iOS 26.2 leak shows iPhone might let you replace Siri as default assistant
iOS 26.2 beta 3 is here, bringing signs of a forthcoming AirDrop upgrade and welcome Measure enhancements. But the code for iOS 26.2 beta 3 reveals a potentially bigger change coming: the ability to replace Siri with a third-party assistant when using iPhone’s side button. more…

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New in iOS 26.2 beta 3: AirDrop codes, EU Siri changes, visual tweaks
The third developer beta of iOS 26.2 is here with changes to AirDrop and updates to the Measure app. Here's what's new.iOS 26.2 developer beta 3 is now available for download.On Monday, less than a week after the arrival of the second developer beta, Apple released iOS 26.2 developer beta 2. The iOS software update has the build number 23C5044b, replacing 23C5033g.As a whole, iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 introduced a variety of changes, most notably Apple's controversial "Liquid Glass" design language. The following update, iOS 26.1, brought additional toggles for existing system features, along with new customization settings for Liquid Glass. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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iPhone buying guide: Best iPhone to buy in 2025
Macworld Deciding which iPhone to buy has always been tricky and no doubt you have many questions. Which screen size is best for you, and how much storage do you need? Should you save money by selecting an older model, or should you splash out on the latest iPhone? Which iPhone is the best compromise between specs and value for money? In this article, we talk you through each of the phones currently available from Apple, to help you decide which is best for you. We discuss iPhone prices, specs and features, paying particular attention to the cameras, screens and durability, and how the design of each handset differs, so you should leave feeling much more confident about which iPhone you should get. For more help with your choice see our full reviews of the latest iPhones (linked below) and our Best iPhone comparison chart where we compare all the new iPhones with the iPhones still being sold by Apple. Best iPhone of 2025 In terms of power and features, the ‘best’ iPhone is either the iPhone 17 Pro or 17 Pro Max, but these iPhoned aren’t necessarily the best for you due to their high price tag. Luckily there is a perfect iPhone for everyone, with each model offering the perfect compromise of features to price. From 2025’s line up we think that the iPhone 17 is a good all-rounder thanks to the new features that bring it closer than ever to the pro models. Here is a quick-at-a-glance comparison of all the iPhones Apple currently sells, from the ultimate iPhone to the cheapest iPhone you can buy right now. Below this section you can about how each iPhone compares in terms of camera, battery life, screen, cost, and other important factors. 1. Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max – The ultimate iPhone Price When Reviewed: $1,199 (256GB) | $1,399 (512GB) | $1,599 (1TB) | $1,999 (2TB) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $1199 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The iPhone 17 Pro Max is really just a larger iPhone 17 Pro. In past years, the Pro Max version would have some distinguishing feature (like better telephoto camera) but that hasn’t been the case for a few years. This means that, as with the iPhone 17 Pro, the three rear cameras have all been upgraded to 48MP. As with all of the iPhones 17 generation, the front facing FaceTime camera is now 18MP and supports Dual Capture, so you can film your reaction to what you are recording with the rear camera. The new design for 2025 improves thermal efficiency. The distinguishing features of the iPhone 17 Pro Max are better battery life thanks to its larger battery, and the large 6.9-inch screen. Read our full Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max review 2. Apple iPhone 17 Pro – The iPhone for photography fans Price When Reviewed: $1,099 (256GB) | $1,299 (512GB) | $1,499 (1TB) | $1,999 (2TB) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $1099 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The iPhone 17 Pro, like it’s bigger sibling, has been upgraded to improve thermal efficiency and now has an aluminium design (unlike the predecessor which was titanium). The color choices this time round are Deep Blue, Silver and the eye-catching Cosmic Orange. It offers slightly better performance and battery life than the standard iPhone 17. But the big difference between the iPhone 17 Pro and the iPhone 17 is the photo and video capabilities. The 17 Pro (and Pro Max) support up to 8x zoom and each of the three rear cameras features a new 48-megapixel sensor (in 2024 the main and ultra wide lens did, but not the telephoto). The iPhone 17 Pro also supports high-end formats like ProRAW, HLG video, and video recording at up to 4K and 120fps. Read our full Apple iPhone 17 Pro review 3. Apple iPhone 17 – The best iPhone for everyone Price When Reviewed: From $799 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The iPhone 17 is quite a big improvement on the iPhone 16, and closes the gap between the pro and non pro models more than ever because it offers a Pro Motion, Always-On screen. The iPhone 17 also has a bigger display at 6.3-inches, up from 6.1-inches on the iPhone 16. This means that the screen size now matches that of the iPhone 17 Pro again. Other big improvements for this generation include two 48MP cameras on the rear and a new 18MP camera on the front (shared by the other new iPhones that arrived in late 2025). One of the best things about the iPhone 17 is the fact that the entry-level model costs the same as the iPhone 16 did, but offers twice as much storage, so it’s effectively a discount on 2024’s price. Read our full Apple iPhone 17 review 4. Apple iPhone Air – Slim and light Price When Reviewed: $999 (256GB) | $1,199 (512GB) | $1,399 (1TB) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $999 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The iPhone Air is a brand new format for the iPhone and the thinnest iPhone ever at just 5.64mm thick. If you want a slim iPhone then it’s the one for you. The frame is made out of titanium because it’s durable and tough, which is necessary for such a thin product. The other difference between the iPhone Air and the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro is the screen size, which is a larger 6.5-inches compared to their 6.3-inch screens. If you want a big screen and can’t afford the iPhone 17 Pro Max (with a 6.9-inch screen) then the iPad Air is the best option. There is only one camera on the rear, like the iPhone 16e, but, like the other iPhones arriving in late 2025, it offers 48MP. The front camera is 18MP and shares the features of the other late 2025 iPhones. Like the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max the iPhone Air features the A19 Pro chip, which is probably over kill for a phone like this, but will at least future-proof it. Read our full Apple iPhone Air (2025) review 5. Apple iPhone 16e – The cheapest iPhone Price When Reviewed: From $599 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $599 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The iPhone 16e arrived in February 2025 as a replacement for the iPhone SE. The iPhone 16e brought the Apple Intelligence AI-powered features at a slightly more budget friendly price. The 16e has only one camera on the rear, but its a lot better than the single camera on the iPhone SE was. It also offers better battery life than the iPhone 16. The iPhone 16e has a lot going for it compared to the iPhone 16 (below) despite its lower price as you will see if you read our comparisons of the iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16. Read our full Apple iPhone 16e review 6. Apple iPhone 16 Plus – Big screen, lower price Price When Reviewed: $899 Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $733.29 View Deal $929 View Deal $929.