Apple has always been known as a company that forged its own path, committed to differentiation. For over a decade, it meticulously worked with high-end materials like stainless steel and titanium, tightly controlled its software, and largely ignored the developments in the Android world. So, could this Apple we know be gone?
The new iPhone 17 Pro feels like a turning point, a moment where Apple finally looks back and says, “Maybe the Android team is doing something right.” Frankly, this might be the most exciting thing to happen to the iPhone lineup.
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro is like a premium Android
The iPhone 17 Pro ditches Apple’s familiar polished titanium body for a brushed aluminum chassis. This design choice brings the device closer to Android flagships like OnePlus and Xiaomi. The new aerospace-grade 7000 series aluminum gives the device a matte, textured feel, while reducing weight and increasing durability.
The Plato-like rear design isn’t just an aesthetic choice; it also frees up space for a larger battery and a more effective thermal chamber. The vapor chamber cooling system manages heat much better during intense gaming or AI tasks. This is a feature Android manufacturers have been using for years, and Apple is finally catching up. The addition of a Cosmic Orange color option adds a performance-focused yet personalized touch to the device.
A Time for Customization and Flexibility
iOS 26 introduces the most significant visual change to Apple software in a long time. The new Liquid Glass interface gives app icons and widgets a translucent, layered look. The home and lock screens now support dynamic and interactive wallpapers, similar to Android’s Material You interface.
The true customization options available to users, including fully transparent app icons, demonstrate Apple’s flexing of its closed ecosystem approach. Even the lock screen clock now aligns with your photos, making everything more personalized.
Apple made a bold move in the camera department with the iPhone 17 Pro. All three rear cameras feature 48MP sensors. The new 200mm 8x telephoto lens gives Apple its longest optical zoom yet, giving it the power to compete with rivals like the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
The front camera uses a square 18MP sensor with Center Stage. Features like dual-camera video recording and macro support, which Chinese brands have been offering for years, are now available on iPhone. While this hardware breakthrough is new to Apple, it’s already familiar to Android users.
Apple Intelligence in iOS 26 brings AI features like message summaries, custom Genmojis, and image creation directly to the device. Visual Intelligence, similar to Google’s Circle to Search feature, lets you take action based on on-screen images.
Features like Call Screening and Live Translation deliver an experience reminiscent of the intuitive features found on Pixel phones. Apple is taking a more open approach than ever by allowing system-level developer access.
The iPhone 17 Pro represents a new Apple model that draws unabashed inspiration from Android. From design to user interface flexibility to camera capabilities, Apple has long embraced strategies that have propelled Android forward.
This makes the 17 Pro a compelling upgrade for longtime iPhone users, while also making the iPhone feel less restrictive for those considering switching to Android. Apple hasn’t lost its identity, but it has learned from its competitors and is clearly demonstrating this shift this time around.
