Apple’s new iPhone 17 released for the public to buy Sept.19, 2025.
Over the past few weeks, people on social media have been debating whether or not buying the new iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max is worth it or not, racking up some controversial opinions in the process. Good or bad. Debates on the color choices and design of the new phone increased rapidly.
Expectations were high as consumers were expecting a phone with better build, stronger and longer lasting battery. Considering the price being around $1,099 for the Pro, this should be guaranteed. But widespread complaints filled the media, bringing attention to how easy the phone scratches, and how much slower the software is compared to previously released phones.
Jesiah Agront, a student who was considering swapping his iPhone 16 for the newest edition, has his own opinions. “I have the 16 Pro Max [and] I didn’t see a big difference when I went to Apple, so I just didn’t get it.”
Beside the fact there is little difference on the functioning side of the phone, another student, Amir Najafi mentioned the unappealing look of the phone.
”I like the blue color, but not the orange one. It’s ugly. The camera quality and the [action button]” are two parts of the iPhone he did like.
Students did oppose the claims made on the phone being slow, such as Jane Landon who voiced her opinion about the iPhone. “It runs a lot faster. I did have an iPhone 13 before.” Landon said
Although people commonly see negative reviews about the iPhone online, a survey in September 2025, held by appleinsider proved that 73% of existing iPhone users were interested in the Pro models of the iPhone 17.
Another poll by PhoneArena in September 2025 indicated that nearly 50% of iPhone 17 users have complained about cellular issues, connectivity problems and build quality issues.
The controversy over the “scratchgate” was debunked as false. Apple claims the visible marks on the phone were left by material transfers from worn MagSafe stands in store and not from defects on the phone itself. However, there is a true aspect to the scratches. The aluminum back is more susceptible to showing any scratches compared to the earlier models made with titanium.
Aluminum is softer and has a less durable natural oxide layer compared to titanium, making it easier to scratch. Apple switched back to aluminum after the iPhone 15 and 16 because aluminum offers a lighter design, better heat dissipation, and a cheaper cost.
A survey held by SellCell showed that 68.9% of Apple users won’t upgrade to the 17 because of the high price. Another survey by WalletHub published in Sept. 2025 that nine out of 10 Americans believe that iPhones are overpriced.
Considering the iPhone 16 Pro costs start at $999 and the iPhone 17’s starting price was set at $1099 the aluminum build did not offer a cheaper cost.
by Angelina Melnik and Bryleigh Walker
