Apple has officially concluded its expansive fall keynote, an event that proved to be an ambitious showcase of its latest innovations across mobile, wearable, and audio technologies. The presentation’s centerpiece was undoubtedly the introduction of the remarkably thin iPhone Air, a new model that expands the “Air” branding beyond laptops and tablets into the iPhone family. Alongside this marquee revelation, the company unveiled the full iPhone 17 lineup, a new generation of Apple Watch devices, and the long-awaited AirPods Pro 3. All of these highly anticipated products are scheduled for launch on September 19th.
For those who were unable to experience the event live, there is no cause for concern. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the most notable announcements and defining moments.
The headline reveal of the keynote was the iPhone Air, Apple’s slimmest smartphone to date. In the past, the Air designation had been reserved exclusively for the MacBook Air and iPad Air, both celebrated for their lightweight form factors. The decision to extend this branding to the iPhone line highlights Apple’s ongoing emphasis on creating not only powerful but also incredibly thin and portable devices. The iPhone Air measures just 5.6 millimeters in thickness and features a striking 6.5-inch ProMotion display capable of delivering fluid visuals at variable refresh rates. One of its most distinguishing physical features is its bold, horizontally wide camera plateau—an extended design that accommodates the majority of the device’s hardware components.
By consolidating much of the internal hardware into this camera plateau, Apple frees up precious internal space for a larger, more efficient battery within the impossibly thin chassis. Powering this device is the new A19 Pro chip, which Apple asserts offers computational performance comparable to its MacBook Pro laptops. This groundbreaking processor is also integrated into the iPhone 17 Pro, ensuring parity in speed and multitasking power across flagship devices.
In addition to its sleek architecture, the iPhone Air introduces several technological firsts for an Apple handset. Among these innovations is the debut of the N1 chip, a dedicated controller for wireless connectivity that expands the phone’s capabilities to include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread support, thereby enhancing both speed and interoperability with smart-home devices. Equally significant is the brand-new C1X modem, which the company claims is twice as fast as the previous-generation modem found in the iPhone 16e.
Photography and videography remain at the forefront of Apple’s design philosophy, and the iPhone Air continues this tradition with a unique single-lens “Fusion” camera system. This sophisticated lens functions both as an ultrawide camera and as a 2x telephoto option, all while maintaining an f/1.6 aperture that allows for impressive low-light performance. The front-facing camera is no less advanced, adopting the Center Stage technology that automatically keeps subjects in frame, previously seen in Apple’s iPads and MacBooks. This functionality removes the need to constantly adjust the phone for wider shots and allows users to capture multiple perspectives simultaneously. Adding to its versatility, the iPhone Air supports simultaneous video recording from both the front and rear cameras.
The iPhone Air will retail for $999 in its base configuration, which includes 256 GB of storage. Like the rest of the lineup announced at the event, it becomes available on September 19th. Apple claims that the phone can comfortably deliver all-day battery life, but for those needing extended endurance, an optional MagSafe battery accessory can extend its life to an impressive 40 hours. To protect the delicate yet expensive device, Apple revealed several cases, including a slim transparent option, a bumper case, and even a crossbody strap designed for hands-free carrying.
Alongside the iPhone Air, Apple presented the new baseline iPhone 17 for 2025. One of its most important updates is the inclusion of a 6.3-inch OLED display with ProMotion technology, finally bringing a high-refresh-rate panel to a more affordable iPhone model. This feature enables refresh rates up to 120Hz, which greatly benefits gaming, scrolling, and other visually demanding activities where smoothness is paramount. Internally, the device is powered by Apple’s A19 chip, which has been carefully optimized for both performance and energy efficiency. According to Apple, its graphics processing capabilities are 20 percent faster than the A18 chip and a staggering 90 percent faster than the A15 found in the iPhone 14. This leap ensures an enhanced gaming experience and smoother multitasking overall.
Visually, the iPhone 17 shares much in common with its immediate predecessor, though it introduces several notable refinements. Its dual-camera system is led by a 48-megapixel Fusion ultrawide main sensor that can also serve as a macro lens, complemented by a 48-megapixel main camera that doubles as a 12-megapixel telephoto lens for high-quality optical zoom shots. Like its sibling models, it incorporates the Center Stage selfie camera system, enabling users to effortlessly remain in focus while capturing expansive group shots or video footage without needing to physically rotate the phone.
