TL;DR
9to5Mac named the iPhone 17 its Product of the Year for 2025, citing major upgrades to the base model that narrow the gap with Pro devices. Reviewers highlighted display, camera, storage and battery improvements delivered at the same starting price.
What happened
9to5Mac's staff voted the iPhone 17 as the outlet's 2025 Product of the Year. The decision reflects a shift in this product cycle: the standard iPhone received several features historically reserved for Pro models, altering the value proposition for most buyers. Contributors pointed to the addition of a high-refresh-rate ProMotion display with always-on support, a larger and brighter screen, a new Center Stage-capable front camera (18MP), and a higher-resolution 48MP ultra-wide rear camera. Apple also raised the base storage to 256GB while keeping the $799 entry price. Reviewers noted improved battery life and the A19 chip as contributors to an overall stronger package. While the iPhone 17 Pro and the newly introduced iPhone Air drew praise for their own innovations, the panel concluded the standard iPhone’s combination of features, price, and real-world balance made it the standout product of the year.
Why it matters
- The standard iPhone now includes several Pro-level features, changing upgrade recommendations for mainstream buyers.
- Base storage doubled to 256GB at the same $799 price, improving value for consumers.
- Adding ProMotion and always-on support to the non-Pro model narrows a key user-experience gap.
- The shift may let Apple focus Pro models on specialized enhancements while offering stronger baseline devices.
Key facts
- 9to5Mac selected the iPhone 17 as its Product of the Year for 2025.
- The iPhone 17 adds a ProMotion display with always-on functionality to the non-Pro lineup.
- Front camera: an 18MP sensor with Center Stage support, matching the iPhone 17 Pro.
- Rear ultra-wide camera upgraded to a 48MP sensor (Fusion) from 12MP in the previous base model.
- Base storage increased from 128GB to 256GB with no price increase; starting price remains $799.
- Apple’s A19 chip powers the iPhone 17, per reviewers.
- The iPhone 17 features Ceramic Shield 2 with improved anti-reflectivity and a slightly larger 6.3-inch screen.
- Reported battery life improved (example cited: up to 30 hours video playback vs 22 hours previously).
- Regional price note: in Brazil the base iPhone 17 was reported around $1,435, making local pricing a factor in purchase advice.
- Companion models this year included the iPhone 17 Pro (with vapor chamber cooling and other Pro-specific upgrades) and the design-focused iPhone Air.
What to watch next
- Rumors that Apple may delay an iPhone 18 launch until spring 2027 — not confirmed in the source.
- Reports of a foldable iPhone expected next year (rumored) — not confirmed in the source.
- Rumors of an all-glass 20th anniversary iPhone planned for 2027 — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- ProMotion: A display technology that supports higher refresh rates (commonly up to 120Hz) for smoother motion and responsiveness.
- Always-On display: A mode that lets basic information remain visible on the screen while the device is otherwise idle, using low-power display techniques.
- Center Stage: A camera feature that keeps subjects centered during video by using the wide field of view and software-driven framing.
- A19 chip: Apple-branded system-on-chip used in recent iPhone models to handle processing, graphics, and machine learning tasks.
- Ceramic Shield: Apple's branded glass technology for device displays designed to improve durability and reduce reflectivity.
Reader FAQ
Why did 9to5Mac pick the iPhone 17 as Product of the Year?
Staff cited the base model’s combination of Pro-level features, improved cameras, larger storage at the same price, and overall balance for mainstream users.
Did the iPhone 17 cost more than last year?
No. The iPhone 17 kept the $799 starting price while increasing base storage to 256GB.
Does the iPhone 17 match the iPhone 17 Pro?
The base model gained several features found on the Pro, such as ProMotion and the Center Stage front camera, but reviewers noted meaningful differences remain between Pro and non-Pro hardware.
Is an iPhone 18 release date confirmed?
Not confirmed in the source.
iOS 27: Here are seven new features rumored to be coming Ryan Christoffel Dec 30 2025 IPHONE IPHONE 17 9to5Mac Product of the Year: iPhone 17 Chance Miller | Dec 31…
Sources
- 9to5Mac Product of the Year: iPhone 17
- Apple often says 'best iPhone lineup ever,' but this year it's …
- Apple's iPhone 17 Lineup Is a Confusing Mess
- Apple might have good news on iPhone 17 pricing, per report
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