Anyone planning to buy the iphone 17?

[TheForce]

We are in an environment where avocation is having to give way to practicality. If all you get is a couple of features that support extreme hobbyist exploration, is it really worth the upset of getting a new phone?

It's up to everyone's individual needs AND wants. Nobody should feel pressure to upgrade just because other people are upgrading. I believe it is just a good idea to stay up to date on what benefits it gives you for your budget. My wife needed a new AW in April since hers would not hold a charge for a day out and about. It was a hand-me-down AW4 she got when I upgraded last year. Now she needs a new iphone as the battery, last I checked was needing for her to carry a power bank in her purse to get through the day. She is doing more video and photos as well as Facetime with out grandkids so I convinced her to upgrade to the 17Pro, not another mini out of date one.

Both my AW Ultra 2 and my 15PM serve me just fine although the 15PM may need upgrading next year since the battery is beginning to show aging. But it handles all the tech I need now just fine although it would ne nice to have a better wifi and BT distance as I sometimes have trouble communicating with my Robotic Lawnmower at the far end of the yard. I might want to wait until we have satellite streaming as the Robot can stream video of it's mowing to my phone but loses video connection half way down my yard about 150ft away.

Remember last year I was having problems with my PC's. You convinced me it was time to upgrade to the newest hardware, CPU and GPU. I did and have no regrets. Both are amazingly fast and now the slowest is me using them. I rarely need to wait on the computer to render an update when I make a change in Adobe Premiere.

 

[TheForce]

Recently had an opportunity to use the iPhone SOS feature. I was leading a hike and one guy had a fall and dislocated his shoulder. The part of the trail where this happened had no cellular coverage. We were able to call in, via text message to 911, medical help and ultimately S&R to wheel him out. Out hiking groups are typically people in their 60's and 70's.

No charge for the SOS feature so far but I expect that to change some day.

You should send that experience into Apple as they would love to hear that. I recall somewhere the satellite feature is free for 2 years and then it will be a subscription feature.

 

[harshness]

Remember last year I was having problems with my PC's. You convinced me it was time to upgrade to the newest hardware, CPU and GPU.

As a result of this, you can create a whole lot more content in the same amount of time. An Apple Watch isn't going to give the same ROI.

 

[TheForce]

As a result of this, you can create a whole lot more content in the same amount of time. An Apple Watch isn't going to give the same ROI.

I see you still don't understand the AW does far more than just tell time. It doesn't do "everything" a computer does but it's on me and I can see info at a glance. Sometimes it's just easier to look at my wrist than get my iphone out of my pocket. To create content for basic stuff, I can edit 3D video on my iphone but easier to do complex multi camera and graphics is where the desktop computer work station is necessary. Right tool for the task requirement.

 

[Scott Greczkowski]

I am still on the Apple Watch Ultra 1. No real reasons for me to upgrade still. I always have my phone with me, so I have Satellite SOS with me anyways.

 

[Foxbat]

I was talking with Foxbat, Jr. about the new iPhones. As he is now paying for these things out of his income, he wasn't able to justify the 17 Pro Max to replace his 12 Pro Max. But he did mention his Battery Life was down to 82% after two and a half years. I checked my 13 and I'm at 88% after four years. I really can't complain about the battery life, my biggest gripe is the cameras.

 

[TRG]

I was talking with Foxbat, Jr. about the new iPhones. As he is now paying for these things out of his income, he wasn't able to justify the 17 Pro Max to replace his 12 Pro Max. But he did mention his Battery Life was down to 82% after two and a half years. I checked my 13 and I'm at 88% after four years. I really can't complain about the battery life, my biggest gripe is the cameras.

Tell him he can pretend.

 

[Foxbat]

Not really iPhone 17, but I see that the OS 26 versions are now available. I scheduled iPadOS 26 to install tonight. If I like it, I'll upgrade my iPhone 13 next.

iOS/iPadOS 18.7 is also available for those not wanting to jump to the Liquid Glass GUI quite yet.

 

[klang]

I'm undecided on the visible changes with 26. Things seem a little jerky.

 

[TheForce]

I updated my 15PM to iOS26. Minor learning curve as stuff is rearranged in the apps such as phone call logs, but not on my main screens. I want to try the new spam call screening but haven't figured that out yet. So far no issues with the same most frequently used apps. Doing watch OS26 now.

I'm hesitant to upgrade my wife's 12 mini since I will be switching that to the new 17Pro on Saturday. Thinking of just waiting until Saturday to spend the day to do that.

 

[Foxbat]

I'm hesitant to upgrade my wife's 12 mini since I will be switching that to the new 17Pro on Saturday. Thinking of just waiting until Saturday to spend the day to do that.

It's far easier to update a device between the same version of the OS, especially a major release. iOS 26 will be on the new iPhone anyway, so (IMO) better get used to it now…

 

[lakebum431]

One thing for those of you with iphone battery issues to remember is that you can take them to the Apple Store and have them replace the battery for ~$100 with tax and it will be like a brand new battery. That said, I'm considering upgrading from a 12 Pro to a 17 Pro. I see Verizon will give me a trade in credit of $830 for the 12 Pro. Not sure yet.

 

[TheForce]

Went out to the Apple Store this morning to have a look. They were packed and loads of people buying the 16. I asked one employee standing around, where's the 17 Pro's? He said "not available yet and showed me the door." Really rude! Walked around and saw some new 17Pro protection cases and didn't really like what I saw. I'll probably just buy some aftermarket one for a lot less $.

 

[navychop]

Otterbox.

 

[lakebum431]

Otterbox.

I find them very bulky. I usually go back to a very thin case with a small raised lip to protect the screen when set flat.

 

[klang]

I always go with something thin and super lightweight and clear.

 

[TheForce]

It's far easier to update a device between the same version of the OS, especially a major release. iOS 26 will be on the new iPhone anyway, so (IMO) better get used to it now…

Ordinarily I would agree but better to do it once with the new iphone for my wife than twice. Besides, rumors is that the 26 eats up more battery and her 12 mini is not lasting the whole day anymore. It also is a the minimum storage. I think I will upgrade her 12M first and then do a backup to icloud before activating the new 17P. Do you think that is a good plan?

 

[TheForce]

Some of those cases are slippery while others are sticky, clear and have good cushion silicone around the perimeter which I like as if the phone slides off a table onto the floor tile it has extra protection. All but one of the new 17 cases at the Apple store were hard plastic and slides easily on a hard surface.

 

[navychop]

I became an Otterbox Defender aficionado long ago. BECAUSE it is bulky. I doubt there's better protection out there.

Phones cost too much to take chances.