Apple recently updated the iPad Pro, widening the gap with the iPad Air, but how different are the two product lines and which should you buy?


Earlier this year, Apple refreshed the ‌iPad Air‌ with the M3 chip—a minor update over the previous model from 2024 which added the M2 chip and Apple Pencil hover. The latest ‌iPad Pro‌ models introduced the M5 chip alongside a small number of changes after last year's major redesign, which saw the debut of a thinner design with OLED displays.

Should you consider purchasing the ‌iPad Air‌ to save money, or do you need the high-end features of the ‌iPad Pro‌? Our guide answers the question of how to decide which of these two iPads is best for you.

‌iPad Air‌ (M3, 2025)	‌iPad Pro‌ (M5, 2025)
Liquid Retina display (LED backlit display with IPS technology)	Ultra Retina XDR display (Tandem OLED)
	ProMotion technology for refresh rates up to 120Hz
11-inch model SDR brightness: 500 nits max 13-inch model SDR brightness: 600 nits max	SDR brightness: 1,000 nits max XDR brightness: 1,000 nits max full screen, 1,600 nits peak (HDR content only)
	Nano-texture display glass option on 1TB and 2TB models
Drive external displays at 60Hz	Drive external displays at up to 120Hz
	Adaptive Sync support
‌M3‌ chip	M5 chip
Made using TSMC's first-generation 3nm technology (N3)	Made using TSMC's third-generation ‌3nm‌ process (N3P)
Based on A17 Pro chip from iPhone 15 Pro (2023)	Based on A19 Pro chip from iPhone 17 Pro (2025)
8-core CPU (4 performance + 4 efficiency cores)	Up to 10 CPU cores (4 performance + 6 efficiency cores)
9-core GPU	10-core GPU
	Integrated Neural Accelerator in every GPU core
Metal 4 developer APIs	Metal 4 developer APIs with Tensor APIs to program GPU Neural Accelerators
LPDDR5 memory	LPDDR5X memory
8GB of memory	256GB and 512GB models: 12GB memory 1TB and 2TB models: 16GB memory
100 GB/s memory bandwidth	153 GB/s unified memory bandwidth
	Dedicated display engine
First-generation ray tracing engine	Third-generation ray tracing engine
First-generation dynamic caching	Second-generation dynamic caching
Shader cores	Enhanced shader cores
GPU with standard power efficiency	More power-efficient GPU: Maintains performance with significantly less power
	Improved thermal design with graphite sheets and copper
Broadcom Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip	N1 chip
Bluetooth 5.3	Bluetooth 6
Wi-Fi 6E connectivity	Wi-Fi 7 connectivity
Qualcomm Snapdragon 5G modem (cellular models only)	C1X chip (cellular models only)
Touch ID in top button	TrueDepth camera system for Face ID
	Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control
	Portrait Lighting with six effects (Natural, Studio, Contour, Stage, Stage Mono, High-Key Mono)
	Animoji and Memoji
	LiDAR scanner
	Adaptive True Tone flash
	Rear ambient light sensor
	ProRes video recording up to 4K at 30 fps (1080p at 30 fps for 256GB capacity)
	ProRes video recording up to 4K at 60 fps with external recording
Two microphones	Four studio-quality microphones
	Audio zoom
	Stereo recording
Landscape stereo speakers	Four speaker audio
Weight: 462 grams or 617 grams	Weight 444 grams or 579 grams
Depth: 6.1 mm	Depth: 5.3 mm or 5.1 mm
	Fast-charge capable (Up to 50% charge using a 60W adapter or higher in 30 minutes with the 11-inch model or 35 minutes with the 13-inch model)
USB‑C connector	USB‑C connector with support for Thunderbolt/USB 4
Supports Magic Keyboard for ‌iPad Air‌	Supports Magic Keyboard for ‌iPad Pro‌
128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage	256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB storage
	Up to 2× faster SSD read and write speeds
Available in Space Gray, Starlight, Purple, and Blue	Available in Space Black and Silver
Price starting at $599	Price starting at $999

Overall, the ‌iPad Air‌ is the better option for the majority of users, simply on the basis of value for money. For most people, the additional $400+ needed to buy the ‌iPad Pro‌ is not justified to get the likes of ‌Face ID‌, a thinner design, four-speaker audio, and a ProMotion OLED display with refresh rates up to 120Hz.

