We have examined and reviewed the highly effective iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max, the skinny and light-weight iPhone Air, the strong iPhone 17 and the newer iPhone 17E to find out our greatest picks. After intensive testing, we predict the iPhone 17 is the only option for most individuals. The options it gives for its worth and its battery life make it a standout. Lately, We tested the charging abilities of 33 phones, and the iPhone 17 Professional earned a CNET Lab Award for quickest wi-fi charging.
With the iPhone 17, Apple has considerably narrowed the chasm separating its baseline mannequin from its Professional counterparts. The $829 iPhone 17 (or $799 for those who activate with a service) shares lots of the identical digital camera options with the iPhone 17 Professional and Professional Max, like Twin Seize and Heart Stage. It additionally lastly will get a show with a 1-120Hz variable refresh fee, so you may take pleasure in smoother scrolling and allow the always-on show and see your notifications at a look. And help for iOS 26 throughout the complete iPhone 17 lineup means you may entry Apple’s most talked-about new software program options like stay translation, name screening and the Liquid Glass redesign. All that with out spending upward of $1,100 for a Professional mannequin, albeit with barely scaled-back battery life and cameras.
Leap to particulars
Execs
- Upgraded 1-120Hz show
- New digital camera options
- Longer battery life
- Quicker charging
Cons
- Minimal design updates to final 12 months
- Apple Intelligence can nonetheless really feel like a piece in progress
From the primary second I picked up the brand new $1,199 iPhone 17 Professional Max and $1,099 17 Professional, I used to be beguiled by their daring, brilliant redesign. It is a full turnaround from the years of Apple’s subdued titanium motif. The sq. digital camera bump of earlier Professional fashions is now a body-wide bar that Apple calls the “digital camera plateau.” The 17 Professional and Professional Max now are available in precise colours — you will not discover one in black or house grey. This cellphone, particularly in cosmic orange, needs you to take a look at it.
Leap to particulars
Execs
- The 17 Professional Max’s unbelievable battery life
- The brighter display screen seems unbelievable
- Heart Stage digital camera with the flexibility to take panorama selfies vertically is nice
Cons
- Wished Twin Seize had a 50/50 break up
- Dwell Translation’s Siri voice can overlap with audio system
- iPhone 17 Professional battery life is on par with the iPhone 16 Professional
- Costly
The iPhone Air is the last word refresh, for those who’re in search of one thing that appears and feels drastically totally different from most different gadgets available on the market. It is strikingly light-weight and slim, measuring simply 5.6mm thick and clocking in at 165 grams. Should you’re frightened about sturdiness, design components just like the titanium body, Ceramic Defend 2 entrance and Ceramic Defend backing hold it from bending out of practice in your pocket. A beneficiant 6.5-inch show makes it comfy to carry and pleasurable to observe movies or play video games on.
Leap to particulars
Execs
- Slick, light-weight design
- Surprisingly good battery life (generally)
- Impressively sturdy
- iOS 26 seems nice
Cons
- Single rear digital camera
- Scaled-back speaker
- Solely fees as much as 20 watts
- Excessive $999 price ticket
Apple’s $599 iPhone 17E packs simply sufficient new options to justify an iOS improve for anybody holding onto an iPhone SE or an iPhone 11. Whereas many components of this iPhone are much like the iPhone 14, the cellphone’s inclusion of the brand new A19 processor, MagSafe for wi-fi charging and equipment and Ceramic Defend 2 are all notable enhancements.
Leap to particulars
Execs
- Premium really feel
- Stable digital camera
- MagSafe compatibility
- Increased 256GB base storage
- A19 chip
- Enjoyable pink colour possibility
Cons
- No Dynamic Island
- Thick bezels
- No ultrawide digital camera or Cinematic video
- Solely 60Hz refresh fee means no always-on show
After we examined the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, we have been undoubtedly impressed by the images options, the handy Motion button and the elegant construct. And whereas we predict the iPhone 17 is kind of the deal, you may nonetheless snag the iPhone 16 for $100 much less. We think about the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus to be top-notch decisions for Apple followers. Components of the iPhone 16’s key characteristic, Apple Intelligence, are actually out, and the truth that these telephones will help it means they’ll possible really feel future-proofed for years to come back. Except for display screen dimension (6.1 inches on the common, 6.7 inches on the Plus), battery dimension and worth, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are an identical in each approach.
