Though Apple’s new product announcements typically attract a lot of anticipation each year, last month’s iPhone 17 unveiling has not excited many PNW students. 

“The iPhone 17 doesn’t offer upgrades that are relevant to me,” said Charles Riva, a senior Political Science major. 

“I don’t take pictures that often, so the camera upgrades don’t interest me too much.” he continues.

The price of the new iPhone 17 begins at $799, about the same as its predecessor iPhone 16. The iPhone 17 Air starts at $999 and the iPhone 17 Pro starts at $1,099. 

“It is … extremely expensive and I just don’t have the extra money to spend that much.” said Riva. “I need to use my money on food, gas, and any other sudden expenses I have.” 

Aubrey Saigh, a freshmen Accounting major, offers an exciting opinion, “I go to a lot of concerts so the improved camera and zoom is going to be super helpful for videos I take.” 

“I hope to get it some time this year when I have the extra money to spend,” Saigh continues. 

Apple did its annual product introduction on Sept. 9. Billed as an lineup at their “Awe Dropping” event, the event on September 9, 2025. This company revealed a new, thinner iIPhone Air, upgrades, improved battery life and a powerful A19 processor.  

The camera improvements include better lenses and photo processing, improved telephoto capability, a better zoom and a dual capture camera. 

 “I can’t keep up with the upgrades that Apple is releasing so often,” said Braden Briney, a junior Computer Engineering major.  “I just got the iPhone 16 soon after it was released, so I don’t see myself upgrading anytime soon.”

Tyler Judon, a graduate Communication student, agrees.

“Maybe in the long run I can see myself upgrading to the iPhone 17, but not currently due to the price,” he said. “I am interested in the camera upgrades and battery life upgrades though.”