Apple currently has four main iPhone models to choose from: the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, the iPhone Air and iPhone 16e. That can make choosing your first or next iPhone confusing. Here’s Australian Apple News’ buying guide to help you choose the right iPhone for you.
iPhone 17
The iPhone 17 is Apple’s entry level smartphone. With a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display equipped with ProMotion technology, it delivers almost every feature demanded by today’s smartphone users. It is powered by an A19 processor with up to 30 hours of video playback.
While the camera system lacks the zoom capability as the iPhone 17 Pro it offers macro capability that is lacking in the thinner iPhone Air. This is the iPhone that offers most of apple’s best tech at a reasonable cost.
Storage starts at 256GB (a doubling on the previous generation) and prices kick off at $1399.
Apple’s iPhone 17 site: https://www.apple.com/au/iphone-17/
iPhone Air
The iPhone Air is the thinnest iPhone in the range at just 5.4mm. With that thinness comes some compromises. While the camera tech offers enough for most users, it lacks macro capability and has limited zoom.
While the iPhone Air is thin, it still packs in all of Apple’s latest mobile technology. It has an A19 Pro, the update C1X modem chip and the all-new N1 wireless comms chip. And that will appeal to buyers who want the latest technology.
With Apple adding a third option in its premium iPhone range, it adds a new level of confusion of buyers. The 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display is slightly larger than the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro but is smaller than the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Storage starts at 256GB with 512GB and 1TB options also available. Prices starts at $1799.
Apple’s iPhone Air site: https://www.apple.com/au/iphone-air/
iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max
Apple’s flagship iPhone, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max feature the best smartphone tech Apple has available today. The iPhone Pro boasts the best camera tech Apple has, it’s fastest processors, up to 2TB of storage and USB-3 support.
Optical zoom capability starts at 0.5x and ranges up to 8x with macro photography support.
Apple has used the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max to debut unibody construction. The front and back of the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are strengthened with Apple’s Ceramic Shield 2.
Both sides of the iPhone Air and the front of the iPhone 17 have the same coating.
The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are for those who want the very best smartphone tech Apple has to offer.
Prices start at $1999 for the iPhone Pro and $2199 for the iPhone Pro Max.
Apple’s iPhone Pro site: https://www.apple.com/au/iphone-pro/
iPhone 16e
Apple introduced the iPhone 16e in February 2025. It replaced the iPhone SE.
It’s powered by an A18 SoC. Battery life is rated at 26 hours of video playback. But camera tech is more limited with few zoom options. It also lacks satellite-based roadside assistance. The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display is very good but lacks ProMotion, limited to a refresh rate of 60Hz.
Storage starts at 128GB with 256GB and 512GB options.
If you’re looking for an iPhone on a budget, the iPhone 16e is probably for you.
Prices start at $999.
Apple’s iPhone 16e site: https://www.apple.com/au/iphone-16e/