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price iPhone 16 Plus 128GB – Black – Unlocked $721 View Deal iPhone 16 Plus 128GB – Pink – Unlocked $740 View Deal iPhone 16 Plus 128GB – Ultramarine – Unlocked $745.87 View Deal iPhone 16 Plus 128GB – Teal – Unlocked $749 View Deal iPhone 16 Plus 128GB – White – Unlocked $777 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket View more prices We mentioned above that the iPhone Air has a 6.5-inch screen, which is a benefit if you want a larger screen than the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro offer, but there is another, even cheaper option, if you want a large screen on your iPhone: the iPhone 16 Plus with its 6.7-inch display. The iPhone 16 Plus was introduced in 2024 and has had a price cut since the arrival of the iPhone 17 range. It is the larger version of the iPhone 16, with the same specs and features, aside from the bigger display and better battery life. Apple is still selling the 128GB and 256GB models, and you could buy the 256GB iPhone 16 Plus for $100/£100 less than the equivalent iPhone Air. Unfortunately this will probably be the last iPhone sold in the Plus format as Apple hasn’t launched an iPhone 17 Plus. So if you want a large screen and don’t want to spend a fortune on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, or accept the sacrifices required with the iPhone Air, then this is the iPhone to buy. Read our full iPhone 16 and 16 Plus review 7. Apple iPhone 16 – The iPhone to avoid Price When Reviewed: NOW $699 for 128GB (WAS: $799/128GB, $899/256GB, $1,099/512GB) Best Prices Today: New Refurbished Retailer Price $829 View Deal $829.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price iPhone 16 128GB – Teal – Unlocked $702 View Deal iPhone 16 128GB – Pink – Unlocked $702 View Deal iPhone 16 128GB – Ultramarine – Unlocked $702 View Deal iPhone 16 128GB – Black – Unlocked $719.99 View Deal iPhone 16 128GB – White – Unlocked $724 View Deal Price comparison from Backmarket View more prices The iPhone 16 was a decent upgrade on the iPhone 15, bringing support for Apple Intelligence, longer battery life and the Camera Control button to make it faster and easier to take pictures. However, now that the iPhone 17 has arrived with twice as much storage at the entry level there isn’t a good reason to buy the iPhone 16, which though it costs $100/£100 less than the iPhone 17 doesn’t offer value for money. We discuss how the iPhone 16 compares to the iPhone 17 in a separate article. Read our full Apple iPhone 16 review How much do iPhones cost? Each year when Apple introduces a new set of iPhones it reduces the price of the older models it continues to sell. Below you will find pricing for U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia (scroll across to see pricing in your region). In the U.S., prices are subsidised by which ever carrier you sign up with and you pay more for an unlocked iPhone. In the U.K. and other countries an iPhone can be bought from Apple off contract and unlocked, so you can use it with an existing contract or switch networks to get a better deal. ModelRelease dateStorage optionsU.S. Price U.K. PriceCanada PriceAustralia PriceiPhone 17 Pro MaxSeptember 2025256GB512GB1TB2TB$1,199 $1,399$1,599$1,999£1,199£1,399£1,599£1,999$1,749$2,049$2,349$2,949$2,199$2,549$2,899$3,799iPhone 17 ProSeptember 2025256GB512GB1TB$1,099 $1,299$1,499£1,099£1,299£1,499$1,599$1,899$2,199$2,049$2,399$2,749iPhone AirSeptember 2025256GB512GB1TB$999 $1,199$1,399£999 £1,199£1,399$999 $1,199$1,399$1,799 $2,199$2,599iPhone 17 September 2025256GB512GB$799 $999£799 £999$1,129$1,429$1,399 $1,799iPhone 16 PlusSeptember 2024128GB256GB$799 $899£799£899$1,149$1,299$1,399$1,699iPhone 16September 2024128GB$699£699$999$1,249iPhone 16eFebruary 2025128GB256GB512GB$599$699$899£599£699£899$899$1,049$1,349$999$1,199$1,549iiPhone prices late 2025. You don’t have to pay full price for a new iPhone though. Read our iPhone deals roundup for more advice on getting the lowest possible price from various different resellers and the best contract deals. Design: How do the iPhones compare? APPLE Camera Control button: The whole iPhone 17 line up, the iPhone Air, and the iPhones 16 and 16 Plus all feature the Camera Control button on the side of the iPhone. The iPhone 16e lacks this button. The Camera Control button opens the Camera app and you can press it again to take a photo or record a video. The button is actually touch sensitive so you can use various gestures, such as sliding your finger over it to adjust exposure, for example. On the iPhone 16e you can set the Action button to open the camera and take a photograph, but you can’t fine tune settings in the same way. Action Button: The Action Button features on the whole of the iPhone 16 and 17 line up, and the iPhone Air. It is a customisable button that can perform certain actions, such as turning on the flashlight or silent mode. The Action Button is above the volume controls in the same position as the mute button on older iPhones. Dynamic Island: From the front all the iPhones are visually similar. Each iPhone has an area at the top of the screen that conceals the front camera and Face ID technology. On the iPhone 16e this is referred to as the notch. On the iPhone 17 series, iPhone Air and the iPhone 16 and 16 Push this is a smaller pill shaped adaptive area called the Dynamic Island that can display Live Activities and other software elements in a way that makes the notch a little more useful. Camera layout: Turn the iPhones over and the differences become much clearer. As you can see from the image above, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max have three lenses laid out in a triangle formation. For these models the flash and LiDAR scanner have been moved to the other side of what Apple is calling the Camera Plateau, where in older models they were closer to the lenses. The iPhone 16 has two lenses, one above the other, and the iPhone Air has a single lens on it’s own Camera Plateau that stretches the width of the iPhone, unlike the single lens of the iPhone 16e. Dimensions The most obvious difference is the dimensions and weight of each phone. We’ve detailed these in the chart below. Colors: While it’s very likely that you will put your iPhone in a case and never look at the color on the back again, the color choices available for each iPhone model is another area where there is a lot of difference. You can see the different colors on offer in the chart below. Here’s how the dimensions and colors compare: iPhoneDimensionsWeightColorsiPhone 17 Pro Max6.43 inches (163.4 mm) x 3.07 inches (78 mm) x 0.34 inch (8.75 mm)8.15 ounces (231 grams)Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue, SilveriPhone 17 Pro5.91 inches (150 mm) x 2.83 inches (71.9 mm) x 0.34 inches (8.75 mm)7.20 ounces (204 