Apple held its highly anticipated “Awe Dropping” event today at Apple Park in Cupertino, California. As expected, the company unveiled a sweeping lineup of new products and software updates, including the iPhone 17 series, the all-new iPhone Air, iOS 26, three new Apple Watch models, and the AirPods Pro 3.
Here’s a complete breakdown of everything Apple announced.
📱 iPhone 17 Series
Apple’s flagship iPhone line got its biggest updates in years:
- Camera upgrades:
- New 48MP Dual Fusion camera system with 4x the resolution of iPhone 16.
- A “Center Stage” front camera with the largest sensor ever in an iPhone — nearly double last year’s size.
- Apple noted that users took 500 billion selfies last year, underscoring the focus on front-facing photography.
- Display improvements:
- Entry-level iPhone 17 models now include ProMotion (120Hz refresh rate), previously reserved for Pro models.
- Larger 6.3-inch screen with thinner bezels, keeping the same body size as iPhone 16.
- Durability & design:
- New Ceramic Shield 2, offering 3x better scratch resistance.
- Available in lavender, mist blue, black, white, and sage.
- Pricing: Analysts expected increases due to tariffs, but Apple is keeping base prices largely stable, though higher storage tiers may cost more.
🌬️ iPhone Air
The surprise star of the show was the iPhone Air, Apple’s first major iPhone redesign since the iPhone X (2017).
- Ultra-thin design: Just 5.6mm thick, with a titanium “space grade” frame.
- Colors: White, gold, black, and sky blue.
- Chip: Powered by the new A19 Pro processor.
- Philosophy: Apple described it as “a piece of the future — powerful, yet so thin and light it seems to disappear in your hands.”
The iPhone Air replaces the underperforming “Plus” model in Apple’s four-phone lineup.
🖥️ iOS 26
Even if you’re not buying a new iPhone, you’ll still feel the impact of today’s announcements when iOS 26 rolls out later this month.
- Liquid Glass design: A radical UI overhaul with transparent, fluid-like animations across the system.
- Biggest visual change in a decade, replacing static opaque buttons with dynamic, glassy effects.
- Mixed reviews in beta, but Apple hopes millions will find it “delightful.”
⌚ Apple Watch Series 11, SE 3, and Ultra 3
Apple expanded its wearables lineup with three new models:
Apple Watch Series 11
- Thinnest and most comfortable Apple Watch ever.
- 24-hour battery life.
- Colors: Jet black, silver, rose gold, and new gray.
- Durability: Ceramic-coated glass for scratch resistance.
- 5G modem with improved antenna efficiency.
- Health breakthrough: Can now monitor high blood pressure over 30-day periods using optical heart sensors. FDA clearance is pending.
Apple Watch SE 3
- Entry-level model, starting at $249.
- Focused on affordability while maintaining core health and connectivity features.
Apple Watch Ultra 3
- Apple’s premium adventure watch, starting at $799.
- Upgraded display brightness, satellite connectivity, and 5G support.
- More rugged and reliable for outdoor use.
🎧 AirPods Pro 3
Apple also refreshed its popular wireless earbuds:
- Price: $249 (no increase from AirPods Pro 2).
- Fit: Now available in five sizes for better comfort.
- Battery life: Up to 8 hours per charge (up from 6 hours).
- Features:
- Best-in-class active noise cancellation.
- Enhanced spatial audio and transparency mode.
- Live translation of conversations in real-time — one of Apple’s first major consumer AI features.
Pre-orders open today, with shipping on September 19, 2025.
💡 Key Takeaways
- Apple is doubling down on design with the iPhone Air and iOS 26’s Liquid Glass interface.
- Health remains central to Apple’s strategy, with blood pressure monitoring on Watch Series 11.
- AI features are subtle, showing up in AirPods translation rather than headline iPhone features.
- Despite tariff pressures, Apple kept most prices stable, a relief for consumers.
📅 Availability & Pricing Summary
- iPhone 17 series: Pre-orders later this week, shipping September 19.
- iPhone Air: Launching alongside iPhone 17.
- iOS 26: Rolling out to compatible devices after the event.
- Apple Watch Series 11: $399.
- Apple Watch SE 3: $249.
- Apple Watch Ultra 3: $799.
- AirPods Pro 3: $249, shipping September 19.
Final Thoughts
Apple’s September 2025 event delivered a mix of refinement and bold redesign. The iPhone Air is the most radical hardware shift in years, while iOS 26 reimagines the iPhone interface for the next decade.
For most users, the decision to upgrade will come down to better cameras, displays, and battery life — the same core reasons people have always bought iPhones. But with the AirPods Pro 3 introducing real-time translation, Apple is also signaling how AI will gradually weave into its ecosystem.