Some ‌iPad Pro‌ features, such as LiDAR, up to 16GB of memory, and Thunderbolt connectivity are only practically useful to a small niche of users and most will never use some of these high-end capabilities. Many features, such as Adaptive Sync and Audio zoom, will not be meaningfully utilized by many users.

Professionals who have a clear use case for needing larger amounts of RAM and storage, a matte display, Thunderbolt connectivity, and OLED for HDR content will clearly benefit from buying the ‌iPad Pro‌. That being said, "prosumer"-style customers who simply want the best iPad will enjoy features such as 120Hz ProMotion for smoother scrolling and gaming, a thinner design, deeper blacks and more vivid colors with the OLED display, and the Adaptive True Tone flash for document scanning, even if they are not necessary.

Beyond these individual circumstances, the ‌iPad Air‌ is the best value for money and will be more than ample for most users' needs. With the ‌iPad Air‌, users can get a modern all-screen design, the M3 chip, practical features like USB-C and 5G connectivity, and compatibility with the core Apple accessories for a price well below that of the ‌iPad Pro‌.

A new ‌iPad Air‌ with the M4 chip is in development and will likely launch in the first half of 2026, which may be worth bearing in mind if you aren't in a hurry to make a purchase. The new chip is expected to be the main upgrade, with few other new features or enhancements expected.
This article, "M3 iPad Air vs. M5 iPad Pro Buyer's Guide: All Differences Compared" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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The AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Max are Apple's highest-end headphone options, so which should you choose?


Apple just debuted the ‌AirPods Pro 3‌, adding new features like improved active noise cancellation, the U2 chip, and heart rate monitoring. The AirPods Pro 2 were already more advanced than the ‌AirPods Max‌, which have not been meaningfully refreshed since their introduction in 2020, so the ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ take an even bigger leap ahead of their over-ear siblings. Nevertheless, there is still a good case for buying the ‌AirPods Max‌ against the AirPods Pro.

Both the ‌AirPods Max‌ and the AirPods Pro feature active noise cancellation, Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, volume controls, "Hey Siri" commands, and automatic switching. As the two highest-end AirPods options, should you consider purchasing the $249 ‌AirPods Pro 3‌, or do you need the ‌AirPods Max‌, which still sell for $549? Our guide helps to answer the question of how to decide which of these AirPods are best for you.

‌AirPods Pro 3‌ (2025)	‌AirPods Max‌ (2020, 2024)
Plastic design	Aluminum, stainless steel, and silicone design
IP57 dust, sweat, and water resistant earbuds and charging case
Available in White only	Lightning: Available in Silver, Space Gray, Sky Blue, Pink, and Green USB-C: Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Purple, and Orange
In-ear fit	Over-ear fit
Clip-on silicone/foam ear tips (five size options)	Magnetic fabric ear cups
Skin-detect sensors	Optical IR sensors
~10mm custom high-excursion Apple drivers and high dynamic range amplifiers	40mm dynamic Apple drivers and more powerful high dynamic range amplifiers
Dual beamforming microphones and inward-facing microphones	Nine microphones (eight used for Active Noise Cancellation, three used for voice pickup)
H2 chips	H1 chips
Bluetooth 5.3	Bluetooth 5.0
2.4GHz and 5GHz connectivity	2.4GHz connectivity
Lossless audio support with Apple Vision Pro	Lossless audio via USB-C
"Hey ‌Siri‌" and "‌Siri‌" voice commands	"Hey ‌Siri‌" voice commands
Force sensor for media and listening mode controls	Noise control button for listening mode controls
Touch controls for volume adjustment	Digital Crown for media controls and volume adjustment
Transparency and Adaptive Transparency	Transparency
Adaptive Audio
Loud Sound Reduction
Hearing Protection
Hearing Test
Hearing Aid
Automatic Conversation Boost
Conversation Awareness
Live Translation
Heart rate sensing during workouts
Lanyard loop
U2 chip for Precision Finding
Speaker in charging case for Find My
Up to 8 hours of listening time on a single charge	Up to 20 hours of listening time on a single charge
5 minutes in the case provides around 1 hour of listening time	5 minutes of charge time provides around 1.5 hours of listening time
Charge with Apple Watch charger, MagSafe charger, Qi wireless charging mats, and USB-C	Charge via USB-C or Lightning only (depending on model)
‌MagSafe‌ Charging Case	Smart Case to preserve battery charge in ultra-low-power state
$249	$549

