8 major announcements from Apple’s presentation: iPhone Air, new iPhone 17, Apple Watch and AirPods Pro 3
By ForGeeks
Apple wrapped up its fall presentation, where it showed off several key new products at once. The main event was the announcement of the thinnest iPhone in history, the iPhone Air. The company also presented updated iPhone 17 models, a new generation of Apple Watch smart watch and AirPods Pro 3 headphones. All devices will go on sale Sept.
For those who missed the broadcast, here’s a roundup of all the most important announcements from the presentation.
iPhone Air is the thinnest iPhone
The big announcement from the event was the iPhone Air. It’s the first time the Air prefix has migrated from the laptop and tablet lineup to the smartphone series. At just 5.6mm thick, it features a 6.5-inch ProMotion display and a large camera protrusion that almost takes up the entire width of the case.
In fact, most of the iPhone Air’s hardware is housed in this notch, leaving the thin body for the battery. The smartphone is powered by the A19 Pro processor, which Apple likens to the MacBook Pro’s chips.
The device is the first with a number of new technologies: the N1 wireless chip with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread support, and the C1X modem, which is twice as fast as the modem in the iPhone 16e.
The camera here is single but versatile: the Fusion system combines an ultra-wide and 2x telephoto lens with an aperture of f/1.6. The front camera supports Center Stage, a feature borrowed from the iPad and MacBook: the smartphone automatically locks the user in the center of the frame, takes multiple shots, and lets you choose the best angle without rotating the device. Simultaneous video recording from the front and main cameras is also supported.
The iPhone Air starts at $999 for the 256GB model. It goes on sale September 19.
Accessories for iPhone Air
Apple says the iPhone Air will deliver all-day battery life, but it also introduced an optional MagSafe battery. It increases battery life to 40 hours. Accessories are also available, including a thin, clear case, a bumper, and a strap for carrying the smartphone on your shoulder or belt.
iPhone 17 with ProMotion and 256GB of storage in the base
The base iPhone 17 finally gets a ProMotion screen with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. It’s a 6.3-inch OLED display that makes animations and games much smoother.
The smartphone is powered by an A19 processor optimized to balance power and energy efficiency. Its GPU is 20 percent faster than the A18, and 90 percent faster than the A15 Bionic from the iPhone 14.
And it’s also 20 percent faster than the A18, and 90 percent faster than the A15 Bionic from the iPhone 14.
The exterior is similar to last year’s model, but the camera is updated, with two 48MP lenses. The main Fusion sensor with f/1.6 aperture works as an ultra-wide and macro lens, as well as a 2x telephoto lens. The front camera has been given a Center Stage.
iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max with new design and triple camera
iPhone 17 Pro gets the same “plateau” camera as the Air, as well as the A19 Pro chip. It’s available in 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch display versions.
The Pro’s main difference is its triple camera system: all 48MP modules, but each for a different task. There’s an ultra-wide macro lens, a primary module, and an 8x telephoto. The front camera also supports Center Stage and recording video simultaneously from the front and main cameras.
The design is noticeably different, with Apple using an anodized aluminum monocoque body instead of titanium for the first time. The company claims it dissipates heat 20 times better. There’s an evaporative chamber inside to dissipate heat. The iPhone 17 Pro has the largest battery in iPhone history.
Accessories will also be available, including Techwoven cases, clear cases, and a carrying strap. Pricing starts at $1,099 for 256GB, and the higher-end Pro Max version supports up to 2TB of storage.
Apple Watch Series 11 is the first watch with 5G
The flagship Apple Watch Series 11 looks similar to the Series 10 design, but has gotten new features. The main one is support for hypertension notifications (pending FDA certification). It also claims up to 24 hours of runtime.
Series 11s have 5G support for the first time. The model will be available in a new color, Space Gray Aluminum. The starting price is $399, and pre-orders are now open.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 with the largest display
Apple Watch Ultra 3 is visually similar to its predecessor, but features the largest display in the history of the lineup. The screen supports 1Hz to make even seconds appear on the always-on display.
The watch gets 5G and the ability to text via satellite in places without a network. The battery lasts up to 42 hours. Hypertension notifications will also be available. The model is priced at $799.
Apple Watch SE 3 with Always-On and temperature sensors
The budget Apple Watch SE has been updated for the first time since 2022. They now feature a 5G-enabled S10 chip and have an always-on display for the first time.
There are also temperature sensors that can be used to track ovulation. Added a speaker for listening to music without connecting to an iPhone. Priced from $249.
AirPods Pro 3 with improved noise cancellation and translation
The third-generation AirPods Pro are largely unchanged in appearance, but they’ve gotten some serious upgrades.
The headphones feature a heart-rate sensor, IP57 waterproofing, and improved active noise cancellation. Apple claims it’s four times more effective than the first AirPods Pro and twice as good as the previous generation.
Live Translation feature added: if you pinch the earbuds’ feet, Live Translation mode is enabled. Voice translation is displayed on iPhone, so you can listen to the person you’re talking to right in your ear.
Sound quality is also improved-especially bass, thanks to new vents. Five pairs of ear cushions are included.
Sound quality has also been improved, especially bass, thanks to new vents.
AirPods Pro 3 are priced at $249, pre-orders are open, and sales start on September 19.
