Apple Event 2025: iPhone 17 and iPhone Air — every feature that matters

Apple Event 2025 delivered a refreshed iPhone line‑up led by the ultra‑thin iPhone Air, the iPhone 17 family, a three‑strong Apple Watch range, and AirPods Pro 3 with new health and translation features.

iPhone Air: the thinnest iPhone yet, with pro‑grade power

• Apple introduced iPhone Air as its slimmest iPhone to date, pairing Ceramic Shield 2, a titanium frame, A19 Pro, a 48 MP Fusion camera, and the new Centre Stage front camera.

• Connectivity steps up with Apple’s new N1 wireless chip (Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread) and a faster C1X modem, while Apple sells an Air‑specific MagSafe battery to extend runtime on heavy days.

• Pre‑orders open 12 Sept, with availability from 19 Sept; colours include space black, sky blue, cloud white and light gold.

iPhone 17: brighter ProMotion display, bigger battery claims, smarter camera

• The 6.3‑inch Super Retina XDR display adds ProMotion up to 120 Hz, up to 3,000 nits peak brightness, Ceramic Shield 2, and a seven‑layer anti‑reflective coating for better outdoor readability.

• A19 brings a re‑worked display engine and a 16‑core Neural Engine for Apple Intelligence features, alongside battery gains (Apple quotes +8 hours video playback) and 50% charge in 20 minutes.

• Cameras move to a 48 MP main (24 MP default) plus a 48 MP ultra‑wide, and the front camera now supports Centre Stage for better framing in photos, video and calls.

iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max: thermal redesign and pro‑video extras

• Pro models debut an aluminium unibody with a new thermal system (vapour chamber) to sustain performance, driven by A19 Pro that Apple says delivers 40% better sustained performance than 16 Pro.

• All three rear cameras are now 48 MP, with telephoto up to 4x optical and “optical‑like” 8x; Apple also touts Dolby Vision, 4K/120, Log, ProRes RAW and Final Cut Camera features like Genlock, time‑splicing and bullet‑time.

• Battery life is quoted up to 39 hours of video playback, with colour options including Cosmic Orange and Deep Blue this year.

Connectivity and I/O: what creators need to know

• All new iPhones integrate the N1 wireless chip; iPhone Air adds Apple’s C1X modem for faster cellular performance versus the original C1.

• iPhone Air and iPhone 17 stick with USB 2 speeds over USB‑C, so frequent large file transfers will still favour the Pro models’ faster wired throughput.

Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3 and SE 3: health, endurance and value

• Series 11 adds a Sleep Score and hypertension notifications, positioning it as the most health‑oriented Apple Watch yet, with a target of up to 24 hours of battery life.

• Ultra 3 brings satellite communications, multiday battery life, the largest and brightest Watch display yet, 5G, and dual‑frequency GPS for rugged, off‑grid scenarios.

• SE 3 introduces an Always‑On display and fast charging; PCMag notes it moves to the S10 chip for stronger day‑to‑day performance.

AirPods Pro 3: ANC, fitness and live translation

• Apple says AirPods Pro 3 deliver the world’s best in‑ear ANC, add on‑bud heart‑rate sensing for workouts, introduce Live Translation, and stretch to up to 8 hours of listening.

• Apple Intelligence‑powered live translations and the focus on improved everyday battery life versus the prior generation.

Prices, pre‑orders and availability

• Pre‑orders open Friday 12 Sept, with retail availability from 19 Sept across the iPhone 17 range, Apple Watch line‑up and AirPods Pro 3.

• US starting prices: iPhone 17 at $799, iPhone Air at $999, iPhone 17 Pro at $1,099, and Pro Max at $1,199; Apple also standardised 256 GB base storage across iPhone 17 models.

• Apple extended free satellite access for iPhone 14 and 15 owners for another year, easing off‑grid safety costs for older devices.

New accessories: cases, crossbody strap and MagSafe battery

• Apple announced a bumper‑style clear case for iPhone Air, new TechWoven cases for Pro models, and a magnetic crossbody strap compatible with MagSafe cases.

• A slim MagSafe battery returns — but only for iPhone Air — to boost endurance without undermining its ultra‑thin profile.

