum enhances thermal efficiency, yielding 40% better sustained performance for gamers and editors enduring ray-traced marathons. A 48-megapixel 4x telephoto lens, 56% larger than before, narrows the gap with the main sensor, while pro tools like Genlock sync and ProRes RAW beckon creators. Battery life stretches to 39 hours of video playback—a 10% leap—though cosmic orange joins limited colors, leaving black fans to third-party skins.

Enter the iPhone 17 Air, a daring 5.6mm-thin gamble that mesmerizes in hand, evoking Samsung's edge but amplifying risks. Titanium-clad with a single 48MP rear camera and A19 Pro chip (sans one GPU core), it skips millimeter-wave 5G and eSIM-only mandates space-saving extremes. Red flags abound: no vapor chamber invites overheating, scant battery room promises subpar endurance—mitigated barely by a 3,149mAh MagSafe pack—and at $999, it underperforms the base model in cameras and stamina. Apple touts it as the "most durable" yet, but history whispers of bent thin phones.

Beyond iPhones, AirPods Pro 3 double noise cancellation, add IP57 resilience and workout heart rate monitoring for $250 unchanged. The Watch Series 11 gains 5G and hypertension detection, while the Ultra 3 refines with slimmer bezels and LTPO3 for longer life. Brownlee, a decade-plus reviewer, urges subscriptions for tests, spotlighting sponsor Ridge's versatile power bank—MagSafe-ready in orange to match the Pro—as essential for the Air's power woes.

Ultimately, Apple's event spotlights innovation's double edge: stunning thinness and pro perks thrill, but practical pitfalls like heat and battery demand scrutiny. As Brownlee notes, the Air might pioneer a slim future or flop like minis past—time, and tests, will tell if form trumps function in smartphones' next chapter.