While there is some overlap between the AirPods Pro and ‌AirPods Max‌ with features like Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency, the entirely different fit and form factor of the headphones should make it easier for most customers to decide which device they prefer. Some users will even buy and use both.

The ‌AirPods Max‌ offer a wide range of color options and a premium design, making them more of a fashion accessory. They also feature much longer continuous battery life from a single charge. If you dislike the in-ear design of the AirPods Pro, the ‌AirPods Max‌ may also be more comfortable, especially for longer listening sessions.

Owing to its over-ear design and significantly larger drivers, the ‌AirPods Max‌ deliver markedly better audio quality than the AirPods Pro, so if your main priority is audio quality, the ‌AirPods Max‌ will undoubtedly be the best choice. They also support Lossless Audio via USB-C.

On the other hand, the ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ offer a high-level of convenience and portability due to their small size and charging case. The audio quality of the AirPods Pro cannot rival the ‌AirPods Max‌, but features like Adaptive Audio, Loud Sound Reduction, Conversation Boost are ideal for when you're on the go.

Due to their lightweight, in-ear design and sweat and water resistance, the AirPods Pro are perfect for outdoors use and fitness activities. They also now feature heart-rate monitoring during workouts.

The ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ are much more versatile when it comes to charging, with four different ways to charge, compared to the ‌AirPods Max‌'s obligatory USB-C port. Due to their size, weight, less durable design, and limited portability, the ‌AirPods Max‌ are best used at home for high-fidelity, prolonged listening sessions, while the AirPods Pro offer a more balanced experience with a high level of convenience and portability.

It is also worth noting that the AirPods Pro have many more features than the ‌AirPods Max‌, such as "‌‌Siri‌‌" voice commands, Precision Finding, Bluetooth 5.3, wireless lossless audio with the Vision Pro, Live Translation, and Hearing Test.

AirPods frequently see hefty discounts on Amazon and other third-party retailers, so stepping up to the Max version may be more worth it if you can take advantage of one of those deals. Both sets of AirPods often see solid discounts, so it is always worth seeking the best price using our Deals roundup.
This article, "AirPods Pro 3 vs. AirPods Max Buyer's Guide: 30+ Differences Compared" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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The new Apple Watch lineup is now available to pre-order. With more feature parity than ever before across the models, understanding the differences is more important ever before.


All three of the new Apple Watches feature the S10 chip, always-on displays, sleep score, and media playback, but there are still some significant differences between the two devices.

The Apple Watch SE is designed to be a low-cost option that still offers many of the Apple Watch features that have made the device so popular over the years, while the Apple Watch Series 11 offers a more feature-rich experience with additional health monitoring capabilities. The Apple Watch Ultra focuses on withstanding extreme environments, a high level of durability, extended battery life, and additional features to aid activities like diving and exploration.

With as little as $50 between the 46mm titanium Apple Watch Series 11 and the Apple Watch Ultra 3, some prospective customers will be weighing up whether it is worth spending a little extra to get the 49mm Ultra model. While there is a $400 difference between the GPS-only 42mm aluminum Apple Watch Series 11 and the Apple Watch Ultra, the high-end model offers a set of features to address specific challenges, so it may even be worth it for some of these buyers.

This guide outlines all of the differences between the ‌Apple Watch SE‌ 3, Apple Watch Series 11, and Apple Watch Ultra 3 to help you decide which is best for you.

