# Apple is SO close to winning me over Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJWvYvCJ0os Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/IJWvYvCJ0os Generated: 2025-12-31T18:33:41.575+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview The presenter ultimately concludes that while the rumored iPhone 17 (non-Pro) offers compelling upgrades like the 120Hz ProMotion display and better durability than its predecessor, the experience remains hampered by software quirks like poor screenshot management and connectivity issues, making the standard iPhone 17 the best rounded option over the Pro Max, which is significantly more expensive. **Key Points:** - The presenter spent time with rumored iPhone models including the iPhone 16e, 17, Air, and 17 Pro, anticipating the new iOS features. - The iPhone 17 Air's design is praised for being sleek and light, but the physical ergonomics, especially the thin frame edge, create a pressure point on the pinky finger. - The iPhone 17 model includes significant hardware upgrades like a 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide camera, 12MP Macro camera, stereo speakers, and 256GB base storage for the Pro Max. - The iPhone 17 Pro Max, featuring a 2TB storage option, has a high price tag of $1999 USD, which the presenter finds hard to justify. - The presenter experienced software issues on iOS 26, including inconsistent Wi-Fi/cellular tethering and buggy behavior like the phone becoming unresponsive, which were also present on other iPhones. - Benchmark testing shows the iPhone 17 scoring 3744 in single-core Geekbench 6, outperforming the iPhone 16 (3506) but falling behind the Pro models. - The iPhone 17 received 1600 nits peak brightness (HDR Off) and 3001 nits (HDR On, 1% window), beating the Pro models in some HDR tests. ![Screenshot at 0:02: A comparison graphic of the rumored iPhone lineup: iPhone 16e \($599\), iPhone 17 \($799\), iPhone Air \($999\), and iPhone 17 Pro \($1099\), setting the stage for feature differentiation.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/IJWvYvCJ0os/00-00-02.jpg) **Context:** The video explores the rumored specifications and early impressions of Apple's anticipated iPhone 17 lineup, comparing the expected features across the base, Air, Pro, and Pro Max models. The presenter contrasts these rumored features with the reality of using an iPhone for 30 days coming from an Android device, focusing heavily on ergonomic concerns, software usability (especially iOS 26 quirks), and hardware improvements like display technology and camera specs, while also featuring a giveaway for a dbrand TriFold phone skin. ## Detailed Analysis The presenter begins by expressing his annual hope that the new iPhone will inspire him to switch back to iOS, noting that every year he is disappointed when the software updates fall short. He then details the rumored iPhone lineup, including the iPhone 16e ($599), iPhone 17 ($799), iPhone Air ($999), and iPhone 17 Pro ($1099). The presenter spent time with the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro Max to test them. He found the iPhone 17 Air's design sleek and light, but its thin frame creates an uncomfortable pressure point on the pinky finger when held one-handed. Ergonomic issues also surface when trying to use the camera control button without pressing it accidentally. The iPhone 17 base model, however, he found to be 'absolutely outstanding' compared to the previous generation, resolving nearly every issue he had with the iPhone Air. Specifically, the iPhone 17 features a 120Hz ProMotion display across the entire lineup, 3000 nits peak brightness (HDR), a 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide camera, and stereo speakers. The Pro Max model offers up to 2TB storage for $1999, which the presenter considers excessively priced. He notes that the iPhone 17's camera array is good, with 48MP/12MP setup on the base model, and solid video capabilities, though not matching the Pro for features like ProRes RAW. Battery life tests show the Pro Max having the best discharge rate. Software-wise, iOS 26 is criticized for being unpolished, exhibiting bugs like unreliable Wi-Fi tethering and unresponsive states. He also notes that the iPhone 17 lacks features found on the Pro models, such as USB-C 3 speeds (it has USB 2.0) and the telephoto lens. Despite the flaws, the iPhone 17 is considered the best overall value for most users. ### Rumored iPhone Lineup & Pricing - iPhone 16e ($599) - iPhone 17 ($799) - iPhone Air ($999) - iPhone 17 Pro ($1099) ### iPhone 17 Air Ergonomics - Sleek, light design - Thin frame causes pinky pressure point - Camera control button easily pressed accidentally ### iPhone 17 Camera & Display Upgrades - 120Hz ProMotion on all models - 3000 nits peak brightness (HDR) - iPhone 17 has 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide camera ### iPhone 17 Pro Max High End - Up to 2TB storage - Priced at $1999 USD - Includes 48MP Telephoto ### Software and Usability Issues - iOS 26 is unpolished - Bugs include unreliable tethering and unresponsiveness - Screenshot/lock screen management is poor ### Battery & Charging - iPhone 17 Pro Max had the best battery discharge - iPhone 17 base has USB 2.0 speeds ### Sponsor Plug (dbrand) - Offering Sketch 2D skins for various devices including phones, controllers, and Switch docks; run a giveaway for a TriFold skin ![Screenshot at 0:02: A comparison graphic of the rumored iPhone lineup: iPhone 16e \($599\), iPhone 17 \($799\), iPhone Air \($999\), and iPhone 17 Pro \($1099\), setting the stage for feature differentiation.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/IJWvYvCJ0os/00-00-02.jpg) ![Screenshot at 0:13: A slide detailing the rumored features of the new iOS, highlighting 'New design,' 'Apple Intelligence,' and features like 'Live Translation' and 'Adaptive Lock Screen.'](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/IJWvYvCJ0os/00-00-13.jpg) ![Screenshot at 0:24: A close-up shot of the rumored iPhone Air in white, emphasizing its slim profile and single camera bump, contrasting with the Pro models.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/IJWvYvCJ0os/00-00-24.jpg) ![Screenshot at 0:30: A speculative lineup showing the iPhone SE, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, iPhone 16, and iPhone 16 Pro, illustrating the evolution of design.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/IJWvYvCJ0os/00-00-30.jpg) ![Screenshot at 0:37: A comparison showing the rumored iPhone 17 and 17 Pro Max side-by-side, highlighting differences in camera modules and thickness.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/IJWvYvCJ0os/00-00-37.jpg)