Leap to particulars
Execs
- Digicam Management is helpful for switching digital camera settings
- Photographic Kinds makes images pop
- Ultrawide digital camera is healthier in low mild
Cons
- Apple Intelligence isn’t out but
- No all the time on show
- No adjustments to wired charging speeds
- No upgrades to the Motion button
MOBILE DEALS OF THE WEEK
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What’s the very best iPhone proper now?
The perfect iPhone for most individuals is the iPhone 17. It shares many options with Apple’s pricier 17 Professional fashions, however at a decrease $829 beginning worth (or $799 for those who activate by a service). It helps the latest digital camera capabilities like Twin Seize and Heart Stage, and in the end, it has a 1-120Hz variable refresh fee for smoother scrolling and help for the always-on show.
Whereas it is true that the iPhone 17 shares a putting resemblance to final 12 months’s iPhone 16, there are some key updates that help it stand out. Aside from the upgraded refresh fee, the iPhone 17 additionally boasts a peak brightness of three,000 nits, together with an anti-reflective show that makes it simpler to see the display screen outdoor.
The ultrawide digital camera goes from 12 megapixels on the iPhone 16 to 48 megapixels on the iPhone 17, and Apple says the iPhone 17 has as much as 8 hours extra of video playback. Certainly, in CNET’s 3-hour streaming check, the iPhone 17’s battery dropped from 100% to 89%, whereas the iPhone 16 hit 86%.
A Ceramic Defend 2 show gives 3 times higher scratch resistance, in accordance with Apple, so for those who’re vulnerable to etching into your display screen, it has slightly extra safety now. The iPhone 17 begins with the next 256GB storage possibility, versus the 128GB place to begin on the iPhone 16, that means you get more room for images and apps.
In contrast to earlier iPhone generations, the iPhone 17 and 17 Professional fashions share virtually all the identical {hardware} options, other than the telephoto lens and greater battery on the latter. Whereas Apple tends to introduce options just like the Dynamic Island and Motion button on Professional fashions first, the 2 ends of the iPhone spectrum now pack all those self same {hardware} features.
The iPhone 17 additionally options all the brand new iOS 26 capabilities, akin to Dwell Translation, Name Screening and the brand new Liquid Glass interface.
Greatest iPhones of 2026
Execs
- Upgraded 1-120Hz show
- New digital camera options
- Longer battery life
- Quicker charging
Cons
- Minimal design updates to final 12 months
- Apple Intelligence can nonetheless really feel like a piece in progress
With the iPhone 17, Apple has considerably narrowed the chasm separating its baseline mannequin from its Professional counterparts. The $829 iPhone 17 (or $799 for those who activate with a service) shares lots of the identical digital camera options with the iPhone 17 Professional and Professional Max, like Twin Seize and Heart Stage. It additionally lastly will get a show with a 1-120Hz variable refresh fee, so you may take pleasure in smoother scrolling and allow the always-on show and see your notifications at a look. And help for iOS 26 throughout the complete iPhone 17 lineup means you may entry Apple’s most talked-about new software program options like stay translation, name screening and the Liquid Glass redesign. All that with out spending upward of $1,100 for a Professional mannequin, albeit with barely scaled-back battery life and cameras.
Why we prefer it
The iPhone 17 is a baseline cellphone that shares many {hardware} and software program options with the iPhone 17 Professional fashions, making it really feel like a worthy, money-saving contender to these pricier gadgets. Beneficiant battery life, sooner charging and digital camera upgrades assist it stand other than final 12 months’s iPhone 16, even when it seems virtually an identical.
Who it is best for
The iPhone 17 is a superb alternative for the typical cellphone person who needs good cameras, strong battery life and a top quality show. It is also an excellent dimension for anybody who would not like bigger telephones.
Who should not get it
Should you’re a images fanatic and a very heavy cellphone person, the 17 Execs is likely to be the best way to go, since you’ll get a telephoto lens on the again, in addition to longer battery life. Alternatively, for those who’re a lighter cellphone person, it can save you more cash by selecting the marginally extra budget-friendly $599 iPhone 16E.