Sizes and Weights

	‌Apple Watch SE‌ 3	Apple Watch Series 11	Apple Watch Ultra 3
Height	44mm (44mm case) 40mm (40mm case)	46mm (46mm case) 42mm (42mm case)	49mm
Width	38mm (44mm case) 34mm (40mm case)	39mm (46mm case) 36mm (42mm case)	44mm
Depth	10.7mm	9.7mm	12mm
Weight	32.9g (GPS, 44mm) 33.0g (GPS + Cellular, 44mm) 26.3g (GPS, 40mm) 26.4g (GPS + Cellular, 40mm)	37.8g (aluminum, GPS, 46mm) 36.9g (aluminum, GPS + Cellular, 46mm) 43.1g (titanium, 46mm) 30.3g (aluminum, GPS, 42mm) 29.7g (aluminum, GPS + Cellular, 42mm) 34.6g (titanium, 42mm)	61.6g (natural titanium) 61.8g (black titanium)

Designs

‌Apple Watch SE‌ 3	Apple Watch Series 11	Apple Watch Ultra 3
40mm or 44mm case size	42mm or 46mm case size	49mm case size
Anodized aluminum case	Anodized or polished aluminum and polished titanium casing options	Blasted titanium case
Curved display	Curved display with refractive edge	Flat display
		80% recycled steel in the speaker and Taptic Engine
	Apple Watch Hermès edition available	Apple Watch Hermès edition available
Available in Starlight and Midnight	Aluminum: Available in Rose Gold, Space Gray, and polished Jet Black	Titanium: Available in Natural, Gold, and Slate

Durability

‌Apple Watch SE‌ 3	Apple Watch Series 11	Apple Watch Ultra 3
Design based on Apple Watch Series 4	Design based on Apple Watch Series 10, including a thinner casing, more rounded edges, and a wider aspect ratio	Same design as previous Apple Watch Ultra models
Front crystal curves at edges onto shaped casing	Front crystal curves at edges onto shaped casing	Corrosion resistant case with raised edges to protect the flat sapphire front crystal
Nylon composite and sapphire crystal back	Metal and sapphire crystal back	Ceramic and sapphire crystal back
Water resistant up to 50m	Water resistant up to 50m	Water resistant up to 100m
		EN13319 certification
	Certified IP6X dust resistance	Certified IP6X dust resistance
		Tested to MIL-STD 810H

Displays

‌Apple Watch SE‌ 3	Apple Watch Series 11	Apple Watch Ultra 3
Up to 1,000 nits brightness	Up to 2,000 nits brightness	Up to 3,000 nits brightness
2 nits minimum brightness	1 nit minimum brightness	1 nit minimum brightness
OLED	Wide-angle OLED (up to 40% brighter when viewed at an angle)	Wide-angle OLED (up to 40% brighter when viewed at an angle)
LTPO	LTPO3 for faster refresh rate in always-on mode	LTPO3 for faster refresh rate in always-on mode

Health Features

‌Apple Watch SE‌ 3	Apple Watch Series 11	Apple Watch Ultra 3
Second-generation optical heart sensor	Third-generation optical heart sensor	Third-generation optical heart sensor
	Hypertension notifications	Hypertension notifications
	Electrical heart sensor	Electrical heart sensor
	ECG app	ECG app
	Blood Oxygen app	Blood Oxygen app

Battery Life and Charging

‌Apple Watch SE‌ 3	Apple Watch Series 11	Apple Watch Ultra 3
Up to 18-hour battery life	Up to 24-hour battery life	Up to 42-hour battery life
Up to 32 hours in Low Power Mode	Up to 38 hours in Low Power Mode	Up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode
Charge 0–80% in about 45 minutes; 15 minutes for up to 8 hours	Charge 0–80% in about 30 minutes; 15 minutes for up to 8 hours	Charge 0–80% in about 45 minutes; 15 minutes for up to 12 hours