Moving up the hierarchy, the iPhone 17 Pro introduces an even higher standard of power and capability. It mirrors the iPhone Air’s design language with a prominent camera plateau and boasts the potent A19 Pro chipset. The phone is fortified with Apple’s Ceramic Shield for durability, now used on both the front and back glass surfaces. Two sizes are available for consumers: a 6.3-inch Pro and a larger 6.9-inch Pro Max.
The hallmark distinction of the Pro model is its advanced triple-camera system, composed entirely of 48-megapixel lenses, each engineered for a specialized purpose. The system includes an ultrawide with macro functionality, a primary lens for versatile everyday shooting, and a powerful 8x telephoto lens for capturing distant subjects in remarkable clarity. As with other models, the Pro’s selfie camera embraces Center Stage features and supports dual front-and-back video recording.
Apple also made design changes in terms of materials and thermal performance. The Pro moves away from the titanium structure of previous models and instead makes use of a newly anodized aluminum unibody. According to Apple, this aluminum body can dissipate heat 20 times more effectively, a benefit further amplified by the implementation of an internal vapor chamber. These refinements work in tandem to keep performance at peak levels while reducing the risk of overheating. Additionally, Apple emphasized that the iPhone 17 Pro houses the largest battery ever included in an iPhone, promising improved longevity. Accessories such as Techwoven cases, translucent protective options, and crossbody straps will be available. Pricing begins at $1,099 for the 256GB version, with the Pro Max variant supporting storage configurations up to 2TB.
The event did not only focus on phones. Apple also introduced updates to its wearable line, beginning with the Apple Watch Series 11. Launching on September 19th at a starting price of $399, this model builds upon last year’s redesign with a focus on refinements beneath the surface. While its outward appearance remains virtually the same, with the addition of a sophisticated space grey aluminum finish, internal technologies have been thoughtfully advanced. Perhaps the most significant new feature is a hypertension notification system, which Apple is currently seeking FDA clearance for. The watch maintains a strong 24-hour battery life per charge.
For those who seek durability and cutting-edge features, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 was introduced. Although its aesthetic closely resembles that of the Ultra 2, the new model stands apart thanks to its expansive display—the largest in the Apple Watch lineup—which supports an always-on mode capable of reducing its refresh rate to 1Hz, enabling second-by-second visible updates. It is equipped with full 5G connectivity as well as the ability to send text messages via satellite communication, ensuring usability even outside of standard network coverage. The watch’s impressive 42-hour battery life, coupled with the upcoming hypertension notification feature, solidifies its status as Apple’s toughest and most capable wearable. Pricing is set at $799.
Apple also refreshed its entry-level smartwatch, the Apple Watch SE, with the SE 3 marking the first update since 2022. While maintaining affordability at $249, the new SE integrates a more robust S10 chip, 5G connectivity, and for the first time in this series, an always-on display. Additional capabilities include integrated temperature sensors, which can assist with fertility and ovulation tracking, and the convenience of music and audio playback directly via its built-in speaker.
Completing the event’s announcements was the unveiling of the AirPods Pro 3, priced at $249. While their exterior silhouette appears nearly identical to the prior generation, these earbuds carry powerful internal enhancements. Notably, they incorporate Apple’s smallest-ever heart rate sensor, transforming them into a discreet health-monitoring accessory that reduces reliance on the Apple Watch. Their durability is certified by an IP57 rating, making them resistant to both dust and water. Another groundbreaking addition is a live translation feature: by holding both stems simultaneously, users can hear real-time translations of other languages directly in their ear while also providing translated speech and written transcriptions on their iPhone screens. Active Noise Cancellation has also been vastly improved, now four times more effective than the original AirPods Pro and twice as effective as the last generation. Furthermore, enhanced bass performance is delivered thanks to innovative venting systems, and with five ear tip sizes included in the box, users are more likely to find a precise and comfortable fit.
Across the board, all these new devices—whether phones, watches, or earbuds—embody Apple’s philosophy of merging sleek aesthetics with tangible advancements in hardware and software performance. Every product is available to pre-order immediately, with official release scheduled for September 19th, ensuring that Apple enthusiasts will soon have their hands on the company’s boldest hardware lineup to date.
Sourse: https://www.theverge.com/news/774502/apple-biggest-announcements-fall-event-iphone-17-air-pro-max-watch-series-ultra-se-airpods