Execs
- The 17 Professional Max’s unbelievable battery life
- The brighter display screen seems unbelievable
- Heart Stage digital camera with the flexibility to take panorama selfies vertically is nice
Cons
- Wished Twin Seize had a 50/50 break up
- Dwell Translation’s Siri voice can overlap with audio system
- iPhone 17 Professional battery life is on par with the iPhone 16 Professional
- Costly
From the primary second I picked up the brand new $1,199 iPhone 17 Professional Max and $1,099 17 Professional, I used to be beguiled by their daring, brilliant redesign. It is a full turnaround from the years of Apple’s subdued titanium motif. The sq. digital camera bump of earlier Professional fashions is now a body-wide bar that Apple calls the “digital camera plateau.” The 17 Professional and Professional Max now are available in precise colours — you will not discover one in black or house grey. This cellphone, particularly in cosmic orange, needs you to take a look at it.
As I examined the brand new Professional telephones, I used to be constantly impressed: Even after a full day of heavy use, the Professional Max’s battery nonetheless had 22% or extra left. The iPhone 17 Professional Max has the very best battery lifetime of any cellphone that CNET has ever examined.
The 17 Professional and 17 Professional Max have the very same rear cameras, all with 48-megapixel sensors. You possibly can select between the trio of lenses (wide-angle, ultrawide and telephoto) to seize images at 12-, 24- or 48-megapixel resolutions. The telephoto digital camera has gone from the 16 Professional’s 12-megapixel sensor with a 5x lens to a 48-megapixel sensor that is 56% bigger with a brand new 4x telephoto lens. You learn that proper: The brand new Professional has a shorter optical zoom than its predecessor. However I discover the quick 4x zoom higher for portraits, and the rise intimately and dynamic vary in 4x images is a giant enchancment over 5x snaps from the 16 Professional.
There is a new selfie digital camera on each Professional telephones that Apple calls Heart Stage. It not solely takes 18-megapixel selfies, up from 12 megapixels on the 16 Professional, however you may maintain the 17 Professional vertically and take a horizontal selfie because of a brand new sq. picture sensor.
I can not assist however distinction the iPhone 17 Professional fashions to Apple’s latest cellphone. The iPhone Air is skinny, mild, quiet and swish — with a single rear digital camera, shorter battery life and $100 cheaper beginning worth. The 17 Professional and Professional Max are daring, loud, aggressive and highly effective, and their daring design appeals to me. However options akin to its superb battery life, brighter display screen, new selfie digital camera and iOS 26 are the actual causes to get both.
Why we prefer it
I recognize that Apple gave the iPhone 17 Professional and 17 Professional Max persona. Gone is the minimal design for the sake of simplicity. We have now a cellphone that’s extra sturdy, has an extended battery life, and, when working iOS 26, comes with numerous vital quality-of-life enhancements, like stay translations for calls, texts and FaceTime.
Who it is best for
The iPhone 17 Professional and 17 Professional Max could be a wonderful improve for somebody coming from an iPhone 14 Professional or older. You get a much bigger battery, a greater display screen, sooner charging, newer cameras and a speedier processor that may deal with graphics-intensive video games and Apple Intelligence.
Who should not get it
You probably have an iPhone 15 Professional or Professional Max, you do not want these new telephones except battery capability in your present cellphone is low — and even then, it would be cheaper to easily have your battery swapped out. And except you’ve gotten a gracious disposable revenue, iPhone 16 Professional and Professional Max house owners can sit this one out.
Execs
- Slick, light-weight design
- Surprisingly good battery life (generally)
- Impressively sturdy
- iOS 26 seems nice
Cons
- Single rear digital camera
- Scaled-back speaker
- Solely fees as much as 20 watts
- Excessive $999 price ticket
The iPhone Air is the last word refresh, for those who’re in search of one thing that appears and feels drastically totally different from most different gadgets available on the market. It is strikingly light-weight and slim, measuring simply 5.6mm thick and clocking in at 165 grams. Should you’re frightened about sturdiness, design components just like the titanium body, Ceramic Defend 2 entrance and Ceramic Defend backing hold it from bending out of practice in your pocket. A beneficiant 6.5-inch show makes it comfy to carry and pleasurable to observe movies or play video games on.
