As 2025 wraps up, it’s time to look back at Apple’s year and identify what captured attention the most. It was a thrilling year for Apple enthusiasts, featuring new hardware such as the iPhone 17, AirPods Pro 3, and updated Macs. Yet, one of those updates stands out above the rest.
Here’s why we chose to name the iPhone 17 as this year’s 9to5Mac Product of the Year.
This marks the first year since we began recognizing the 9to5Mac Product of the Year in 2020 where all contenders were iPhones. Apple’s 2025 iPhone range is the most impressive lineup in a considerable period.
The iPhone 17 Pro is undeniably Pro, equipped with a new vapor chamber cooling system, extended battery life, and a remarkable camera system. The iPhone Air boasts the most thrilling new iPhone design since the iPhone X.
However, the iPhone 17 stands out as the best overall iPhone in years. It signifies the culmination of the past five years of iPhone updates since Apple refreshed the iPhone lineup and design with the iPhone 12.
There are several key aspects of the iPhone 17 that hold great significance. At the foremost is that it’s the first non-Pro iPhone to feature an Always-On display with ProMotion. It also includes the same 18MP selfie camera with Center Stage as the iPhone 17 Pro, along with an improved 48MP Ultra Wide lens on the rear.
I’ll confess I struggled with the decision of voting for either the iPhone Air or iPhone 17 this year. The iPhone Air is thrilling, marking the first move towards a significant transformation of the iPhone lineup, including next year’s anticipated foldable iPhone and the all-glass 20th-anniversary iPhone expected by 2027.
Ultimately, the prowess of the iPhone 17 is what enabled Apple to elevate the iPhone 17 Pro to new levels and launch the design-focused iPhone Air.
iPhone 17… while it may not be as capable as a Pro and not as captivating as an Air, it could very well be the best standard iPhone we’ll come across for some time.
If Apple intends to delay an iPhone 18 until spring 2027 as speculated, the iPhone 17 is robust enough to endure longer than the majority of standard iPhones without appearing outdated.
I believe iPhone Air will define this generation of new iPhones in hindsight. Unlike the iPhone mini and iPhone Plus, iPhone Air isn’t merely a different screen size alternative for a standard iPhone. Instead, it represents a very different conception of what an iPhone might become.
Thanks to the iPhone Air, I also think Apple could intensify efforts on future iPhone Pro models, favoring additional features over a lightweight design.
Yet, it wasn’t too long ago that the standard iPhone lagged a generation behind in chip technology. The iPhone 16 shifted the narrative last year, and the iPhone 17 capitalizes on that momentum.
The iPhone 17 accomplished something that a ‘base’ model hasn’t in years. It’s an all-around excellent iPhone with no significant compromises.
Similar to many of my colleagues—and I presume many readers—the base iPhone isn’t my choice. I’ve been a Pro user since the debut of the first Pro model, and this year, I went for the iPhone Air instead.
However, unlike previous years, I can’t find a solid argument against the iPhone 17.
Incorporating ProMotion with always-on support was the main factor for me. After using a 120Hz display since the iPhone 14 Pro, I’ve found it difficult to wholeheartedly endorse an iPhone that only supports 60Hz.
Additionally, the iPhone 17 received:
– a larger and brighter screen
– Ceramic Shield 2 with enhanced anti-reflectivity
– the exceptional new Center Stage front camera
– and a powerful A19 chip
All these modifications, along with an increase to 256GB starting storage, and maintaining the same $799 price point.
While the iPhone 17 may not suit me, it’s undeniably a remarkable phone for just about everyone else.
Although I didn’t perceive a reason to upgrade from my iPhone 16 Pro Max to the iPhone 17 version, the scenario would certainly differ had I owned the base model iPhone 16. This year’s standard iPhone 17 presents a substantial enhancement over its predecessor.
Introducing ProMotion and an always-on display to the base model is significant, along with the slightly larger screen that matches the peak brightness of the Pro model.
Base storage has been enhanced from 128GB to 256GB, and battery life has also seen notable improvements, reaching up to 30 hours of video playback.
