The Wirecutter Show (Sep 18, 2025)

Episode: Is the New iPhone Worth It?

Episode Overview

This episode of The Wirecutter Show tackles a timely question: Is the new iPhone worth upgrading to? Co-host Christine Cyr Clisset is joined by Brenda Stolyar, Wirecutter’s senior staff writer covering smartphones and wearables, for an in-depth discussion on Apple’s 2025 release of the iPhone 17 lineup and the brand-new iPhone Air. Together, they weigh the pros and cons of these devices, discuss features of iOS 26, and outline practical advice for listeners considering an upgrade.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. Overview of Apple’s 2025 iPhone Launch

(03:19 – 03:45)

• Apple released four new iPhones: three iPhone 17 models and the ultra-thin iPhone Air.
• This year’s update is notably different from prior years, featuring a significant redesign across all models.

2. Key Physical and Hardware Upgrades

(03:45 – 04:54)

• Durability: All iPhones now use Ceramic Shield 2, which is thrice as scratch-resistant as before.
• iPhone 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and Air have Ceramic Shield on both front and back, making them more crack-resistant.
  • Quote: "Apple came out with a new ceramic shield 2. The glass coating essentially is three times more scratch resistant." – Brenda (04:26)

3. First Impressions: Ultra-Thin iPhone Air

(05:36 – 06:48)

• Noted for its strikingly thin, elegant design (5.6mm compared to 7.95mm for the iPhone 17).
  • Quote: "It feels like a piece of jewelry... It's very much like a statement piece, but it also feels like I’m holding something from the future." – Brenda (05:46)
• Trade-offs:
  • Battery life lags behind other models; power users may not get 12 hours from a charge.
  • Comes with only a single camera (good quality, but lacks ultrawide lens and video cinematic mode).
  • Battery accessory: A thin MagSafe battery pack is recommended for heavier users—tacitly admits battery life is a concern.

4. Who is the iPhone Air For?

(08:41 – 09:22)

• Aimed at tech enthusiasts and design-focused buyers who prioritize thinness and aesthetics over battery, cameras, or feature set.
  • Quote: "I think as the first gen model, it’s very much for tech enthusiasts at this point... Someone who wants to try something new and really doesn’t care that they're losing out on an extra camera or a bigger battery." – Brenda (08:41)

5. iPhone 17 Models: Improvements & Features

(09:22 – 10:57)

• Display: Larger (6.3" vs. 6.1" before on base model)
• Camera: Ultrawide camera at 48 MP (up from 12MP)
• Material: Pro models now aluminum (was titanium); also new thermal system to combat overheating.
• Chipset: New A19 chip; more powerful and energy-efficient.
• Battery: Up to 30 hours for iPhone 17 (best for those who need stamina).
  • Quote: "The iPhone air is nowhere near what the iPhone 17 does [for battery]." – Brenda (10:31)

6. Notable Camera and Selfie Improvements

(10:57 – 11:39)

• All new models (including Air) receive an 18MP selfie camera and center stage feature for better group photos.
  • Quote: "So when it senses that there are multiple people in the photo, it will zoom out, allowing you to capture everybody in frame." – Brenda (10:57)
• Ultra-wide ‘selfies’ can be a bit unflattering, as Brenda humorously notes.

7. Pricing Breakdown

(11:50 – 12:37)

• iPhone 17: $800
• iPhone Air: $1,000
• iPhone 17 Pro: $1,100
• iPhone 17 Pro Max: $1,200
• MagSafe battery pack for Air: $100
  • Quote: "If you buy the Air plus that MagSafe charger... that will bring you to $1,100... You could just buy one of the fancier iPhone 17s." – Christine (12:28–12:37)

8. Wirecutter’s Upgrade Philosophy

(12:40 – 13:49)

• Advice: Don’t upgrade unless you must. Use your current phone as long as it works well.
• Meaningful upgrade mainly for owners of significantly older phones (iPhone 13 or earlier) that are struggling.
  • Quote: "We don’t recommend just ditching your iPhone 16 for the iPhone 17 if you really don’t need to." – Brenda (12:56)

9. iOS 26: Update Highlights

(13:49 – 16:50)

• Free Update for most iPhones; brings improvements and fun features:
  • Liquid Glass Interface: Sleek, transparent aesthetic change.
  • Messages Revamp: Custom backgrounds, group chat typing indicators, in-chat polls.
  • Hold Assist: Phone notifies you when someone returns to a call—no more waiting with phone to your ear.
  • Live Translations: Real-time text and call translations using on-device AI.
    • Quote: "We used it in messages... he would type in German... and below it would be the English translation." – Brenda (15:50)
• Minor bugs in beta, but mostly positive experience.

10. Why Everyone Should Update Their iPhone

(16:51 – 17:22)

• Security, performance, protection from vulnerabilities—updates keep your phone running smoothly and safely.
• Fun features are a bonus, but updates are essential maintenance.

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |------------------------------------------------|------------| | Main changes in iPhone 17/Air | 03:19–04:54| | iPhone Air design & compromises | 05:36–08:26| | Who should buy the iPhone Air? | 08:41–09:22| | iPhone 17 models development | 09:22–10:57| | Battery Comparison: Air vs. 17 | 10:18–10:43| | New selfie features | 10:57–11:39| | Pricing breakdown | 11:50–12:37| | The upgrade philosophy | 12:40–13:49| | iOS 26 highlights | 13:49–16:50| | Security & update recommendation | 16:51–17:22|

Notable Quotes

• "It feels like a piece of jewelry... like I’m holding something from the future."
  —Brenda, describing the new iPhone Air (05:46)

• "I powered through this thing very quickly. I drained the battery very quickly."
  —Brenda on the iPhone Air’s battery life (06:52)

• "If you buy [the Air] plus that MagSafe charger... you could just buy one of the fancier iPhone 17s."
  —Christine and Brenda on pricing logic (12:28–12:37)

• "We don’t recommend just ditching your iPhone 16 for the iPhone 17 if you really don’t need to."
  —Brenda on Wirecutter’s upgrade ethos (12:56)

• "You don’t want to be that person who's like, why isn’t this loading? Or why isn’t this working? And it’s like, well, which iOS are you on?"
  —Brenda, on updates and performance (17:05)

Conclusion

Wirecutter’s evaluation of Apple’s 2025 iPhones is balanced and pragmatic:

• iPhone Air is a striking, ultra-thin device for design aficionados, but comes with battery and feature trade-offs.
• iPhone 17/Pro/Pro Max offer larger displays, better cameras, and greater stamina—practical options for most upgraders.
• iOS 26 delivers valuable (and fun) upgrades for free, making a software update a must for all.
• Wirecutter’s advice: Only buy a new iPhone if your current one is seriously lagging—otherwise, save your money and enjoy the new OS.

For detailed product testing, feature breakdowns, or upgrade guides, visit nytimes.com/wirecutter or refer to the show notes.