That does not imply there aren’t trade-offs, which really feel particularly weighty given the iPhone Air’s $999 price ticket. A slimmer battery can imply shorter life on heavy-use days, and a single rear digital camera means you do not get ultrawide pictures or Cinematic mode in video. There’s additionally solely a single speaker as a substitute of the dual-speaker system on different iPhones, which may make audio much less immersive. The iPhone Air solely helps as much as 20-watt charging, versus the 40-watt charging you may discover on its iPhone 17 counterparts. However for those who’re keen to make some compromises, the super-sleek iPhone Air may be an pleasurable funding.
Read CNET’s iPhone Air review.
Why we prefer it
Annual cellphone upgrades usually really feel incremental, however the iPhone Air shakes issues up with a daring new design that rivals different skinny telephones just like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge. The Air is remarkably mild, which makes it pleasurable to make use of and will not crush your purse or pocket. Regardless of its shorter battery life below heavy-use circumstances, the iPhone Air carried out nicely in CNET’s battery assessments and may maintain up simply effective on moderate-use days.
Who it is best for
Should you’re not a very heavy cellphone person and desire a gadget that places design on the forefront, the iPhone Air could possibly be a strong alternative. Regardless of a scaled-back digital camera, the one rear 48-megapixel digital camera can even take strong 2x zoom images, and an 18-megapixel selfie digital camera matches what you may discover on the iPhone 17, 17 Professional and 17 Professional Max.
Who should not get it
Alternatively, for those who do use your cellphone quite a bit and have an affinity for images, the iPhone Air won’t be the only option for you. The dearth of an ultrawide (plus no telephoto) lens would possibly really feel a bit too restrictive, and the battery might not have the ability to sustain along with your extra intensive display screen time.
Execs
- Premium really feel
- Stable digital camera
- MagSafe compatibility
- Increased 256GB base storage
- A19 chip
- Enjoyable pink colour possibility
Cons
- No Dynamic Island
- Thick bezels
- No ultrawide digital camera or Cinematic video
- Solely 60Hz refresh fee means no always-on show
Apple’s $599 iPhone 17E packs simply sufficient new options to justify an iOS improve for anybody holding onto an iPhone SE or an iPhone 11. Whereas many components of this iPhone are much like the iPhone 14, the cellphone’s inclusion of the brand new A19 processor, MagSafe for wi-fi charging and equipment and Ceramic Defend 2 are all notable enhancements.
Why we prefer it
The iPhone 17E doesn’t really feel like a second-class possibility now that it natively consists of MagSafe help, 256GB of storage and a mushy pink colour possibility for slightly persona. Whereas this iPhone does miss out on having a second ultrawide digital camera and an always-on show obtainable on the iPhone 17, anybody coming from an iPhone from 2020 or earlier won’t discover these omissions because of the upgrades it does embody.
Who it is best for
This is a perfect iPhone for somebody who solely upgrades their iPhone when it loses software program help, and certainly, for those who’re coming from an iPhone XR or earlier, you’ll obtain loads of new options. It’s additionally an excellent possibility for anybody coming from a smaller-screen iPhone SE.
Who should not get it
If iOS isn’t necessary, lots of the Android telephones on this listing provide extra options for much less cash. Some present iPhone house owners would possibly think about the 17E a step again with its lack of an ultrawide digital camera.
Execs
- Digicam Management is helpful for switching digital camera settings
- Photographic Kinds makes images pop
- Ultrawide digital camera is healthier in low mild
Cons
- Apple Intelligence isn’t out but
- No all the time on show
- No adjustments to wired charging speeds
- No upgrades to the Motion button
After we examined the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, we have been undoubtedly impressed by the images options, the handy Motion button and the elegant construct. And whereas we predict the iPhone 17 is kind of the deal, you may nonetheless snag the iPhone 16 for $100 much less. We think about the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus to be top-notch decisions for Apple followers. Components of the iPhone 16’s key characteristic, Apple Intelligence, are actually out, and the truth that these telephones will help it means they’ll possible really feel future-proofed for years to come back. Except for display screen dimension (6.1 inches on the common, 6.7 inches on the Plus), battery dimension and worth, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are an identical in each approach.
