Hello everyone, and welcome back to ManhHao PC. I’m your host, Manh Hào, and today we’re talking about one of the most anticipated launches of the year: the iPhone 17 series. Apple has unveiled four new models — the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and a brand-new name in the lineup, the iPhone Air.
This event, called “Awe Dropping,” once again drew the world’s attention to Cupertino. But when the lights dimmed and the dust settled, many users and critics were left with one big question: where exactly is Apple trying to take us with these new devices?
Let’s start with the star of curiosity — the iPhone Air. Just 5.6 mm thin, it’s Apple’s thinnest phone ever and truly an engineering marvel. It almost disappears in your pocket. But here’s the trade-off: to achieve this slim profile, Apple cut back on features.
The Air has only one rear camera — the same number as the budget iPhone SE — while the standard iPhone 17 packs two. For everyday users, that means less flexibility and no ultra-wide lens. Battery life also takes a hit, with just 3,149 mAh. Apple introduced a new MagSafe battery pack, but it costs an extra $99. It feels ironic: a phone designed to be light now depends on a chunky accessory for real-world use.
Charging is slower too — 20W wireless instead of 25W, and wired charging takes longer than the rest of the lineup. Even 5G mmWave support is missing. So yes, the iPhone Air looks stunning, but it risks being more of a fashion accessory than a full-fledged flagship.
On the other end, we have the iPhone 17 Pro. Packed with the A19 Pro chip, improved cooling, three 48 MP cameras, and great battery life, it sounds like the dream phone for power users. But the design has raised eyebrows. The rear camera bump is larger than ever, and the new MagSafe area has a strange look — some compare it to a credit card slot. Functionally, the Pro is a beast. Aesthetically, it’s more divisive than ever.
The deeper issue, though, is Apple’s overall strategy. With the iPhone Air and iPhone Pro, Apple seems to be splitting its audience into two extremes: those who want ultra-thin style and those who demand raw power. But what about the middle ground — users who want both elegance and performance? That balance, once Apple’s hallmark, seems harder to find.
And then there’s AI. While competitors like Google and Samsung are weaving AI into every part of the experience, Apple barely touched on it this year. Siri’s long-awaited upgrade is delayed until 2026, leaving Apple’s AI story weak compared to rivals. Hardware like the A19 Pro chip feels underutilized without smarter software to match.
The iPhone 17 series will surely sell — Apple’s brand power is unmatched. But beneath the shine, many feel this generation is one of compromise: thin but limited with the Air, powerful but bulky with the Pro, and overall, still waiting for Apple’s true AI leap.
So what do you think — is the iPhone 17 series a bold step forward, or just a transitional year for Apple? Personally, I see it as a mix of brilliance and hesitation.
That’s it for today’s episode of ManhHao PC. Thanks for tuning in, and if you enjoyed this discussion, don’t forget to follow the podcast so you don’t miss the next one. I’m Manh Hào, and I hope to see you in another episode soon. Until then, stay curious and keep exploring.