grams)Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue, SilveriPhone 175.89 inches (149 mm) x 2.81 inches (71.5 mm) x 0.31 inches (7.95 mm)6.24 ounces (177 grams)Lavender, Sage, Mist Blue, White, BlackiPhone Air6.15 inches (156.2 mm) x 2.94 inches (74.7 mm) x 0.22 inches (5.82 mm)6.24 ounces (177 grams)Sky Blue, Light Gold, Cloud White, Space BlackiPhone 16 Plus6.33 inches (160.9 mm) x 3.06 inches (77.8 mm) x 0.31 inch (7.80 mm)7.03 ounces (199 grams)Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White, BlackiPhone 165.81 inches (147.6 mm) x 2.82 inches (71.6 mm) x 0.31 inch (7.80 mm)6.00 ounces (170 grams)Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White, BlackiPhone 16e5.78 inches (146.7 mm) x 2.82 inches (71.5 mm) x 0.31 inch (7.80 mm)5.88 ounces (167 grams)Black, WhiteHow Apple’s iPhone lineup compares, late 2025. Screen: How are the iPhone displays different? The Pro and Pro Max iPhones used to be the only iPhones to offer ProMotion, which allows for an adaptive refresh rates, with the refresh rate going as high as 120Hz for really smooth scrolling and as low as 1Hz. This is no longer the case: the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air also feature ProMotion screens. And is doesn’t stop there: the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air also feature Always-On displays, which was another feature previously reserved for the Pro models. As a result the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max and iPhone Air all have identical screens. The iPhone 16, 16 Plus and 16e lack the ProMotion and Always-On displays, the peak outdoor brightness is higher on the newer iPhones as well, with the 17-series offering 3,000 nits peak, compared to 2,000 on the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus. The peak brightness on the iPhone 16e is 1,200 nits. The ability for the screen to get very very dim (down to 1 nit) while still remaining usable is also key as it’s great for use in dark rooms. The iPhone 16e is the only iPhone in the current line up that lacks this dimming feature. The Always-On screen, on all the iPhones except the 16e, means the iPhone can always display elements such as the time and date, notifications and Lock Screen widgets without it being necessary to wake the iPhone. The screen dims to minimize onscreen power usage to preserve battery life and it will turn off should you place it face down or walk away while wearing an Apple Watch. The screen size may be the most important factor in your decision. If you prefer a larger screen, you’ll want the “Pro Max” version. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a screen size of 6.9 inches diagonally. The next largest screen is on the iPhone 16 Plus at 6.7-inches, and then the iPhone Air at 6.5-inches. But even the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro have a 6.3-inch display which is by no means diminutive. The iPhone 16 and 16e have the smallest screensL: both are 6.1-inches. Camera: How do the iPhone cameras compare? The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max have a new camera configuration on the rear side.Foundry Rear cameras For many it’s the capabilities of the cameras that sell the iPhones, so it’s no wonder that every year Apple improves the camera on its iPhones, sometimes improving the tech, sometimes the software. The iPhone 17 still features a dual-camera array with wide and ultra-wide lenses, while only the Pro and Pro Max offer the additional telephoto lens. In 2024 the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max gained a 48 megapixel Ultra Wide camera and the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus gained a 48MP Fusion Main camera, which is also a feature of the 16e. This time all the rear cameras are upgraded to 48MP. In the case of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max that’s three 48MP cameras, two for the iPhone 17. The iPhone Air has the same 48MP Fusion Main camera as the 16e. The 48MP upgrade across the board should mean more detail when you crop into images. On the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air the extra pixels mean you can shoot 12MP shots as if you had a 2x Telephoto lens. The 48MP images will take up a lot more space though, so it is possible to switch to shooting in a 24MP resolution. The most impressive camera upgrade is reserved for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, of course, the telephoto zoom now achieves a 8x optical zoom, up from 5x. This extra lens is likely to be the reason why most people will opt for the 17 Pro over the standard iPhone 17. It offers a little more flexibility in terms of the kind of shots that can be taken, such as portraits and looming into the distance, and macro shots. The pro models also offer pro video recording features, including ProRes video recording up to 4K at 120 fps, LOG video recording and Academy Color Encoding. The iPhone 16e and iPhone Air feature a single-lens camera system, omitting certain advanced features found in higher-end models. However, it still delivers notable improvements over previous budget iPhones, with camera capabilities that are suitable for everyday photography needs. Front ‘selfie’ camera The front camera on all the 2025 iPhones, aside from the February 2025 iPhone 16e, is now 18MP, up from 12MP in the 16 and 16 Plus. The greater number of megapixels combined with a larger sensor results in more detailed images. The sensor isn’t only larger, it’s now square, which means that it is no longer necessary to turn the iPhone orientation to take portrait or landscape selfies, the image can be cropped for either orientation and can adjust on the fly to give a better framing, for example to include more people in a group shot. This is also beneficial for FaceTime, because the Centre Stage feature can make sure that subjects are kept centred during a call. Another feature for the late 2025 iPhones is the ability to record from the rear and front cameras at the same time, so you can capture your reaction. Also read: Which iPhone has the best camera? iPhoneCamerasVideoPhoto & video featuresiPhone 17 Pro and Pro MaxThree rear cameras: 48MP Main (ƒ/1.78 aperture), 48MP Ultra Wide (ƒ/2.2 aperture) and 48MP Telephoto (ƒ/2.8 aperture), second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 8x, 4x, 1x, 2x, 0.5x optical zoom, Adaptive True Tone flashFront camera: TrueDepth front camera, 18 MP (ƒ/1.9 aperture)Video: ProRes video recording up to 4K at up to 120 fps (with external recording), 4K video recording at up to 120 fps, 1080p HD video recording at up to 120 fps, HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 120 fps, Sensor-shift optical image stabilization for video, Spatial video up to 1080p at 30 fpsLOG video recording, Academy Color Encoding System, Photonic Engine, Night mode portraits, Night mode, new Photographic Styles, Macro photos, ProRaw, Smart HDR 5Cinematic mode, Macro video recording, Action Mode, Audio zoom, wind noise reductioniPhone 17Two rear cameras: 48MP Main (ƒ/1.6 aperture), 48MP Ultra Wide (ƒ/2.2 aperture), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 2x, 1x, 0.5x zoom, True Tone flashFront camera: TrueDepth front camera, 18MP (ƒ/1.9 aperture)Video: 4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps, 1080p HD video recording at 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps, HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 30 fps, Sensor-shift optical image stabilization for