Apple today hosts a new hardware event, releases the iPhone 17 lineup, and releases updates for the Apple Watch and AirPods. For the iPhone 17 model, the update included a larger screen and an improved camera system, and the introduction of an ultra-slim iPhone Air, which replaces the Plus model.
iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max
The iPhone 17 has undergone a makeover to match more closely with the Pro model. It features a slightly larger 6.3-inch screen, which is a 0.2-inch increase compared to the iPhone 16. It also has a 120Hz display, which is a substantial upgrade from the current 60Hz. The phone also has a 48 megapixel Ultra Wade camera.
Available in new colors: lavender, mist blue, black, white and sage.
Professional upgrades are mostly located on the back of the phone. The three rear cameras are located on a rectangular bar that extends from one end of the device to the other. The flash, light sensor and microphone are located on the right. If you have a Magsafe charger, the Apple logo is central for aesthetic reasons.
In particular, the iPhone 17 Pro has switched materials and replaced the titanium band around the screen with aluminum.
The iPhone 17 starts at $799 and has 256GB of base storage in particular. In contrast, the iPhone 16 started at $699 at 128GB. The Pro model costs $1,099, while the Pro Max costs $1,199.
The main focus of the event was on the iPhone, but Apple has announced a new phone case as a bonus. Called the “TechWoven” cases, these feature high-quality fabrics compared to the deprecated “FineWoven” line of Apple’s deprecated “FineWoven” line released in 2023.
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What’s particularly lacking in the keynote was a mention of Ai-Enhanced Siri, where Apple is catching up with Google and its competitors.
iPhone Air
The biggest announcement at the event was the debut of Apple’s slimmest phone, the iPhone Air, which replaced the iPhone Plus.
The device’s profile is 5.6 mm thick, about 0.08 inches thinner than the current iPhone. It also features a 6.6-inch screen and a 120 Hz promotional display. This device is ESIM only and helps the product maintain a sophisticated design.
The move follows in the footsteps of other companies like Samsung and Huawei, and appears to be Apple’s response to the trends in slimmer smartphones. iPhone air could potentially cover the 5.8mm thick Samsung Galaxy S25 edge. Additionally, it could pave the way for Apple’s long-term folding phones, which are projected to be released in September 2026.
The device costs $999 and is available in black, white, sky blue and light gold.
Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3
After two years of waiting, Apple unveiled the Apple Watch Ultra 3. This includes faster charging speeds, 5G support and faster satellite connections. The watch also has a large display.
However, one of the most exciting upgrades for both Ultra 3 and Series 11 is the built-in blood pressure monitoring feature. This feature tells users whether their blood pressure levels are too high or too low.
Meanwhile, the third generation Apple Watch SE received no major updates, except for the always-on display, thanks to the faster S10 chip.
The watches cost $249 for the Apple Watch SE 3, $399 for the Series 11, and $799 for the Ultra 3.
AirPods Pro 3
After the release of the AirPods Pro 2 in 2022, it’s time for an upgrade. Priced at $249, the AirPods Pro 3 features smaller earbuds, improved audio and new heart rate sensing features. It also features live translation technology powered by Apple Intelligence, which helps users translate foreign languages in real time.
This story has been updated.
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