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Then and now: what’s changed in the past few years? (iPhone edition) – 2026

  • May 17, 2024
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Then and now: what’s changed in the past few years? (iPhone edition) – 2025
Matthew T
iD Mobile Employee
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It’s always exciting when a new iPhone range drops—but what’s changed since the last time around? Whether you’re into photography, gaming, or just want a phone that feels fast, there’s a lot to explore in Apple’s latest line-up. Let’s take a look at how the 2025 models stack up against their predecessors—and what’s new across the board:

 

iPhone 17 Pro & 17 Pro Max.

 

 

If you’re upgrading from the 15 Pro or Pro Max, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max might look familiar—but under the hood, it’s a whole new game.

Both models now run on the blazing-fast A19 Pro chip, bringing serious speed and on-device smarts. Compared to the A17 in the iPhone 15 Pro, this new chip crushes demanding apps, handles iOS 26’s Apple Intelligence features with ease, and feels incredibly responsive across the board—whether you’re editing ProRAW images, juggling multiple apps, or just binge-scrolling.

On the camera front, things level up again. While the 15 Pro introduced the 48MP sensor, the 17 Pro takes it further with a second-gen quad-pixel sensor and enhanced image processing. Photos are sharper, colours feel more true-to-life, and low-light shots genuinely impress. Both models also now include the upgraded 8x optical-quality zoom, previously exclusive to the Pro Max, letting you zoom in close without losing clarity.

The OLED Super Retina XDR displays remain stunning, with smoother adaptive refresh rates—and now they’re even brighter in direct sunlight. Perfect for texting outdoors or editing shots on the go. Add in the durable aluminium unibody design, improved Face ID performance, and the all-new Capture Button for easier photo and video control, and it’s clear these are pro tools for creators and power users alike.

Why upgrade? Whether you’re deep into photography, heavy on productivity, or just want Apple’s most advanced phone yet—the 17 Pro models make a noticeable leap from the 15 Pro range.

 

Check out the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max on iD Mobile.

 

iPhone Air.

 

 

Meet the iPhone Air, the thinnest iPhone ever. With a stunning 6.5” display, everything looks amazing. The Ceramic Shield on the screen and back makes it super durable against scratches and cracks. Powered by the efficient A19 Pro chip, it’s perfect for apps and games. Capture sharp, life-like photos with the 48 MP Fusion camera system and the Center Stage front camera.

At just 5.6 mm, the iPhone Air is incredibly thin and light, yet it packs the power of a pro chip. The ultralight titanium frame and Ceramic Shield make it more durable than any previous iPhone. The 48 MP Fusion camera system with 2x optical-quality zoom lets you effortlessly frame the perfect shot. The 18 MP Center Stage front camera offers smarter group selfies and Dual Capture video.

Enjoy all-day battery life with up to 27 hours of video playback. The iPhone Air runs on iOS 26, featuring a fresh design with Liquid Glass, a more vibrant Lock Screen, and customisable backgrounds. Stay connected at faster speeds with Wi-Fi 7, 5G networks, Bluetooth 6, and eSIM. The eSIM offers greater flexibility and seamless connectivity, especially when travelling internationally.

Why upgrade? The iPhone Air combines cutting-edge design, thinness, and performance, making it the ultimate device for those who want the best.

 

Check out the iPhone Air on iD Mobile.

 

iPhone 17.

 

 

Introducing the iPhone 17, more capable than ever. With a 6.3” ProMotion display featuring a 120 Hz refresh rate, everything moves smoothly. The Ceramic Shield keeps it safe from everyday scratches and cracks. Capture stunning photos and videos with the 48 MP rear cameras, and enjoy detailed group selfies with the Center Stage front camera. The powerful A19 chip ensures everything runs seamlessly.

Compared to the iPhone 15, the iPhone 17 offers a brighter display with 3,000 nits peak brightness and 33% fewer reflections. The advanced 48 MP Dual Fusion camera system provides super-high-resolution shots and 2x optical-quality zoom. The 18 MP Center Stage front camera offers smarter group selfies and Dual Capture video.