video, Spatial video up to 1080p at 30 fpsPhotonic Engine, Action Mode, Night mode, new Photographic Styles, Smart HDR 5Cinematic mode, Audio zoom, wind noise reductioniPhone AirOne rear cameras: 48MP Main (ƒ/1.6 aperture), optical image stabilization, 1x, 2x, zoom, True Tone flashFront camera: TrueDepth front camera, 18MP (ƒ/1.9 aperture)Video: 4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps, 1080p HD video recording at 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps, HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 30 fps, Sensor-shift optical image stabilization for video, Spatial video up to 1080p at 30 fpsPhotonic Engine, Action Mode, Night mode, new Photographic Styles, Smart HDR 5Cinematic mode, Audio zoom, wind noise reductioniPhone 16 and 16 PlusTwo rear cameras: 48MP Main (ƒ/1.6 aperture), 12MP Ultra Wide (ƒ/2.2 aperture), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 2x, 1x, 0.5x zoom, True Tone flashFront camera: TrueDepth front camera, 12MP (ƒ/1.9 aperture)Video: 4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps, 1080p HD video recording at 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps, HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60 fps, Sensor-shift optical image stabilization for video, Spatial video up to 1080p at 30 fpsPhotonic Engine, Action Mode, Night mode, new Photographic Styles, Smart HDR 5Cinematic mode, Audio zoom, wind noise reductioniPhone 16eOne rear cameras: 48MP Main (ƒ/1.6 aperture), optical image stabilization, 1x, 2x, zoom, True Tone flashFront camera: TrueDepth front camera, 12MP (ƒ/1.9 aperture)Video: 4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps, 1080p HD video recording at 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps, optical image stabilization for videoPhotonic Engine, Night mode, Photographic Styles, Smart HDR 5, wind noise reductionThe camera features of the late 2025 iPhone lineup. Safety features: Emergency protection Apple introduced some safety features with the iPhone 14 series in 2022 and these are available on all iPhones since. These features include a Crash Detection feature and Satellite Connectivity for emergency phone calls. Crash detection uses the gyroscope and accelerometer in the iPhones to recognize if the vehicle you are in has crashed. If the iPhone thinks you’ve been involved in a crash, it will call emergency services and notify your preferred contacts (unless you tell it not to). All phones offer the ability to send an Emergency SOS, and the iPhone 14 and later can do so via satellite, which would be useful if you were in an area with no signal. You just need to be able to establish a clear view of the sky, and be in a country that supports the feature (many do now). Thanks to the feature your iPhone can alert the emergency services to your location in an emergency, the iPhone will also contact your emergency contact. New for the 2025 iPhones are expanded emergency features, including the ability to text your location to emergency services via satellite. Durability: Which iPhone is the toughest? Another factor in the choice of which iPhone to choose is how durable the model is. How likely are you to damage the iPhone? All iPhones on sale right now offer a Ceramic Shield front, which should mean that the glass on the front is less likely to smash if you drop it. The iPhones 17 Pro Max, Pro, iPhone 17 and iPhone Air feature Ceramic Shield 2, which Apple says offers 3x better scratch resistance. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, and iPhone Air also have a Ceramic Shield back for extra protection. Only the iPhone Air is constructed from Titanium. In 2024 the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max were Titanium, but for 2025 the Pro and Pro Max are aluminium, as is the iPhone 17, and the 16 and 16 Plus. Titanium is more durable than aluminum, however the construction of the iPhone 17 Pro from aerospace-grade 7000-series aluminium should mean that it is tough enough. The aluminum design is also beneficial for thermal management, for which the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max uses a vapour chamber for the first time. Despite these design features for better durability, dropping an iPhone is likely to damage it, and scratches can still appear on surfaces, so we recommend using a case. For our recommendations see our round-up of the Best iPhone 17 cases and Best iPhone 16 cases. The other way people damage their iPhones is by dropping them in water. All current iPhones are rated as water resistant to a depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes (IP68). That’s water resistant, not water proof, so we still wouldn’t recommend getting your iPhone wet though because Apple will know if it’s gotten wet and it could void your warranty should anything go wrong. Which iPhone would be worse off if you dropped it? Eugen Wegmann Specs: Storage and processor options The A19 Pro in the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max is distinguished primarily by an extra GPU core (6-core GPU), though it also has super video hardware to support the Pro video features. The iPhone Air also shares the A19 Pro, but with one fewer GPU core (5-core GPU). Our tests show that the A19 in the iPhone 17 is faster than the A18 found in the iPhone 16, 16 Plus. There is one fewer GPU core in the iPhone 16e (4-core GPU, compared to 5-core GPU in the 17, 16 and 16 Plus). Missing from the late 2025 iPhones is a 128GB storage configuration, with all models now starting with 256GB. The best news is that the iPhone 17 now starts with 256GB at the same price as the 128GB iPhone 16 used to be sold for. For this reason the 128GB iPhone 16 really looks like a poor deal in comparison, since it is only $100/£100 less and has half the storage. Each iPhone is available in between three and four capacity options. It’s important to consider how much you need before buying because iPhones don’t have a microSD card slot that will allow you to add additional storage at a later date. For the typical iPhone user, 128GB might have proven too small, especially with 48MP images, but the 256GB starting point should be sufficient . One reason you may not need more storage is if you choose to sync your data to the cloud. If you pay a monthly fee for iCloud storage all your data will be available on any of your devices, and crucially your photos will be stored in the cloud rather than on your device, freeing up many gigabytes of space. iCloud starts at $0.99/£0.99 for 50GB. See How much does iCloud cost for more information, including Australian and Canadian prices. Before you decide how much storage you need have a look at your current phone’s usage (go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage) and think about how much space you really need. Read How much storage do you need on an iPhone? for more advice. iPhoneProcessorStorageBattery lifeiPhone 17 Pro MaxA19 Pro chip, 6-core CPU, 6-core GPU256GB512GB1TB2TBUp to 37 hours video playback, up to 50% charge in 20 minutes with 40W adapteriPhone 17 ProA19 Pro chip, 6-core CPU, 6-core GPU256GB512GB1TBUp to 31 hours video playback, up to 50% charge in 20 minutes with 30W adapter or higheriPhone AirA19 Pro chip, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU256GB512GB1TBUp to 27 hours video playback, up to 50% charge in 30 minutes with 20W or 30W adapteriPhone 17A19 chip, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU256GB512GBUp to 30 hours video