Apple has handed British shoppers a compelling reason to consider upgrading their smartphone, with the standard iPhone 17 emerging as a standout choice from the company's 2025 lineup. Launched in September, the device continues to improve, most recently with the rollout of iOS 26.2, which introduces new features and fixes.
Why the iPhone 17 Stands Out in 2025
While the iPhone 17 Pro received a fresh design this year, the standard model boasts significant advantages. It features a key display upgrade to a 120Hz ProMotion panel with always-on technology and higher brightness, making it more responsive and visually impressive than its predecessor. Combined with a sleek design, these improvements make it an easy recommendation for those looking to upgrade.
The phone is powered by the A19 chip and supports Apple Intelligence. It also promises an industry-leading software support lifespan, with Apple expected to provide updates for approximately the next six years. This longevity is a major selling point, especially when compared to many Android alternatives where support can be as short as three years on budget models.
Comparing the Best UK Contract Deals
For UK consumers, the cost of ownership is a crucial factor. Buying the iPhone 17 outright from retailers like Amazon costs £799. However, contract deals can make it more accessible.
Sky Mobile currently offers one of the most competitive plans. Shoppers can get the iPhone 17 for £25 per month with a £12 upfront cost on a 36-month contract. Sky pairs this with a data SIM starting from £0 per month for 100MB. A popular option is to add 5GB of data for £6 a month for the first six months, reverting to £12 thereafter on a separate 12-month airtime plan.
This makes the total monthly cost £31 for the first half-year and £37 for the remaining six months of the airtime contract, after which you can switch. Since Sky's phones are unlocked, you could also use the £0 SIM and pair it with a cheap data plan from another provider.
Rival O2 offers the iPhone 17 with 5GB data for £46.24 monthly plus £30 upfront on a 36-month term. While O2 includes perks like temporary subscriptions to Disney+ or Amazon Prime and access to O2 Priority, Sky's deal is cheaper overall for the handset and data.
Substantial Upgrades Over the iPhone 16
The 2025 model brings meaningful improvements that justify an upgrade from the 2024 iPhone 16. Beyond the superior 120Hz display, users benefit from much better battery life. The camera system also sees a boost with a new 18-megapixel selfie camera that supports Centre Stage, easily switching between portrait and landscape orientations. There's also a new 48-megapixel ultrawide camera on the rear.
While iOS 26.2 is available for models from the iPhone 11 upwards, the experience is optimised for newer hardware. Investing in an iPhone 17 ensures you get the latest camera technology, the most powerful processor, and the peace of mind that comes with extended software and security support, safeguarding your device for years to come.
