Hands-on with the iPhone 17 lineup, including the wispy Air and the lumpy Pro

CUPERTINO, Calif.—Apple's latest iPhone 17 series marks a significant evolution in its smartphone offerings, moving beyond the simplicity of a single new model to a diverse range of options. Over the past decade, the introduction of various sizes and models has transformed the landscape of iPhones, culminating in this year’s addition of the iPhone Air. With the launch of the iPhone 17 lineup, buyers now encounter an array of choices that cater to different preferences in size, weight, performance, price, and camera capabilities. While having so many options is beneficial, it also necessitates a deeper understanding of which model best suits individual needs. Our hands-on experience with all four new iPhone models reveals distinct features suited for various users. The lineup no longer includes the iPhone mini or iPhone Plus; instead, the iPhone Air emerges as a unique entrant. Measuring just over two-thirds the thickness of the standard iPhone 17, the Air is designed to be lightweight and sleek, at 0.22 inches thick and weighing 5.82 ounces. In contrast, the iPhone 17 is thicker at 0.31 inches and weighs 6.24 ounces. The last time a full-size iPhone approached the Air's lightness was with the iPhone 12, which weighed 5.78 ounces but had a smaller 6.1-inch display compared to the Air's generous 6.5 inches.