playback, up to 50% charge in 20 minutes with 40W adapter or higheriPhone 16 PlusA18 chip, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU128GB256GBUp to 27 hours video playback, up to 50% charge in 35 minutes with 20W adapter or higheriPhone 16A18 chip, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU128GBUp to 24 hours video playback, up to 50% charge in 30 minutes with 20W adapter or higheriPhone 16eA18 chip, 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU128GB256GB512GBUp to 26 hours video playback, up to 50% charge in 30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher Battery: Battery life and charging The iPhone 17 models offer a boost in battery life over the iPhone 16 series. Apple’s official battery life and charging times can be seen in the table above, but in our testing, the difference in battery life was even more pronounced—we saw battery life improvements across the range. In the demanding Geekbench 4 battery test, the iPhone 17 lasted for 1,053 minutes, which is a 21 percent improvement on the iPhone 16’s 867 minutes. That’s ahead of the iPhone Air (880 minutes) and iPhone 16e (818 minutes). Unbeaten is the iPhone 17 Pro Max at 1,560 minutes. As a point of comparison, the iPhone 16 Pro in 2024 scored 988. The new iPhones benefit from the efficiency of the A19-series chips and the new C1X cellular modem that uses 30% less energy. Charging speeds are also improved with even new faster charging with a 40W charger. We compare battery life, capacity, mah and watt hours for every iPhone separately. Software: Which iPhones get Apple Intelligence Apple Intelligence, the suite of AI features that include writing tools, image generation, image recognition, “Genmoji” emoji generation, and new capabilities for Siri is available on all the iPhones currently sold by Apple. The discontinued iPhone 15 and 15 Plus did not support Apple Intelligence features, even though the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max were Apple Intelligence ready. While there is nothing drastically important that you might miss out on if you don’t have Apple Intelligence right now, it’s likely that in time not having Apple Intelligence will be more of a hinderance than it is currently. As more impressive AI features arrive, we anticipate that Apple Intelligence capable phones will become even more attractive, so if you don’t want to be suffering from FOMO then get on the AI bandwagon now with an Apple Intelligence-capable phone. Find out about what Apple Intelligence is by reading our guide: Apple Intelligence: what is it and how to use it. Should I buy an old iPhone? As mentioned above, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus do not support Apple Intelligence, so if you saw one on sale, most likely as a refurbished model, we wouldn’t recommend buying it. However there are some other discontinued iPhones that could be worth buying, at the right price. Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Price When Reviewed: $1,199 Best Prices Today: $1199 at Apple | $1199.99 at Best Buy We recommend the iPhone 16 Pro Max if you find one at a good price. It is a larger version of 2024’s iPhone 16 Pro. It boosts excellent battery life, thanks to its larger battery, and an even bigger screen than the previous generation, up from 6.7-inches to 6.9-inches. Apple iPhone 16 Pro Read our review Price When Reviewed: $999 (Discontinued) Best Prices Today: $999 at Apple | $999 at Apple | $999.99 at Best Buy The Pro version of the iPhone 16 is also a good buy. It comes in a super tough titanium shell (unlike it’s replacement) and offers better performance and battery life than the standard iPhone 16. The photo and video capabilities are where the Pro models stand out. They include a 5x telephoto camera, a sharper 48-megapixel Ultra Wide camera, and support for high-end formats like ProRAW, HLG video, and video recording at up to 4K and 120fps. And yes, it includes the new Camera Control button. Which iPhone should I buy? The best iPhone you can buy right now is the iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone 17 Pro Max, depending on whether you want a larger display or not. The iPhone 17 is much better value, though. It includes many of the features that used to set the iPhone and iPhone Pro apart, such as the ProMotion display. If you choose that iPhone you are giving up is the 8x telephoto camera and some high-end video features. You could save money and opt instead for an iPhone 16e, which might appeal if you are on a tight budget. We think that the iPhone 16e is a good option if you don’t mind forgoing the additional cameras, and a much better option than the iPhone 16, which we feel is overpriced now in comparison to the iPhone 17. Once you have chosen your new iPhone be sure to read our iPhone setup guide. How to buy an iPhone On contract The two most common ways to buy an iPhone are SIM-free from Apple itself or a third-party reseller (which is where the pricing information throughout this information fits in, because you’ll be paying upfront for the phone, you will own it, and you will then need to pay for a SIM-only contract for minutes, texts and data), or buying an iPhone on contract. A contract usually starts with an upfront payment that will vary depending on the iPhone model you go for and also how much you’ll be paying each month. That upfront payment is followed by monthly payments, normally for a total of 24 months, after which you own the phone (in most cases). Those monthly payments also cover data, minutes and texts. The following networks are worth checking for their contract offers: AT&T Sprint T-Mobile Verizon Optimum Mobile Boost Infinite U.K. readers can find iPhone contracts from the following networks: O2 EE Vodafone Three Tesco Mobile Sky Mobile Virgin Mobile And from the following third-party resellers: Carphone Warehouse Mobiles.co.uk E2save Mobile Phones Direct Using the iPhone Upgrade Program Apple offers a scheme called the iPhone Upgrade Program, which works with your carrier and starts at $39.50/£42.95 per month. You can then upgrade to the new iPhone each time one is announced, staying on the same or a very similar plan. You should be cautious about the value this offers, but in some circumstances, it may be the right approach for you. The scheme works slightly differently in the U.K., where this is for a SIM-free iPhone. You will also need to get a SIM-only contract for your data, minutes and texts. You do get AppleCare+ included in the Upgrade Program, though, which is a two-year insurance for your iPhone that will cover you for two incidents of accidental damage. You’ll still have to pay an excess fee should you need to use it, but it’ll be much cheaper than having to cough up the full price of a repair. Buying a second-hand and refurbished iPhone You’ll have noticed that buying an iPhone doesn’t come cheap. However, if you’re strapped for cash you don’t have to dismiss the idea of buying an iPhone completely. You may be able to get a good deal on one of the older handsets if someone is looking to sell their current handset. Here are or recommendations of the best place to buy a used iPhone. Considering alternatives to iPhone? By now we hope we’ve helped you to find the perfect iPhone for you. Of course, there are alternatives outside Apple’s ecosystem. Our sister site Tech Advisor can help you find the best phone if you’re considering switching to Android (or maybe just want to laugh at the competition).

