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Which new iPhone model should you buy? Here’s what Apple says

Apple just launched four new iPhones: the iPhone 17, 17 Pro and Pro Max, and iPhone Air. The introduction of iPhone Air makes a purchase decision especially difficult this year. But Apple seems to know that, as it’s published a new video to help shoppers decide on the right model for them.

Can’t decide on a new iPhone model? Apple wants to help

Following the conclusion of yesterday’s iPhone 17 unveiling, Apple published a new video titled ‘The Can’t Decide Guide.’

The video walks through the entire lineup of new iPhone models, and offers Apple’s take on who each model is for.

Here are some key quotes:

iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max
“It’s the one you’re looking for if you want the most powerful iPhone, maxed out with the most features.”

iPhone Air
“It’s our thinnest iPhone ever at just 5.6mm, and it’s powerful beyond belief.”

iPhone 17
“If you’re looking for an all-around awesome phone that comes in amazing colors…”

9to5Mac’s Take

Interestingly, the iPhone Air is the one model where Apple doesn’t offer a clear, “If you want X, then Y” argument.

Top comment by any sarax

Liked by 4 people

Well, I really wanted to get the Air but I always had Pro Models and I am bit concern, just to have few mm thin, I will loose lots of camera features, but most importantly Battery, which is no brainer, I wish Apple should have included the MagSafe Battery pack or at least gave us the bundled prices or half price. well, I am thinking just to get Air and try it out for a week to see the battery life and is it really a day battery or I have to plugin by 3 PM and how good the pictures, specially with Max Zoom. if not I will get the PM later on but I guess I will have to wait for the stocks availability.

Apple Needs to make new Model demo available in stores after the keynotes, so people actually feel the product. it would make a big difference and will save Apple a ton from returns.

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Instead, Apple simply pitches the iPhone Air for what it is: an ultra-thin new model “with the power of Pro.”

To me, this fits nicely with the Air’s identity as being the future of the iPhone overall. Its combination of thinness and power represents what I expect we’ll see more of with iPhone models in the years ahead, such that it becomes the new normal of iPhone design.

There will always be Pro models that offer the most possible features and battery life, but when people think of the iPhone in the years ahead, I suspect they’ll picture something very much like the iPhone Air.

Are you having trouble deciding which new iPhone to purchase? Let us know in the comments.

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Avatar for Ryan Christoffel Ryan Christoffel

Ryan got his start in journalism as an Editor at MacStories, where he worked for four years covering Apple news, writing app reviews, and more. For two years he co-hosted the Adapt podcast on Relay FM, which focused entirely on the iPad. As a result, it should come as no surprise that his favorite Apple device is the iPad Pro.