I broke my 5-year iPhone upgrade rule with the latest model – here’s why I’m not regretting it

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As a former iPhone 14 Pro Max user, I still felt like my three-year-old iPhone gave me everything I needed when I traded it in for an iPhone 17 Pro Max late last year. Sure, it still had a Lightning Port and didn't support Apple Intelligence, but I overcame those minor inconveniences by using a MagSafe charger and ChatGPT. 

Truth be told, the Apple Intelligence features haven't wowed me enough to justify spending $1,000 on a newer iPhone. 

Also: How to use Lockdown Mode: The extreme iPhone security feature that foiled even the FBI

However, a few notable features, such as the improved camera array for group selfies and distant photos, an A19 Pro chip, and enhanced scratch resistance to beat the roughness of children and pets, made upgrading to the newer model well worth it -- both for my family and my own sanity. 

If you're also wondering whether it's time to upgrade from your now three-year-old iPhone 14 Pro, here's how to decide.

You should buy the iPhone 17 Pro if...

1. You want the best iPhone camera 

The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max appear to be exceptional tools for content creators. All three cameras on the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max have been upgraded to 48 MP, and the telephoto lens offers up to 8x optical zoom, which is the longest on an iPhone. 

Also: I keep this iPhone charger by my bed for a reason - and it's not just my phone

Apple also refreshed its front-facing camera to 18 MP and added support for Center Stage, which automatically frames your selfies. This uses AI to expand the field of view, enabling the inclusion of more subjects. The selfie camera's sensor is also square, instead of having a 4:3 aspect ratio, allowing you to take selfies in either portrait or landscape mode without rotating your phone. 

The new camera system also supports Dual Capture, allowing you to record what Apple calls ultra-stabilized video from both the front and rear cameras simultaneously. 

2. You want more processing power

The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max run on the A19 Pro chip, Apple's most powerful and efficient processor ever on an iPhone. This processor helps the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max deliver up to 40% better performance than the 16 Pro. The 17 Pro's CPU is up to 40% faster than the iPhone 14 Pro's, while the GPU is twice as fast.

Also: Every iPhone 17 model compared: Should you buy the base model, Air, Pro, or Max?

During its iPhone 17 launch event, Apple put a lot of emphasis on how it redesigned the smartphone's internal architecture with this latest lineup. This includes a new vapor chamber within the iPhone, which features deionized water sealed and laser-welded into the aluminum chassis to dissipate heat. 

Switching from titanium to aluminum for the iPhone 17 Pro will also aid in heat dissipation, potentially enhancing performance. Apple's redesigned body gives the 17 Pro and Pro Max a larger battery, resulting in longer battery life. Compared to the iPhone 14 Pro, the 17 Pro offers up to 10 more hours of video playback per charge.

3. You want top-of-the-line connectivity

The new N1 is the wireless networking chip in the iPhone 17 lineup. It supports Wi-Fi 7, an upgrade from Wi-Fi 6, as well as Bluetooth 5.1 and Thread. With the new N1 chip, Apple also improved the reliability of the Personal Hotspot and AirDrop. 

You should buy/stick to the iPhone 14 Pro if...

1. You don't mind missing out on Apple Intelligence

Apple Intelligence isn't all that. Android devices are lapping the iPhone in AI features, so I wouldn't recommend switching to a new iPhone only to access Apple Intelligence just yet. The AI features can be a pro on the iPhone 17 Pro's column, but don't hinge your buying decision on them alone, especially when they still leave a lot to be desired. 

Apple has yet to upgrade Siri to version 2.0 with generative AI, though the virtual assistant can access ChatGPT as needed when it believes the AI chatbot can better handle a request. However, there are ways to add shortcuts to ChatGPT, and you can even make it your go-to voice assistant (though it won't handle smart home requests or personal accounts, like music apps). 

Also: How to program your iPhone's Action Button to summon ChatGPT's voice assistant

That said, Apple Intelligence offers some great features, such as Live Translation, Visual Intelligence, Writing Tools, and more. And Gemini enhancements may be on the way later in 2026.

2. You're okay with the Lightning Port

Apple switched its charging ports from its proprietary Lightning Port to USB-C with the iPhone 15 lineup, so the 14 is the last one to feature the Lightning Port. USB-C gives the iPhone the convenience of a universal charging port, rather than forcing users to adhere to a walled ecosystem. 

3. Saving money is your priority 

If your iPhone 14 Pro still functions as it should, or even if you're mostly using it to browse, text, and snap quick photos, it's also a good idea to hold out for a future model. The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max continue to support iOS 26 and Wi-Fi 6, feature a strong 48-MP rear camera (albeit without 8x optical zoom), and include the Dynamic Island.

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