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iPadOS 26.2 beta 3 adds key upgrade to Slide Over and Split View
iPadOS 26 brought an all-new multitasking experience to the iPad, but it came at the cost of Slide Over, an omission that proved controversial among iPad users. It also removed key Split View features as well. With iPadOS 26.1, Apple responded to some of that feedback and added a new version of Slide Over back to the iPad. Now, Apple has released iPadOS 26.2 beta 3 and it gives Slide Over and Split View on iPad another improvement. more…

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Why the Apple TV series ‘Palm Royale’ doesn’t film in Palm Beach, Florida
The second season of “Palm Royale” returned Wednesday, November 12, 2025 with the first episode. Each episode will follow weekly until… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Sixth Beijing Apple Store set to open on December 6
Apple will be opening its sixth store in Beijing, China on December 6, with an all-new location at the Huiji Shopping Center.Logo for the Beijing Huiji Apple StoreAn update to Apple's regional retail pages covering China has revealed it is preparing to open a new store in Beijing. The sixth in the capital, the store is at the Huiji Shopping Center, also known as the Livat Center, in Daxing District in Beijing.Apple is located on the first floor of the mall, which first opened in 2014. Containing 455 stores, the mall has three levels and 7,050 parking spaces, which earned it the Guinness Record for the world's biggest underground parking lot in 2016. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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iOS 26.2 may let EU users shift from Siri to other voice assistants
Apple may soon let users in the EU choose their default virtual assistant, according to code references in the third iOS 26.2 developer beta.Users in the EU may soon be able to set a default virtual assistant other than Siri.On Monday, Apple rolled out iOS 26.2 developer beta 3. While the beta software update contains various quality-of-life enhancements, it also suggests a major Siri-related change is on the horizon, at least for users in the European Union.Prior iOS releases have already offered hints that Apple was laying the groundwork for third-party AI support beyond ChatGPT integration. Monday's iOS 26.2 developer beta offers more evidence of the iPhone maker's plans, with text strings indicating that non-Apple assistants will be usable in place of Siri in the European Union. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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iOS 26.2 adds a cool Liquid Glass effect to the native Level tool [Updated]
Update, November 17, 3:15 p.m. ET:: Apple has improved the level indicator’s visibility on iOS 26.2 beta 3. More details below the original story. Apple released iOS 26.2 beta 2 earlier today, and it continued its system-wide overhaul of the Liquid Glass visual concept with a nice interface update to the Level tool inside the Measure app. Here’s what it looks like. more…