Quick buyer’s notes (editorial)

• iPhone Air: choose it if you prioritise a thin, premium design and carry‑light accessories.

• iPhone 17: the mainstream pick, with a brighter 120 Hz display and longer battery life than last year.

• iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max: best for creators and gamers needing sustained performance, faster I/O and pro‑video features.

• Watches: Series 11 for health tracking, Ultra 3 for adventure and battery headroom, SE 3 for value.

• AirPods Pro 3: commuters and travellers benefit most from the stronger ANC and Live Translation.

FAQ

• What did Apple announce at Apple Event 2025?

  Apple introduced the iPhone 17 line‑up, a new ultra‑thin iPhone Air, updates to Apple Watch (Series 11, Ultra 3, SE 3), and AirPods Pro 3, alongside software roll‑outs for iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, macOS and visionOS.

• What’s new with iPhone 17 compared to last year’s models?

  iPhone 17 brings a brighter 120 Hz display, improved battery endurance, upgraded cameras with smarter computational photography, and the latest Apple silicon to power Apple Intelligence features.

• iPhone 17 vs iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone 17 Pro Max – how do they differ?

  All three deliver speed and camera gains, but the Pro models add a redesigned thermal system for sustained performance, more advanced pro‑video options, and a telephoto upgrade. Pro Max offers the largest display and battery headroom.

• How does iPhone Air compare to iPhone 17?

  iPhone Air prioritises an ultra‑thin, premium design with a single high‑quality rear camera and accessories tailored to keep the profile slim. iPhone 17 is the mainstream pick with a balanced spec sheet, while the Pro models target creators and power users.

• Does iPhone 17 have a 120 Hz display?

  Yes, iPhone 17 moves to a 120 Hz display for smoother scrolling, gaming and UI interactions, improving everyday responsiveness.

• What camera upgrades did Apple highlight for iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro?

  The range focuses on higher‑resolution sensors, better low‑light performance and smarter AI‑assisted features. Pro models add enhanced telephoto zoom and pro‑grade video capture options.

• What about battery life and charging on the iPhone 17 family?

  Expect longer battery life across the board versus previous generations, plus faster wired charging on select models and improved wireless charging support. Day‑to‑day, that means quicker top‑ups and fewer battery‑anxiety moments.

• Is USB‑C standard on the new iPhones?

  Yes. All iPhone 17 models and iPhone Air use USB‑C, simplifying cables and accessories across Apple devices.

• What’s new in Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3 and SE 3?

  Series 11 leans into health insights and daily wellness, Ultra 3 doubles down on durability, display size and off‑grid capability, and SE 3 remains the best value for first‑time buyers with a punchier spec sheet.

• AirPods Pro 3 – what are the headline features?

  Stronger active noise cancellation, comfort and fit upgrades, live translation features and built‑in fitness sensors for light workout tracking without a watch.

• When can I buy iPhone 17 and iPhone Air?

  Pre‑orders open shortly after Apple Event 2025 with retail availability typically the following week, depending on your region and model selection.

• Which iPhone should I choose in 2025?

  Pick iPhone 17 for the best balance of price and performance, iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max for sustained power and pro‑video, and iPhone Air if you value the thinnest, most design‑forward option.

• Do I need to upgrade if I have iPhone 15 or iPhone 16?

  Only if the gains map to your needs. Creators and gamers benefit most from the Pro models’ sustained performance; design‑focused users may prefer the iPhone Air; casual users on recent devices can comfortably wait.

• What software updates were confirmed at Apple Event 2025?

  Apple confirmed release timing for iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, macOS and visionOS, bringing new Apple Intelligence features, UI refinements and broader quality‑of‑life improvements.

• Any changes to SIM, eSIM or connectivity?

  Apple continues to expand eSIM support and improves wireless performance on the new devices. As always, features and band support vary by region and carrier.

• What accessories did Apple show for the 2025 line‑up?

  New cases tailored to the latest designs, a bumper‑style clear case for iPhone Air, refreshed straps for Apple Watch and a slim MagSafe battery engineered to preserve the Air’s thin profile.