Other Differences

‌Apple Watch SE‌ 3	Apple Watch Series 11	Apple Watch Ultra 3
		Customizable Action button
		Night Mode for low-visibility conditions
		Exclusive Wayfinder and Modular Ultra faces
Swim	Swim, snorkel	Swim, snorkel, scuba, high-speed water sports
	Depth gauge to 6m	Depth gauge to 40m
	Water temperature sensor	Water temperature sensor
	Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip	Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip
Find iPhone	Precision Finding for ‌iPhone‌	Precision Finding for ‌iPhone‌
GPS (L1)	GPS (L1)	Precision dual-frequency GPS (L1 and L5)
Always-on altimeter	Always-on altimeter	Always-on altimeter with expanded operating range from –500m to 9000m
		Satellite connectivity
		Emergency SOS via satellite
Single microphone with voice isolation	Single microphone with voice isolation	Three-microphone array with beamforming and wind noise mitigation
Single speaker	Single speaker	Dual speakers
		86-decibel Siren to attract attention

Prices

	‌Apple Watch SE‌ 3	Apple Watch Series 11 (Aluminum)	Apple Watch Series 11 (Titanium)	Apple Watch Ultra 3
GPS	$249 (40mm) $279 (44mm)	$399 (42mm) $429 (46mm)
GPS + Cellular	$299 (40mm) $329 (44mm)	$499 (42mm) $529 (46mm)	$699 (42mm) $749 (46mm)	$799

Which One Should You Choose?

SE 3 vs. Series 11

The Apple Watch Series 11 is a minor improvement over the previous Series 10 model, offering a 5G connectivity and longer battery life. Yet compared to the ‌Apple Watch SE‌ 3, the Apple Watch Series 11 is a noticeably more feature-rich device with advanced capabilities.

With its larger display, additional health monitoring features, and range of colors and finishes, the Apple Watch Series 11 will be the model of choice for those who want more out of their smartwatch. If you feel that the added health monitoring features or longer battery life would be particularly beneficial to you, or simply like a specific casing and color combination not available with the ‌Apple Watch SE‌ 3, the Apple Watch Series 11 will be the best model for you.

If you are on a budget and are not particularly attracted to the additional features of the Series 11, the ‌Apple Watch SE‌ 3 is still a compelling option. As it shares many key features with the Apple Watch Series 11, many customers will be happy choosing the more inexpensive model, unless you particularly value features such as the larger display or advanced health monitoring and can justify the added cost.

The ‌Apple Watch SE‌ 3 is an ideal device for kids and senior citizens who do not have an ‌iPhone‌ thanks to Family Setup, but it is also the go-to model for most customers who are new to the Apple Watch and those who are upgrading from an older device due to its competitive pricing and generous feature set, allowing users to get a balanced Apple Watch experience at a low price.

Series 11 vs. Ultra 3

The Apple Watch Ultra offers specific capabilities to address the requirements of those who need their Apple Watch to provide assistance in challenging environments. If you need a more durable Apple Watch with features like a brighter display, louder speakers, a more reliable GPS, better water resistance, and more, the Apple Watch Ultra is undoubtedly the best choice. The Apple Watch Ultra is clearly better equipped to handle tasks like hiking, diving, and navigation.

The Apple Watch Ultra is also biggest and most feature-rich Apple Watch option available, not to mention that it offers the first true redesign of the device since its introduction in 2015. For technology enthusiasts, Apple Watch Ultra represents a way to get a new Apple Watch experience with top specifications in several key areas. Features like longer battery life, a brighter display, and the Action button are also highly accessible, and will be beneficial to all users. As such, some customers may still be inclined to choose the Apple Watch Ultra 3 over the Apple Watch Series 11, even if they do not need it for use in challenging environments.

As the largest Apple Watch model to date, the size of the Apple Watch Ultra will not be for everyone. If you already prefer the 41mm or 42mm Apple Watch casing size, the Apple Watch Ultra may be far too large for you. If in doubt, it may be worth heading to an Apple Store and trying on the Apple Watch Ultra in person to get to grips with the size and determine if it is too big and bulky for you.