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Apple releases beautiful new wallpaper for iPhone and more, download here
There’s a new Apple Store opening next month in Beijing, and to celebrate, Apple has released a beautiful new wallpaper for iPhone, iPad, and Mac that users around the world will enjoy. You can download the new wallpaper below. more…

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ChronoSync 12 and ChronoAgent 12
Upgraded synchronization and backup tools bring full compatibility with macOS 26 Tahoe and added features. ($49.99 new for ChronoSync, $19.99 new for ChronoAgent, free updates for previous licenses, various sizes, macOS 10.14+)

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Don’t expect the Apple Watch to change much for the next two years
Macworld Like the iPhone, the Apple Watch is stuck in a (very successful) rut. With the notable exception of the Apple Watch Ultra, a niche variant for people who love massive watches, the watch we have today is nearly indistinguishable from the ones Apple sold back in 2018. There have been little nips and tucks since the Series 4—minuscule changes to the bezel size or watch thickness—but you’d be hard-pressed to tell today’s Apple Watch from the one Apple sold 7 years ago. Most of the updates have been to the internal components. Faster and more capable processors, improved sensors, brighter displays, faster charging, and other welcome changes have kept Apple Watch on top. It’s the best-selling watch of any kind in the world. According to a Weibo post from leaker Instant Digital (with a mixed record), Apple Watch is due for another routine upgrade year in 2026 and 2027. This contradicts an earlier report from DigiTimes (a source that also has a mixed record) previously claimed that there would be a big redesign in 2026 related to some new sensors. This new source claims the big design change is now two years away, with the aim of arriving a year after the 20th anniversary iPhone, which is expected to arrive in late 2027. At this point, it’s hard to know what to believe—rumors of significant redesigns to the Apple Watch are fairly common and never seem to materialize. The so-called Apple Watch X never arrived, nor did the big change bringing redesigned band connectors. In some cases, “redesign” is somewhat misconstrued…what counts as a “redesign” ends up being a very minimal change, such as a slightly changed Digital Crown or an almost imperceptible change in thickness.