The iPhone 16 isn’t excellent — it’s lacking an always-on show, and it feels prefer it’s been ages since Apple improved its wired charging speeds. But it surely checks all of the necessary containers after which some.
Why we prefer it
The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus rank so excessive in our testing as a result of they attraction to novice customers and energy gamers. They provide about 90% of the expertise of Apple’s Professional fashions however price a whole bunch of {dollars} much less. Not solely is the iPhone 16 an exquisite cellphone out of the field, however Apple has an extended observe report of updating its software program and safety patches for years.
Who it is best for
When you concentrate on how the Digicam Management key, the Motion button and the Dynamic Island come collectively, together with the digital camera and battery enhancements Apple has made within the final a number of years, the iPhone 16 is a compelling improve for somebody coming from an older iPhone, particularly in the event that they’re on an iPhone 13 or older. For individuals who don’t want the Professional’s further images prowess and battery life, the iPhone 16 received’t disappoint.
Who shouldn’t get it
I would not advocate shopping for the iPhone 16 only for the Digicam Management button or the higher ultrawide digital camera.
Get the iPhone 17 free if you change to T-Cell with an Expertise Past or Higher Worth plan. You don’t have to fret about sending in your outdated cellphone to reap the benefits of this deal: There’s no trade-in required. It takes simply quarter-hour to change, and you will get your cellphone immediately with free same-day supply in choose places.
Greatest iPhone fashions in contrast
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| Apple iPhone 17 | Apple iPhone Air | Apple iPhone 17 Professional | Apple iPhone 17 Professional Max | Apple iPhone 17E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Show dimension, tech, decision, refresh fee | 6.3-inch OLED; 2,622 x 1,206 pixel decision; 1-120Hz variable refresh fee | 6.5-inch OLED; 2,736 x 1,260 pixel decision; 1-120Hz variable refresh fee | 6.3-inch OLED; 2,622 x 1,206 pixel decision; 1-120Hz variable refresh fee | 6.9-inch OLED; 2,868 x 1,320 pixel decision; 1-120Hz variable refresh fee | 6.1-inch OLED show; 2,532×1,170 pixels; 60Hz refresh fee |
| Pixel density | 460ppi | 460ppi | 460ppi | 460ppi | 460 ppi |
| Dimensions (inches) | 5.89 x 2.81 x 0.31 in | 6.15 x 2.94 x 0.22 in | 5.91 x 2.83 x 0.34 in | 6.43 x 3.07 x 0.34 in | 5.78×2.82×0.31 |
| Dimensions (millimeters) | 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm | 156.2 x 74.7 x 5.64 mm | 150.0 x 71.9 x 8.75 mm | 163.4 x 78.0 x 8.75 mm | 146.7×71.5×7.8 |
| Weight (grams, ounces) | 177 g (6.24 oz) | 165 g (5.82 oz) | 206 g (7.27 oz) | 233 g (8.22 oz) | 167g (5.88 oz.) |
| Cell software program | iOS 26 | iOS 26 | iOS 26 | iOS 26 | iOS 26 |
| Digicam | 48-megapixel (broad) 48-megapixel (ultrawide) |
48-megapixel (broad) | 48-megapixel (broad) 48-megapixel (ultrawide) 48-megapixel (4x, 8x telephoto) |
48-megapixel (broad) 48-megapixel (ultrawide) 48-megapixel (4x, 8x telephoto) |
48-megapixel (broad) |
| Entrance-facing digital camera | 18-megapixel | 18-megapixel | 18-megapixel | 18-megapixel | 12-megapixel |
| Video seize | 4K | 4K | 4K | 4K | 4K |
| Processor | Apple A19 | Apple A19 Professional | Apple A19 Professional | Apple A19 Professional | Apple A19 |
| RAM + storage | RAM N/A + 256GB, 512GB | RAM N/A + 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | RAM N/A + 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | RAM N/A + 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB | RAM unknown + 256GB, 512GB |
| Expandable storage | None | None | None | None | None |
| Battery | 3,692 mAh | 3,149 mAh | 4,252 mAh | 5,088 mAh | 4,005 mAh |
| Fingerprint sensor | None (Face ID) | None (Face ID) | None (Face ID) | None (Face ID) | None, Face ID |
| Connector | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
| Headphone jack | None | None | None | None | None |
