Is Apple’s new device just a bunch of hot iPhone Air?

As is customary, every fall Apple announces its “best ever” iPhone iteration. While this is iPad Pilot News, we know the iPhone has become a critical tool in the cockpit, nicely complementing an iPad and improving safety and efficiency. For that reason, we think it’s important to be aware of new technology that might enhance a pilot’s ability to ensure a successful flight. This year’s iPhone lineup revealed a new iPhone 17 and 17 Pro, along with an unusual new product. The iPhone Air is the first new Apple mobile device category launched in many years.

What’s New with iPhone 17

This year’s iPhone 17 announcement reveals only a modest upgrade from the previous iPhone 16. This new entry-level iPhone includes a few notable features previously exclusive to last year’s iPhone Pro, such as the ProMotion display with a dynamic 120Hz refresh rate. The 120Hz display makes a noticeable difference when scrolling through a news feed or panning around on a large map. The dynamic refresh rate also conserves battery by automatically reducing during periods when the phone is not in use.

What else is new on iPhone 17:

• New A19 chip
• 5-core GPU with Neural Accelerators
• N1 wireless networking chip with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6
• Powerful upgrades to the advanced camera system
• New colors with aluminum finish
• 120Hz adaptive refresh rate

The iPhone 17 (starting at $799 for 256GB) can be pre-ordered starting today.

What’s New with iPhone 17 Pro

This year’s “Pro” model isn’t a giant leap in mobile computing technology but does feature a few interesting changes from previous iPhones. Apple has replaced the much-touted titanium frame, and the iPhone 17 Pro gets an all-new aluminum alloy unibody with a vapor chamber to efficiently dissipate heat. This is necessary because the new 6-core A19 Pro CPU, combined with a 6-core GPU, delivers performance rivaling Apple’s laptops. The Pro also features an improved Ceramic Shield front glass that better resists scratches, and the back is now Ceramic Shield instead of standard glass. Both the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro have improved charging capabilities, reaching 50 percent charge in 20 minutes with an optional high-wattage USB-C power source.

What else is new on iPhone 17 Pro:

• 40% faster A19 Pro chip
• Larger batteries
• New orange color
• New 48MP zoom camera
• New pro video modes

There are two models: the iPhone 17 Pro (starting at $1099 for 256GB) and iPhone 17 Pro Max (starting at $1199 for 256GB), both of which can be pre-ordered starting today.

What’s Up with the iPhone Air?

Apple claims the iPhone Air is the thinnest iPhone ever. While it measures only 5.6mm at its thinnest point, the prominent “plateau” increases the thickness substantially. Performance-wise, the iPhone Air sits between the entry-level iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Pro. It features the same A19 Pro chip as the iPhone 17 Pro, a new Ceramic Shield front display that resists scratches, and a large battery. For photo enthusiasts, the iPhone Air has a single rear camera, but cockpit selfies are simplified with a front camera that automatically adjusts the frame. While the large plateau may seem unusual, it’s impressive that Apple managed to fit nearly all critical technology for the phone within that space.

• A 5.6mm thin titanium design with a high-gloss finish
• Ceramic Shield 2 on the front and back offers 3x better scratch resistance and 4x better crack resistance
• The 48MP Fusion main camera provides four lens options, enhanced low-light performance, and next-gen portraits
• An 18MP Center Stage front camera enables vertical landscape selfies, 4K HDR video, and Dual Capture
• A19 Pro, N1, and C1X chips deliver top performance, Wi-Fi 7, and all-day battery life with iOS 26 optimizations

The iPhone Air (starting at $999 for 256GB) can be pre-ordered starting today.

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Chris Clarke

Having a childhood dream of aviation, Chris first became an Aviation Explorer, motivating him to earn his private pilot's license as a teenager. During his four years at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, he earned his commercial multi-engine certificate with an instrument rating. While experimenting in seaplanes, gliders, and a variety of other personal aircraft, Chris developed a passion for general aviation and shares that passion as he develops aviation training apps and content for Sporty's Pilot Shop. He owns a vintage Cessna 172.

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