Apple’s iPhone 17 “Awe Dropping” Event: Everything Announced

Apple’s September 2025 keynote is, well, exactly what we had expected for months based on the many leaks and rumors. Held at Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino, the event packed in new iPhones, refreshed Apple Watches, upgraded AirPods, and even a brand-new iPhone model that had the crowd buzzing.

The spotlight, of course, was on the iPhone 17 family. Apple unveiled three main models: the regular iPhone 17, the powerful iPhone 17 Pro, and a bold new addition of the ultra-thin iPhone Air. Let’s go through each. 

iPhone 17: The Base Model Gets Serious Upgrades

The standard iPhone 17 is no longer the “entry-level” phone people expect. It comes with a larger 6.3-inch ProMotion display with thinner bezels, peaking at an eye-searing 3,000 nits of outdoor brightness. For the first time, even the regular iPhone gets 120Hz refresh Pro Motion displays, something only Pro models has until now. 

Under the hood is the new A19 chip, with a 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU, offering 20% better performance than last year’s A18. The cameras got a big push too: a 48MP main sensor and a 48MP ultra-wide lens. The selfie camera has a new square sensor that enables Center Stage, so whether you’re taking landscape selfies or on a Zoom call, the framing adjusts automatically.

Colors this year feel livelier: lavender, miss blue, sage, black, and white.

iPhone Air: Thin, Light, and Bold

The star of the show this year was the iPhone Air, Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever at just 5.6mm. What many expected to be called the iPhone 17 Air has instead been introduced simply as the iPhone Air. From a naming perspective, this model doesn’t quite sit within the iPhone 17 family.

For durability, Apple is using Ceramic Shield on both the front and back of the device. While the Pro models are moving back to aluminum, the Air comes with a slim titanium frame.

Despite its size, it promises “pro performance” with the A19 Pro chip. It carries a 6.5-inch ProMotion display, 120Hz refresh, and the same 3,000 nits brightness.

Apple clearly wants the Air to feel special. Accessories include a slim MagSafe battery that stretches vertically across the phone, translucent and bumper cases, and even a crossbody strap. With the MagSafe battery, Apple says you can push video playback to 40 hours. It will be available in Space Black, Cloud White, Light Gold, and Sky Blue. 

iPhone 17 Pro: Apple’s Workhorse Gets a Redesign

The iPhone 17 Pro is where Apple flexed hardest. It ditches titanium for aluminum, which some may see as a downgrade, but compensates with the biggest battery ever in an iPhone. It also introduces a new rear design Apple calls a “full-width camera plateau”, a bar stretching across the phone, similar to Google’s Pixel.

The camera system is no joke. Up front, there’s an 18MP Center Stage selfie camera. On the back, three 48MP sensors deliver what Apple calls “the equivalent of eight pro lenses.” There’s a new Fusion telephoto lens with 4x (100mm) and 8x (200mm) options, plus up to 40x digital zoom. ProRes RAW capture, Genlock support for multi-cam syncing, and updated deep-learning algorithms all point at Apple chasing serious filmmakers.

Inside is the A19 Pro chip, paired with a new vapor chamber for thermal management, promising 40% better sustained performance. The display is protected by Ceramic Shield 2 with a seven-layer anti-reflective coating. Storage goes up to 2TB on the Pro Max. Color options include silver, deep blue, and a striking cosmic orange.

Apple Watch Lineup: Big Year for Wearables

Apple didn’t just stop at phones. This year’s Watch refresh feels like a reset for the entire lineup.

• Series 11 ($399): Slimmer design, 5G support, new Sleep Score, high blood pressure detection, and stronger glass. Battery life hits 24 hours. Comes in aluminum (jet black, silver, rose gold, space gray) and titanium (natural, gold, slate).
• SE 3 ($249): Finally gets an always-on display, powered by the S10 chip. It adds sleep apnea detection, wrist-flick gestures, double-tap, and fast charging. Battery remains 18 hours. Colors: midnight and starlight.
• Ultra 3 ($799): Rugged as ever but now with 42 hours of battery, 5G, and satellite connectivity. It has the biggest display ever on an Apple Watch, thanks to slimmer bezels. Comes in natural and black titanium.

AirPods Pro 3: Small Ears, Big Upgrades

After three years, Apple finally refreshed the AirPods Pro. The third-gen model adds a heart rate sensor that integrates with the Fitness app, better sweat resistance, and a smaller design with five ear tip sizes. Active Noise Cancellation has been doubled compared to AirPods Pro 2, with Apple bragging it now delivers the “world’s best ANC.” Battery life gets a bump too, 8 hours with ANC on and 10 hours in Transparency mode.

The real headline feature? Live translation powered by Apple Intelligence. Imagine traveling and hearing translations directly in your ears in real-time. At $249, they’re available for preorder now and ship September 19.

Final Thoughts

Preorders open this Friday, September 12, with all devices shipping September 19. iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, and iPhone 17 Pro all start at 256GB storage. The Pro Max model offers storage capacity of up to 2TB. AirPods Pro 3 are priced at $249, and the new Apple Watch lineup starts at $249 for the SE 3, $399 for Series 11, and $799 for Ultra 3. All of these devices will be available to order on Friday and reach customers a week later.

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