Similarly, the Apple Watch Ultra's look may not appeal to some buyers. If you prefer the idea of a polished finish and are looking for a more fashion-focused smartwatch that pairs well with premium bands, the more aggressive, rugged design of the Apple Watch Ultra may not be for you.

If the Apple Watch Ultra is out of your price range but you still want to use your Apple Watch in challenging environments, it is worth bearing in mind that the Series 11 still offers a durable design with a strong front crystal, water resistance, and many of the Apple Watch Ultra's software features like waypoint marking.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 has a lot to offer, especially for the subset of users who can take advantage of all of its capabilities, so it is certainly worth considering when purchasing a new model, but the Apple Watch Series 11 is still a compelling all-around option that comes in at a lower price point with a subtler design.
This article, "Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch SE 3, Series 11, or Ultra 3? 45+ Differences Compared" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple's four new iPhones launch later this month, with more differences between the latest models than ever before.


Instead of the familiar split between standard and Pro models, Apple has introduced the new iPhone Air, expanded the feature gap between tiers, and refined each model to serve a clearer audience. The result is a four-device family that ranges from the affordable and practical iPhone 17 to the feature-packed iPhone 17 Pro Max, with distinct trade-offs in size, materials, camera hardware, and battery life along the way. All models share Apple's latest A19 chip platform, meaning performance is fairly consistent across the board, but their designs, display sizes, and camera features are more specialized than ever before.

This guide offers a detailed look at every difference—dimensions, design, cameras, battery life, and pricing—so you can make an informed choice. Whether you prioritize design, photography, or battery life, this year's iPhones are no longer one-size-fits-all devices, and understanding the lineup is key to choosing the best model for you and your budget.

Sizes and Weights

	‌iPhone 17‌	‌iPhone‌ Air	‌iPhone 17 Pro‌	‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max
Height	5.89 inches (149.6 mm)	6.15 inches (156.2 mm)	5.91 inches (150.0 mm)	6.43 inches (163.4 mm)
Width	2.81 inches (71.5 mm)	2.94 inches (74.7 mm)	2.83 inches (71.9 mm)	3.07 inches (78.0 mm)
Depth	0.31 inches (7.95 mm)	0.22 inches (5.64 mm)	0.34 inches (8.75 mm)	0.34 inches (8.75 mm)
Weight	6.24 ounces (177 grams)	5.82 ounces (165 grams)	7.27 ounces (206 grams)	8.22 ounces (233 grams)

Designs

‌iPhone 17‌	‌iPhone‌ Air	‌iPhone 17 Pro‌	‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max
Anodized aluminum frame	Polished titanium frame	Anodized aluminum unibody	Anodized aluminum unibody
	Camera plateau	Camera plateau	Camera plateau
Ceramic Shield front	Ceramic Shield front and back	Ceramic Shield front and back	Ceramic Shield front and back
6.3-inch display	6.5-inch display	6.3-inch display	6.9-inch display
Available in White, Black, Mist Blue, Sage, and Lavender	Available in Cloud White, Space Black, Sky Blue, and Light Gold	Available in Silver, Deep Blue, and Cosmic Orange	Available in Silver, Deep Blue, and Cosmic Orange

Battery Life and Charging

‌iPhone 17‌	‌iPhone‌ Air	‌iPhone 17 Pro‌	‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max
3,692 mAh battery	3,149 mAh battery	4,252 mAh battery	5,088 mAh battery
Up to 30-hour battery life	Up to 27-hour battery life	Up to 33-hour battery life	Up to 39-hour battery life
MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W	‌MagSafe‌ wireless charging up to 20W	‌MagSafe‌ wireless charging up to 25W	‌MagSafe‌ wireless charging up to 25W
Up to 50% charge in 20 minutes with 40W adapter or higher	Up to 50% charge in 30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher, or 30W adapter or higher paired with ‌MagSafe‌ Charger	Up to 50% charge in 20 minutes with 40W adapter or higher	Up to 50% charge in 20 minutes with 40W adapter or higher