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Firefox 145
Updates the venerable Web browser with several handy improvements. (Free, 143.2 MB, macOS 10.15+)

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Official Nomad 2025 Black Friday sale now live at up 75% off: Leather iPhone cases, Apple Watch bands, Find My cards, more
Okay, here we go folks – the official Nomad 2025 Black Friday sale is now live! One of our absolute favorite Apple gear accessory brands is now offering deep price drops across just about everything it sells with only a few minor exceptions. There are no promo codes needed here, everything that’s on sale is automatically marked down by as much as 75% off and it’s now up for grabs – get in there quick, the best stuff can sell out quick.  more…

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Apple may roll Fitness+ into new Health+ service
Apple is considering folding its Fitness+ subscription service into a broader Health+ offering, amid an internal review triggered by recent… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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MagSafe Monday: ESR CryoBoost 3-in-1 charger keeps your iPhone cool while delivering Qi2.2 fast charging
When it comes to travel chargers that charge all of your gear (sans a laptop), I’ve tried a ton over the years, and most have some kind of downside with either size or power. The ESR CryoBoost Foldable 3-in-1 Magnetic Charging Station might finally be the one that solves all of my charging annoyances without any real drawbacks that I can see. It’s compact enough to toss in a crossbody, delivers 25W Qi2.2 fast charging with active cooling, and charges your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods at the same time. If you travel often or just want to simplify your daily charging setup, this might be one of the top 3-in-1 chargers on the market. more…

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SoundSource 5.8.10
Brings full macOS 26 Tahoe support to the audio control utility. ($45 new, free update, 38.7 MB, macOS 14.5+)

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Benefits of the AI Bubble
The dot-com bubble left us fiber and a Web‑savvy workforce; the AI bubble will leave behind chip fabs and power generation. Ben Thompson argues that bursting bubbles build foundations on which the next wave of technology can grow.Read original article

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iOS 26.2’s new AirDrop feature upgrade revealed in beta 3
iOS 26.2 beta 3 arrived today, and while it’s relatively light on new features, the update has revealed a new AirDrop upgrade that had previously only been hinted at. more…

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Apple may finally let users switch from Siri to another voice assistant
Macworld Apple has just released the third beta of iOS 26.2 as it eyes a likely December release. The update isn’t a huge one, but it does bring some interesting improvements, such as further tweaks to the Liquid Glass interface, offline lyrics in Apple Music, and enhancements to Apple Podcasts. Under the hood, however, the update revealed something even more interesting: the ability to replace Siri with another voice assistant. How Apple plans to let users swap Siri for another option Code hidden in iOS 26.2 beta 3, which is now available to developers, reveals that Apple has been developing a new framework to allow users to choose a different default voice assistant. It’s still unclear how exactly the feature will work, as it’s currently disabled for users, but references in the code give us an idea. As seen by Macworld, there will be a new section in the Settings app to let users choose another voice assistant as the default. When another voice assistant is selected, it can be activated using the side button just like Siri. In previous betas of iOS 26.2, Macworld had already found evidence that Apple was experimenting with customizable controls for the side button on the iPhone. Although the code is quite preliminary, it suggests that third-party voice assistants will also be able to show some kind of special interface on the iPhone’s Home Screen (known internally as Springboard) instead of simply opening a separate app. For example, such a feature could allow users to switch from Siri to ChatGPT or Gemini at a higher level system, with deeper integrations. In recent years, Apple has been making iOS more open when it comes to choices such as setting default apps for certain actions. Today’s findings align with a Bloomberg report from May, which claimed that Apple was planning to let users switch from Siri to another voice assistant to comply with European Union regulations. Of course, the option should also satisfy users who have been unhappy with Apple’s own virtual assistant, especially given that the company has yet to deliver the new generation of Siri powered by Apple Intelligence. But again, the feature may end up being limited for users in the EU.

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9to5Mac Daily: November 17, 2025 – Tim Cook succession planning, more
Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players. Sponsored by CardPointers: The best way to maximize your credit card rewards. 9to5Mac Daily listeners can exclusively save 50% and get a $100 Savings Card.   more…

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