The iPhone 17 also boasts all-day battery life with up to 30 hours of video playback and fast charging capabilities. Running on iOS 26, it features a fresh design with Liquid Glass, a more vibrant Lock Screen, and customisable backgrounds. Stay connected with Wi-Fi 7, 5G networks, Bluetooth 6, and eSIM for greater flexibility and seamless connectivity.

Why upgrade? The iPhone 17 combines cutting-edge technology, enhanced durability, and superior performance, making it the ultimate choice for those seeking the best in a smartphone.

 

Check out the iPhone 17 on iD Mobile.

 

iPhone 17e.

 

 

The iPhone 17e is a total transformation for Apple’s most accessible model. If you are coming to the end of a two-year contract on the iPhone SE 3, this isn't just an upgrade—it is a complete reimagining. The ageing design and small LCD are gone, replaced by a stunning 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with Ceramic Shield 2, which offers three times better scratch resistance to keep your screen looking pristine.

Powering the experience is the latest A19 chip, providing the muscle for advanced Apple Intelligence and console-level gaming. Connectivity gets a massive boost too; the new Apple-designed C1X modem is up to twice as fast as the previous generation while being far more efficient with your battery. Photography lovers will appreciate the 48MP Fusion camera that acts like two lenses in one, giving you optical-quality 2x Telephoto zoom for sharp, detailed portraits. Plus, with the addition of MagSafe and double the starting storage at 256GB, you have more room and more ways to accessorise than ever before.

Why upgrade? For a flagship-level experience at a friendly price point. With the A19 chip, a versatile 48MP camera, and groundbreaking satellite safety features, the iPhone 17e is built to stay fast, secure, and incredibly capable for years to come.

 

Check out the iPhone 17e on iD Mobile.

 

iPhone 16 & 16 Plus.

 

 

Now this is where things start to feel like a proper upgrade. If you’ve been using an iPhone 14, the iPhone 16 builds on what made it solid—and makes it seriously smarter.

The camera gets the biggest glow-up. Gone is the 12MP sensor—in its place is a 48MP main camera that delivers sharper detail, improved low-light shots, and richer, more vibrant colours. Thanks to Smart HDR and computational photography, every snap looks like it’s had a quick edit (without you doing a thing).

Under the hood, this phone now rocks the A18 chip, replacing the A15 from the iPhone 14. It’s quicker, more efficient, and unlocks new iOS 18 features powered by Apple Intelligence. From launching apps to gaming, everything feels smoother and more instant.

The Dynamic Island now comes standard—once a Pro-exclusive, now a handy little hub for alerts, calls, music, and timers. And don’t sleep on the battery life: the iPhone 16 squeezes more out of every charge.

Design-wise, you’re still getting a bright and colourful OLED screen with durable glass, plus a new Capture Button for fast camera access. And with USB-C, charging and accessory use just got easier.

Why upgrade? All in all, if you’re upgrading from the 14, this isn’t just a small refresh—it’s a smarter, faster, more capable iPhone that’ll last you well into the future.

 

Check out the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus on iD Mobile.

 

iPhone 15 & 15 Plus.

 

 

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus retain the sleek design and 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch screen sizes, respectively, echoing the aesthetic that users love about the iPhone 13.

A key feature of the iPhone 15 is the groundbreaking “fall detection”. This new technology can sense a hard fall and automatically contact emergency services if you don’t respond within 10 seconds, significantly enhancing personal safety.

The camera system has also seen impressive upgrades. With a larger sensor and improved aperture, the iPhone 15 captures stunning photos with greater sharpness and detail compared to the iPhone 13. The front-facing camera now boasts advanced stabilization and autofocus for flawless selfies. Additionally, the introduction of “super action mode” for video recording takes stabilisation to new heights, allowing for smooth footage even during intense activities.

Powered by the A16 Bionic chip, the iPhone 15 delivers unmatched performance and efficiency. Coupled with the latest software optimisations, it effortlessly handles demanding tasks and offers battery life that exceeds the iPhone 13, ensuring a seamless user experience.

 

Check out the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus on iD Mobile.