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Just four years ago, clutching my new iPhone 13 Pro from the Switch store in hometown, I could hardly wait to unbox it. Unboxing a phone used to feel like unwrapping Christmas morning, full of excitement over the latest new gadget in my hands. These days, it feels more like a cruel necessity, a tether to reality rather than a spark of joy. Maybe that’s the reality of adulthood, or maybe it’s the tech itself. Is the magic fading, or am I simply growing up?
For those who know me, I’ve been deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem since my university days. The seamless syncing between devices and the sleek design always had a magic that felt almost personal. But now, holding the iPhone 17 Pro in my hand, that magic feels elusive. Innovation is still present, but the wow-factor and the anticipation of new feature announcements are rarer these days.
The iPhone 17 launch was notably different this year. Unlike previous launches where Malaysians had to travel to Singapore for early access, Apple released the phones simultaneously across Malaysia, Singapore, and the ASEAN region. The store staff I spoke with mentioned reduced excitement and foot traffic, due to wider availability of the phones in the region. Unlike previous years, when buyers flew into Singapore just to get first dibs on the latest models, this year brought a more level playing field – a clear shift in buying patterns for the iPhone 17 series in 2025.
Could this global simultaneous release be changing the way hype builds? Or perhaps the excitement is simply evolving as smartphones become ubiquitous, no longer capturing the collective imagination like before.
I often wonder why people feel compelled to upgrade their phones every year. Is it the allure of cutting-edge features? The social currency of having the “latest and greatest”? Or a deeper, perhaps subconscious, desire to reset – to hold something new that signifies progress and possibility? For me, the yearly cycle of upgrades has slowed, replaced by a more thoughtful cadence. There’s liberation in resisting the urge to chase every new release, and instead, focusing on how technology truly serves daily life beyond the specs sheet.
After four years with my iPhone 13 Pro, which served me very well, the main reason for upgrading was storage constraints. The base 128 GB model had become tight. Every time I wanted to install or update an app, I had to delete photos or uninstall other apps just to clear some space. It became a minor but persistent source of annoyance.
Another key factor was the battery. Though I’ve maintained my battery health diligently, and my phone still showed a solid 80% maximum capacity after four years, I knew the battery was gradually degrading. Apple’s battery health indicator doesn’t always capture the subtle loss in endurance that comes with age and daily use. Having a fresh battery and improved power efficiency in the iPhone 17 Pro would mean better longevity through the day.
Beyond storage and battery, I looked forward to the improved performance and camera upgrades. The A19 Pro chip and enhanced camera system promised smoother gaming and better photos, important considerations for how I use my phone.
I initially tried the sleek and light iPhone 17 Air, but chose the Pro for better performance and a superior camera. However, the new aluminium frame of the iPhone 17 Pro has sparked widespread concerns. Many users, including myself, am a bit nervous, because there have been numerous reports that the aluminium body scratches easily, especially on the popular deep blue model. The shift from stainless steel in my old 13 Pro to aluminium, although it reduces weight, feels like a step back in durability and premium build quality. That said, I still got the 17 Pro model.
I deliberately chose the base 256 GB model, double my previous minimum, but avoided overspending on speculative “what-if” storage options. The more data you store, the longer it takes to transfer when upgrading, and the more digital clutter that accumulates. Keeping things simple and streamlined has helped me feel less burdened and more in control.
Setting up the new phone has highlighted some frustrating new hurdles. Banking apps like MAE (Maybank Malaysia) now require physical ATM verification for Secure2U activation, a frustrating hurdle for overseas users like me. Alliance Bank also relies on SMS verification that feel outdated for 2025 smartphone security.
One of the more surprising irritations has been the laggy performance of the native Apple Messages app. It frequently white-screens, leaving me staring at a blank display for several seconds before it finally loads. Sometimes it fails to load entirely, forcing me to restart the phone to get it working. While it’s common for new iOS versions to have minor bugs during early releases, this kind of recurring failure feels unacceptable given Apple’s reputation and the premium price tag of the iPhone 17 Pro. These small but impactful glitches cast a shadow over what should be a smooth and seamless user experience.
Despite these hiccups, the iPhone 17 Pro delivers undeniably strong performance with everyday apps like Microsoft Excel and gaming. The ProMotion 120Hz display, improved camera system including up to 8x optical zoom, and brighter screen all contribute to a more enjoyable daily experience. Still, I noticed little visible difference in screen quality compared to my old phone.
Is Apple focusing more on iterative improvements rather than groundbreaking innovation? While processing power and camera features have improved considerably, the overall experience feels less magical than in the early days. The excitement of unboxing a new iPhone now seems tempered by practicality and a more mature perspective.
The iPhone 17 Pro is powerful, with impressive pros and some frustrating cons. As a long-time Apple user, this upgrade felt less like a thrilling adventure and more like a necessary evolution in technology and in myself.
Perhaps the deeper reflection is not about the device, but about our relationship with technology. It is less about chasing the newest gadget, and more about integrating it thoughtfully into our lives – finding balance, intentionality, and even joy in how we use the tools we choose.
If you’re considering buying the iPhone 17 or 17 Pro in Singapore, here’s a handy tip to save some money. You can pay with Atome Singapore and get $10 off on your first purchase. Plus, Atome allows you to split your bills into 3 monthly instalments with 0% interest. Feel free to use my referral link: Atome Singapore, to enjoy the discount!
Also, don’t forget to check out Shopee Singapore for the latest iPhone deals and promotions – sometimes you can snag great bargains or bundle offers that make upgrading more affordable.
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P.S. I know, I know – my Korean trip travel post series has been hanging around for quite a while now. The truth is, I recently changed jobs, and the transition has brought along a fair share of stress and adjustment. It’s taken time to find new rhythms and settle into the demands of this new role. Writing this post on the road gave me a moment to pause and reflect, which helped me process both the changes in my work life and in my relationship with technology.
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