Let’s get this out of the way: the iPhone 17 looks… like an iPhone. Who could’ve possibly seen that coming?
That’s not a bad thing, though. The iPhone’s design is iconic: flat edges, big display, and that unmistakable camera bump. But with the 17, Apple has shaved off a few millimetres here, tightened up bezels there, and given the Pro models some serious upgrades that make them feel lighter and more premium.
So while your mates might not notice at first glance that you’ve upgraded, side by side, the refinements are obvious. Let’s break it down.
Does the iPhone 17 Look Different from the iPhone 16?
Not really… unless you’re paying attention.
The iPhone 17 keeps the same flat-edged design introduced with the iPhone 12. Buttons and ports are in familiar places, and the overall silhouette hasn’t changed. But the bezels are slimmer, giving you just that little bit more screen without increasing the size of the phone.
On the Pro models, the aluminum unibody design is the star of the show. It’s lighter than the stainless steel from older iPhones, and when held side by side with the iPhone 16 Pro, it feels sleeker and a touch more refined (though it’s still unmistakably an iPhone).
The camera bump? Still there, still chunky, still instantly recognisable. Apple has tweaked the lens arrangement slightly on the Pro Max, thanks to the upgraded periscope zoom, but it won’t jump out as radically new.
What Colors Does the iPhone 17 Come In?
Apple loves its annual color refresh, partly so you can show off that you’ve bought the new one without anyone asking. The iPhone 17 lineup sticks with that tradition.
- iPhone 17 and 17 Plus - These are the fun ones, with the 17 and 17 Plus coming in lavender, sage, blue, black, and white.
- iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max - The Pros tend to stick to premium, understated tones, with the 17 Pro and Pro Max coming in the new cosmic orange, blue, and silver.
If you’re the type who flips your phone every year or two, neutral colors (like black or silver) usually fetch higher resale prices. The “fun” colors are great if you plan to hold onto your phone, but they can limit your buyer pool down the road.
So yes, you can pick your personality here: vibrant and playful, or muted and professional. Either way, you’ll still end up covering it with a case.
How Big Is the iPhone 17?
Apple hasn’t reinvented its sizing with the iPhone 17 lineup, but there are a few subtle changes worth pointing out.
- iPhone 17 - 6.3-inch display
- iPhone 17 Pro - 6.3 or 6.9inch
- iPhone 17 Pro Max - 6.9-inch
- [New!] iPhone 17 Air - 6.5 inch
In real life? The Pro Max is edging dangerously close to iPad Mini territory. It’s fantastic for watching videos, gaming, or editing photos, but you can forget about one-handed use. The regular 17 and 17 Pro are far more pocket-friendly, while the Plus and Pro Max are for those who treat their phone as a mini-tablet.
If you’re already used to a Pro Max, the size bump isn’t dramatic. But if you’re coming from a smaller phone, brace yourself: this thing will feel enormous.
Is the iPhone 17 Heavier or Lighter?
Weight has always been a sore spot for the iPhone crowd. Nobody wants a phone that doubles as a dumbbell.
- iPhone 17 and 17 Plus - Still aluminium with Ceramic Shield 2, so they’re light and easy to hold. If you’re used to a Pro model, these feel noticeably less hefty in the hand.
- [New!] IPhone Air - Titanium with Ceramic Shield 2 (it’s the thinnest iPhone yet and super light)
- iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max - Back to aluminum with Ceramic Shield 2. Compared to the iPhone 14 Pro Max, this feels much lighter.
In short, the iPhone 17 lineup is lighter than it looks, especially the Pro models. But if you’re hoping the Pro Max is suddenly pocket-friendly, think again. This is still a big phone, it just won’t break your wrist after an hour of doom scrolling.
What About the Display?
The display is where Apple flexes its refinement muscles every year, and the iPhone 17 lineup is no exception.
- Brighter and Sharper - All models now feature brighter OLED panels (3,000 nits at peak brightness). Apple claims better outdoor visibility, and in practice, the screen does hold up better in direct sunlight compared to the iPhone 16. HDR content pops more, too, with movies, games, and even Instagram feeds looking more vibrant.
- ProMotion Perfected - ProMotion is no longer a Pro-only perk… the entire iPhone 17 lineup now enjoys that 120Hz refresh rate.
- 60Hz for Regular Models - Here’s the disappointment: the standard iPhone 17 and 17 Plus are still stuck at 60Hz. Apple loves keeping this as a Pro-only perk, even though cheaper Android phones have been pushing 120Hz for years.
To sum it up, the displays are brighter, more efficient, and better outdoors. But unless you go Pro, you’re still not getting the full smoothness Apple has been dangling for years.
Anything Else New in the Design?
Beyond the obvious size, bezels, and camera tweaks, Apple has made a few smaller design changes that are worth noting.
Apple iPhone 17 Notable Design Features
Nothing too radical in terms of design, but enough of a polish to keep the iPhone 17 feeling fresh, even if the design DNA is largely unchanged.
So… Does the iPhone 17 Look Any Different At All?
If you were hoping Apple would shock the world with a foldable iPhone or a completely new design language, the iPhone 17 isn’t it.
At a glance, it looks almost identical to the iPhone 16. The differences (slimmer bezels, unibody design on the Pro models, slightly chunkier camera lenses) are the kind you’d only notice when holding the phones side by side.
Apple’s strategy is clear: refine, not reinvent. And honestly? It works. The iPhone’s look is timeless, and while competitors throw wild curves and folding screens into the mix, Apple prefers slow, steady evolution.
The iPhone 17 Looks Like an iPhone, Because That’s What Works
So what does the iPhone 17 look like? It looks like… an iPhone. Sleek, premium, and instantly recognisable.
For most people, the design changes won’t be a deciding factor. But if you care about the details (unibody design, slimmer bezels, new colors), the iPhone 17 feels like the most refined version of Apple’s design yet.
