We're getting close to the launch of new iPhone 18 Pro models that will replace the iPhone 17 Pro models, so MacRumors videographer Dan Barbera decided to take a look back at the iPhone he's been using for close to 12 months.
Ceramic Shield 2 was the best iPhone upgrade this year. Apple said it's more resistant to scratches, and that turned out to be true. Dan goes caseless, and his iPhone 17 Pro has only faint scratches, while the 16 Pro was scratched after three weeks. The iPhone has also survived facedown drops with no damage, but there are a few chips in the aluminum along the edges. There have been reports of the orange color fading over time, but Dan didn't see that with his device.
Battery life was also a standout on the iPhone 17 Pro. It's able to keep up with a full day of heavy use, which is normally only possible with the larger battery in the Pro Max iPhones. Dan swapped to the smaller iPhone 17 Pro over the 17 Pro Max because the battery lasted longer than the 16 Pro battery.
Apple added vapor chamber cooling in the 17 Pro, and that kept the iPhone cooler than normal for most of the year. Dan said his iPhone is running hotter with minor dips in performance, probably because of the iOS 27 beta. Running beta software can affect battery life and device performance.
Rumors suggest the iPhone 18 Pro isn't going to be a huge upgrade over the iPhone 17 Pro, and it's likely prices are going to go up. It's not the worst idea to buy an iPhone 17 Pro now instead of holding out for the iPhone 18 Pro, especially if you have an older iPhone.
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