| Particular options | Apple N1 wi-fi networking chip (Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2×2 MIMO), Bluetooth 6, Thread. Motion button. Digicam Management button. Dynamic Island. Apple Intelligence. Visible Intelligence. Twin eSIM. 1 to three,000 nits brightness show vary. IP68 resistance. Colours: black, white, mist blue, sage, lavender. Quick cost as much as 50% in 20 minutes utilizing 40W adapter or greater by way of charging cable. Quick cost as much as 50% in half-hour utilizing 30W adapter or greater by way of MagSafe Charger. | Apple N1 wi-fi networking chip (Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2×2 MIMO), Bluetooth 6, Thread. Motion button. Apple C1X mobile modem. Digicam Management button. Dynamic Island. Apple Intelligence. Visible Intelligence. Twin eSIM. 1 to three,000 nits brightness show vary. IP68 resistance. Colours: house black, cloud white, mild gold, sky blue. Quick cost as much as 50% in half-hour utilizing 20W adapter or greater by way of charging cable. Quick cost as much as 50% in half-hour utilizing 30W adapter or greater by way of MagSafe Charger. | Apple N1 wi-fi networking chip (Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2×2 MIMO), Bluetooth 6, Thread. Motion button. Digicam Management button. Dynamic Island. Apple Intelligence. Visible Intelligence. Twin eSIM. ProRes Uncooked video recording. Genlock video help. 1 to three,000 nits brightness show vary. IP68 resistance. Colours: silver, cosmic orange, deep blue. Quick cost as much as 50% in 20 minutes utilizing 40W adapter or greater by way of charging cable. Quick cost as much as 50% in half-hour utilizing 30W adapter or greater by way of MagSafe Charger. | Apple N1 wi-fi networking chip (Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2×2 MIMO), Bluetooth 6, Thread. Motion button. Digicam Management button. Dynamic Island. Apple Intelligence. Visible Intelligence. Twin eSIM. ProRes Uncooked video recording. Genlock video help. 1 to three,000 nits brightness show vary. IP68 resistance. Colours: silver, cosmic orange, deep blue. Quick cost as much as 50% in 20 minutes utilizing 40W adapter or greater by way of charging cable. Quick cost as much as 50% in half-hour utilizing 30W adapter or greater by way of MagSafe Charger. | MagSafe, Qi2 charging (as much as 15W), Motion button, Apple C1 5G modem, Apple Intelligence, Ceramic Defend, Emergency SOS, Emergency SOS by way of Satellite tv for pc, Satellite tv for pc imessage, IP68 resistance, FaceTime, FindMy |
| US worth begins at | $829 (256GB) | $999 (256GB) | $1,099 (256GB) | $1,199 (256GB) | $599 (256GB) |
Lately, we added the iPhone 17E to this listing. It replaces final 12 months’s iPhone 16E.
Maintain the iPhone first: You could love or hate the best way it seems and feels in particular person.
Do not low cost final 12 months’s mannequin: Apple has a historical past of protecting current iPhone fashions from earlier years round at a lower cost. You may get an amazing cellphone that does virtually all the things {that a} new iPhone can do for a fraction of the value. The iPhone 16 packs an amazing digital camera and a giant battery, however comes at a extra affordable worth.
Purchase an iPhone case and display screen protector: You may defend your iPhone from expensive injury and can enhance the cellphone’s resale or trade-in worth if you’re prepared to maneuver on.
Know what you care about most: Is it display screen dimension? Digicam high quality? Battery life? Telephones just like the iPhone 17 Professional or Professional Max, for instance, pack unbelievable cameras that just about rival the quality you’d get from a DSLR. Should you’re a photographer, then spending cash right here is a good suggestion.
Search out vacation reductions: Search for deep reductions and promo offers round main holidays. And discover out what your grace interval is in case you want a fast return or change.
We check each iPhone in real-world situations specializing in its options, design, efficiency, cameras, battery life and total worth. We doc our findings in an preliminary evaluate that’s periodically up to date when there are new iOS updates or to check towards new telephones from rivals like Samsung, Google and OnePlus.
