Apple iPhone 17 vs Apple iPhone 18 Pro
3 questions both answer, side by side. Every answer is backed by the dated sources at the bottom.
Side by side
Can your phone screen unknown and spam calls for you?
On iPhone, Screen Unknown Callers can ask callers from unsaved numbers why they're calling before your phone rings, and a spam filter moves spam calls to a separate list.
Good to know: An iPhone setting, not specific to iPhone 17; not active while roaming.
On iPhone, Screen Unknown Callers can ask callers from unsaved numbers why they're calling before your phone rings.
Good to know: An iPhone setting, not specific to iPhone 18 Pro; not active while roaming.
Can your phone's AI assistant do things in your apps for you?
Siri AI on iPhone 17 can take actions in apps like Messages, Music and Reminders, such as editing a message you just sent.
Good to know: Rolling out in English.
On iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Intelligence powers Siri AI, integrated into your apps, to help with everyday tasks like sending messages and setting reminders.
Good to know: Siri availability and features vary by language and area.
How long does a new phone's battery last?
Apple rates iPhone 17 at up to 30 hours of video playback (27 streamed); 10 minutes of charging gives up to 8 hours of video.
Good to know: Video playback rating; fast top-up needs a high-wattage adapter.
Apple rates iPhone 18 Pro at up to 36 hours of video playback (33 streamed); iPhone 18 Pro Max is rated at up to 45 hours.
Good to know: Video playback rating.
Only checked for one of them
Can your phone translate a phone call live?
iPhone 17 has Live Translation in the Phone and FaceTime apps for one-on-one calls.
Good to know: Listed languages only.
How we know (3 sources)
Apple Support, "Manage unknown callers on iPhone": under Screen Unknown Callers you choose Never, Ask Reason for Calling (the caller is asked why they're calling before your phone rings) or Silence. Calls aren't screened while roaming, and screening turns off for 24 hours after an emergency call. A spam filter and an Unknown Callers filter move such calls to separate lists.
Read the sourceiPhone 17 overview and specs (read Oct 23, 2026): Siri AI, powered by Apple Intelligence, answers open-ended questions and takes actions in apps like Messages, Music and Reminders (rolling out in English). Live Translation in Phone and FaceTime works for one-on-one calls in listed languages. Up to 30 hours of video playback (27 streamed); 10 minutes of charging gives up to 8 hours of video with a high-wattage adapter.
Read the sourceiPhone 18 Pro overview and tech specs (read Oct 24, 2026): iPhone 18 Pro 256GB at $1,199. Up to 36 hours of video playback (33 streamed); iPhone 18 Pro Max up to 45 hours (40 streamed). Apple Intelligence powers Siri AI, integrated into your apps; Siri helps with everyday tasks like sending messages and setting reminders. Emergency SOS, Messages and Find My via satellite.
Read the source