Apple held its latest product launch event today, introducing the iPhone 17 series alongside refreshed versions of the Apple Watch and AirPods. Key changes for the iPhone 17 lineup include larger displays, a more advanced camera setup, and the debut of the ultra-slim iPhone Air, which takes the place of the previous Plus model.
More announcements could be on the horizon, as Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman claims that a new iPad Pro, an updated Vision Pro headset, enhanced AirTags, a refreshed Apple TV, a new HomePod mini, and upgraded MacBooks are all expected to arrive either in 2025 or within the first half of 2026.
iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max
Image Credits:Apple
The iPhone 17’s design now bears a closer resemblance to the Pro series. Its display has grown to 6.3 inches—up by 0.2 inches from the previous generation—and now supports a 120 Hz refresh rate instead of 60 Hz. There’s also a new 48MP ultrawide camera on board.
New color choices are available: lavender, mist blue, black, white, and sage green.
Most of the Pro’s enhancements are on the back of the device. The three cameras are now arranged in a rectangular strip that runs horizontally across the phone. The flash, light sensor, and microphone have been shifted to the far right, and the Apple logo sits centered over the MagSafe charging area for visual balance.
A noteworthy change is that the iPhone 17 Pro now uses an aluminum frame around the screen, moving away from titanium.
Pricing starts at $799 for the iPhone 17 with 256GB of storage, compared to $699 for the iPhone 16’s 128GB base model. The Pro version is priced at $1,099, while the Pro Max comes in at $1,199.
Though the spotlight was on the new iPhones, Apple also revealed new phone cases. The “TechWoven” cases employ a more premium woven fabric than the previously discontinued “FineWoven” cases from 2023.
Conspicuously missing from the event was any reference to a Siri powered by artificial intelligence, which leaves Apple trailing behind Google and other rivals.
iPhone Air
Image Credits:Apple
The standout reveal was Apple’s thinnest phone so far: the iPhone Air , set to take over from the iPhone Plus.
With a slim profile of just 5.6 mm—making it around 0.08 inches thinner than current models—the device also features a 6.6-inch display and a 120 Hz ProMotion screen. It is exclusively eSIM, which contributes to its minimalistic build.
This launch appears to be Apple’s answer to the emerging trend of ultra-thin smartphones, following brands like Samsung and Huawei. The iPhone Air is even slimmer than the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, which is 5.8 mm thick, and could set the stage for Apple’s much-rumored foldable phone, anticipated for a September 2026 release.
It will be available at a starting price of $999 and offered in black, white, sky blue, and light gold color options.
Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3
Image Credits:Apple
After a two-year hiatus, Apple introduced the Apple Watch Ultra 3 , bringing faster charging, 5G connectivity, and satellite support. The display has also been made larger.
Perhaps the most significant update for both the Ultra 3 and Series 11 is the new blood pressure monitoring capability, which alerts users when their blood pressure is outside the healthy range.
The third-generation Apple Watch SE received only minor improvements, the most notable being its always-on display, enabled by the new S10 chip.
The watches are priced at $249 for the SE 3, $399 for the Series 11, and $799 for the Ultra 3.
AirPods Pro 3
Image Credits:Apple
Following the 2022 release of AirPods Pro 2, Apple is finally bringing an upgrade. The AirPods Pro 3 , with a $249 price tag, come with smaller buds, enhanced sound quality, and a new feature for monitoring heart rate. They also introduce real-time translation, powered by Apple Intelligence, to help users communicate in foreign languages as they listen.
This article has been revised.
