New iPhone, Same as the Old iPhone

Courtesy of APPLE

By Mary Perera, Staff Reporter

The release of Apple’s new iPhone 17 on September 19, 2025 has sparked more anger than excitement among many Apple buyers.

Rather than lining up to buy the phone, many people are saying that it is too expensive and not very different from older versions.

The starting price of almost $1,200 is a major reason for the backlash. Many students and adults feel that the cost is too high, especially since the design resembles that of the iPhone 16.

Some believe Apple is making only small updates, like new colors, instead of more significant changes that would make the phone feel worth the hefty price.

“Honestly, I don’t see much difference from the iPhone 16,” freshman student Macy Carralejo said.

Battery life is another common complaint of the new phone model. Several users have reported that the phone loses power quickly, particularly when using the new AI camera tools. Apple also introduced an “eco-charging” feature that is meant to protect the battery over time. However, some people say it makes charging slower and more frustrating.

“The battery life sounds better, but I’d rather wait until a better model before spending that much money,” freshman Mili Patel said.

Apple has defended the iPhone 17 by highlighting its new camera system and stronger durability. Tech reviewers agree that the phone is powerful, but they also note that it may not seem like a significant upgrade for those who already own a recent model.

“The iPhone 17 deserves some credit for its new features, especially the camera,” Kennedy Technology Student Association President Samantha De Anda said. “However, Apple’s prices continue to rise, and the changes often don’t seem worth it. Apple has become kind of redundant with their iPhones.”

The backlash has raised questions about how long Apple’s loyal fans will continue to upgrade each year. With prices rising and changes remaining small, some wonder if this is the moment when customers start to hold back.