Pictures
Pictures is a significant focus for the iPhone, so we take footage and movies of assorted topics in a wide range of settings and lighting situations. We check out any new digital camera modes, akin to Heart Stage on the iPhone 17 collection and Air which helps you to take a horizontal selfie even when your holding the cellphone vertically.
Battery life
We conduct battery testing in a wide range of methods. We assess how lengthy the iPhone lasts throughout a typical day of use, and notice the way it performs throughout extra centered periods of video calls, media streaming and gaming. We additionally conduct a video playback check and a 45-minute drain check beginning with a full battery, which is not all the time included within the preliminary evaluate and added later in an replace.
Efficiency measuring
We use benchmarking apps to measure the efficiency, alongside our personal anecdotal experiences utilizing the cellphone for our evaluate. Of explicit notice are how graphics and animations look. Are they clean? Or do they lag or stutter? We additionally have a look at how rapidly the cellphone switches between horizontal and vertical orientations and how briskly the digital camera app opens and is able to take a photograph.
Emergency SOS is likely to be one of the necessary options to come back out on any cellphone this 12 months.
We carry out processor-heavy duties like modifying images and movies, exporting movies and enjoying video games. We consider whether or not a more moderen model of the iPhone consists of sufficient options to make it value upgrading from older fashions. A few of these assessments are added later in updates after the preliminary evaluate is printed.
Learn extra: How CNET Tests Phones
Whereas Apple would not promote the iPhone 16 Pro, you may nonetheless discover it at carriers and third-party retailers. The 16 Professional has a 6.3-inch adaptive-refresh fee display screen that adjusts between 1-120Hz relying on what’s on the display screen. It has wonderful cameras, a quick processor, an always-on show, helps iOS 26 and security options like Crash Detection and Emergency SOS by way of Satellite tv for pc. Driving all these upgrades is Apple’s A18 Professional chip, which, in use, feels peppy. The iPhone 16 Professional remains to be a wonderful cellphone in 2026. Check out our iPhone 16 Pro review.
eSIM
An eSIM takes the entire necessary details about your cellphone account — together with its quantity, wi-fi service and subscription — and shops it in software program as a substitute of on a bodily SIM card.
Because the iPhone 14 collection, Apple not features a bodily SIM card tray and embraced embedded SIM playing cards within the US. This implies you can’t just pluck your SIM card out of your present cellphone and put it into a brand new one. However this should not have an effect on your expertise as all the most important US carriers and numerous smaller operators work with eSIM.
Apple has lengthy supported eSIM, relationship to 2018’s iPhone XS, XS Max and XR. When establishing a brand new iPhone 14, 15 or 16, the gadget will information you thru transferring your present supplier over to the brand new cellphone. A listing of supported wi-fi networks can be found on Apple’s website.
iOS 26
Apple’s iOS 26 animations have seemingly comedian e-book character talents. Each time I unlock my cellphone, the apps delightfully assemble on the house display screen just like the 5 lion robots uniting collectively to turn out to be Voltron. The lock display screen clock extends round my chosen picture like Mr. Unbelievable. The management heart pulls down as if I have been stretching a chunk of taffy.
The unified look of the Liquid Glass interface throughout apps, the Dwelling Display screen and lock display screen give the iPhone a up to date, slick and glossy, plastic sweet really feel. For all the sweetness Liquid Glass provides, although, a number of the heat of earlier iOS variations is gone.
There are small however vital gems buried in iOS 26’s design, together with the flexibility so as to add a background picture to group chats in Messages or use the brand new Maintain Help instrument for cellphone calls.
When is the very best time of 12 months to purchase a brand new iPhone?
Ought to I watch for the brand new iPhone mannequin (iPhone 18)?
How dependable is an iPhone?
How lengthy does an iPhone final?
We do not anticipate Apple to launch any new iPhones till September 2026. There are already rumors for the iPhone 18 Pro and a doable iPhone Fold, which might be Apple’s first foldable cellphone. Different rumors level to Apple debuting the bottom mannequin iPhone 18 in February 2027 — a shift from how Apple usually has introduced its new iPhone fashions.