Camera Hardware

‌iPhone 17‌	‌iPhone‌ Air	‌iPhone 17 Pro‌	‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max
Dual rear cameras	Single rear camera	Triple rear cameras	Triple rear cameras
48-megapixel ultra wide camera		48-megapixel ultra wide camera	48-megapixel ultra wide camera
		48-megapixel telephoto camera	48-megapixel telephoto camera
0.5x, 1x, and 2x optical zoom options	1x and 2x optical zoom options	0.5x, 1x, 2x, 4x, and 8x optical zoom options	0.5x, 1x, 2x, 4x, and 8x optical zoom options
		LiDAR Scanner	LiDAR Scanner
True Tone flash	True Tone flash	Adaptive True Tone flash	Adaptive True Tone flash

Camera Features

‌iPhone 17‌	‌iPhone‌ Air	‌iPhone 17 Pro‌	‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max
Macro photography		Macro photography	Macro photography
Spatial photos		Spatial photos	Spatial photos
		ProRAW	ProRAW
Cinematic mode		Cinematic mode	Cinematic mode
		ProRes video recording	ProRes video recording
		ProRes RAW	ProRes RAW
		Academy Color Encoding System	Academy Color Encoding System
		Apple Log 2 video recording	Apple Log 2 video recording
		Genlock support	Genlock support
Macro video recording, including slo‑mo and time‑lapse		Macro video recording, including slo‑mo and time‑lapse	Macro video recording, including slo‑mo and time‑lapse
Slo‑mo video support up to 1080p at 240 fps	Slo‑mo video support up to 1080p at 240 fps	Slo‑mo video support for 1080p up to 240 fps and 4K Dolby Vision up to 120 fps	Slo‑mo video support for 1080p up to 240 fps and 4K Dolby Vision up to 120 fps

Other Differences

‌iPhone 17‌	‌iPhone‌ Air	‌iPhone 17 Pro‌	‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max
A19 chip	A19 Pro chip	A19 Pro chip	A19 Pro chip
5-core GPU	5-core GPU	6-core GPU	6-core GPU
8GB memory	12GB memory	12GB memory	12GB memory
Stereo speakers	Mono speaker	Stereo speakers	Stereo speakers
		Studio-quality four-mic array	Studio-quality four-mic array
USB-C (USB 2)	USB-C (USB 2)	USB-C (USB 3 for up to 20x faster transfers)	USB-C (USB 3 for up to 20x faster transfers)
256GB or 512GB storage	256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage	256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage	256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB storage

Pricing

	256GB	512GB	1TB	2TB
‌iPhone 17‌	$799	$999
‌iPhone‌ Air	$999	$1,199	$1,399
‌iPhone 17 Pro‌	$1,099	$1,299	$1,499
‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max	$1,199	$1,399	$1,599	$1,999

Which One Should You Choose?

Apple's latest ‌iPhone‌ lineup is more segmented than ever, with clear distinctions in size, design, and hardware to suit different needs. All four models share the same core performance, so your choice comes down to priorities like design, camera versatility, and price.

• iPhone 17: Best for those who need a good, practical all-round ‌iPhone‌ at an affordable price.


• iPhone Air: Best for those who want the thinnest and lightest ‌iPhone‌ in a groundbreaking new premium design with a medium-sized display, but are willing to accept noticeable compromises on camera features, battery life, charging speed, and speakers.


• iPhone 17 Pro: Best for those who want the versatile new 48-megapixel telephoto camera and a large range of additional camera features and hardware in a smaller package, along with better mics and faster USB speeds.


• iPhone 17 Pro Max: Best for "pro" users who need the rich feature set of the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌, but with the largest possible display, battery life, and storage.

The ‌iPhone 17‌ should be the default option for most users, with the ability to move up to the Air as a design-led option, the Pro as a creator-focused device, and the Pro Max delivering everything in the largest format.

Pre-orders of the new ‌iPhone‌ lineup open on Friday, September 12, with launch on Friday, September 19.

This article, "Buyer's Guide: iPhone 17, Air, Pro, or Pro Max? 40 Differences Compared" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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