If you haven’t been living under a rock, you’re surely aware that Apple unveiled the thin iPhone Air during its highly anticipated “Awe Dropping” address on September 9.
Following the announcement, yours truly had the chance to test out the 5.6mm thin iPhone Air. They also got a first look at the new iPhone 17 family, AirPods Pro 3 earphones, and new Apple Watches, all of which will be available on September 19.
Although this isn’t a review because I haven’t tried the new hardware in and around my house yet, these are my first thoughts.
The iPhone Air
The first thing you’ll notice about the iPhone Air is its form factor and design. It’s a light and thin phone that’s comfortable to handle in one hand while using your thumb to touch and swipe the screen.
Apple’s ProMotion display, which refreshes up to 120 times per second as opposed to 60 times per second for a regular 60Hz display, makes the 6.3-inch screen very fluid.
The phone seems extremely durable for its thinness. In addition to using titanium rather than aluminum, Apple claims that the iPhone Air has its own Ceramic Shield coating on the back and the more recent Ceramic Shield 2 on the front, which is reportedly three times more scratch-resistant than the original.
Although it hasn’t been tested, Apple claims that its engineers managed to fit up to 27 hours of movie playback, which is amazing for a gadget so small.
The iPhone Air comes in four different colors and begins at $999.
The iPhone 17 family
With better features than the previous year’s models, all three of the new iPhone 17 models—the bigger iPhone 17 Pro Max, the more robust iPhone 17 Pro, and the iPhone 17—were available. (And with the Pro versions, an eye-catching new orange hue.)
It’s interesting to note that prices have not changed from the previous year, despite the fact that many were expecting higher prices as a result of tariffs. The iPhone 17 is really a better value than the iPhone 16 because it comes with twice as much capacity (256GB vs. 128GB) for $799.
With three sophisticated back lenses (a primary, telephoto, and super wide-angle) and 48 megapixels apiece for amazing clarity, the cameras are the real deal here, especially on the Pro versions (starting at $1,099).
Similar to the iPhone Air, the entire iPhone 17 family features an enhanced 18-megapixel front-facing camera that is ideal for selfies. Additionally, a new square-shaped sensor and AI enable useful features like automatically centering you in the frame and switching between portrait and landscape modes without rotating the camera.
Additionally, you can now concurrently record with both the front and back cameras for the first time. This allows you to record the event (such as a performance) and your response (such as singing along), capture it in a photo, and share it with your friends.
A faster CPU, enhanced displays (with ProMotion), enhanced protection (Ceramic Shield 2), a longer battery life, and other features are also features of the iPhone 17.
Note: All iPhone 17 variants and the iPhone Air are “eSIM only,” although Apple will make it simple for those with traditional SIM cards to swap over their number.
Models of Apple Watches
The three new Apple Watch options—the flagship Apple Watch Series 11 (starting at $399), the bigger and more adventure-proof Apple Watch Ultra 3 (starting at $799), and the entry-level Apple Watch SE 3 (starting at $249)—were given to us by Apple at the same time as the three new iPhone 17 models.
Apple claims that the Apple Watch Series 11 devices are more robust, smaller, and have brighter displays. They also have a 24-hour battery for the first time.
Although I haven’t tried, a new hypertension monitor that alerts you to potential high blood pressure will eventually be made accessible to supplement the many other health-related metrics now in use. It’s also claimed that a new “Sleep Score” would help you better understand the quantity and quality of your crucial sleep.
With a 42-hour battery life (or 72 hours in Low Power Mode), the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and serious sports fans. It also features satellite connectivity for the first time, which is useful if you need emergency services or want to send messages to loved ones while you’re off the grid.
The Pro 3 AirPods
The best-selling earphones in the world have finally improved.
The AirPods Pro 3 ($249) are more comfortable (partly because of the foam inside the ear tips) and have twice as much Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) than the previous generation, based on my “ears-on” experience with them.
For those who like to hear the outside world (such as bikers and pedestrians), the battery life has been increased to 8 hours instead of 6 (when ANC is activated) and up to 10 hours (instead of 6) in Transparent mode.
Your heart rate during exercise may now be measured by the AirPods Pro 3 and shown on the iPhone’s Health app for the first time.
When speaking with someone who speaks a different language, a new Live Translation option powered by Apple Intelligence is reportedly able to provide you with near real-time language translation.
Apple’s last move
Apple understands that it needs to provide customers with a strong incentive to upgrade without sacrificing the qualities that first made these devices so desirable.
The iPhone Air is not the first ultra-thin phone; Samsung just released the Galaxy S25 Edge, which is 5.8 mm thin and costs $1219.99. In addition, the Google Pixel and Samsung both have incredibly powerful AI features that presently outperform those of Apple.
However, iPhone fans will undoubtedly like the iPhone Air.
With a wide range of alternatives to accommodate different preferences, requirements, and budgets, the other gadgets are likewise instances of incremental but significant improvements over their predecessors.
I’ll hold off on making a final assessment until these, including crucial characteristics like battery life, can be freely tested, but what we’ve seen thus far is truly “awe dropping.”
FAQ: Apple’s New iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Series, AirPods Pro 3 & Apple Watches
Q1. What is the iPhone Air and why is it special?
The iPhone Air is Apple’s thinnest phone yet, measuring just 5.6mm. It features a titanium frame, Ceramic Shield 2 protection, and a 6.3-inch ProMotion display with 120Hz refresh rate. Despite its slim build, Apple claims up to 27 hours of video playback.
Q2. How much does the iPhone Air cost?
The iPhone Air starts at $999 and comes in four color variants.
Q3. What’s new in the iPhone 17 series?
The iPhone 17 family includes three models: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Key highlights include:
Improved triple-lens 48MP rear cameras on Pro models.
New AI-powered camera features like auto-framing and dual recording.
An upgraded 18MP front camera.
Enhanced Ceramic Shield 2 for durability.
Faster CPU, brighter displays with ProMotion, and longer battery life.
Q4. What are the prices for iPhone 17 models?
iPhone 17 starts at $799 (with double the storage compared to iPhone 16).
iPhone 17 Pro starts at $1,099.
iPhone 17 Pro Max pricing varies by storage.
Q5. Are the new iPhones eSIM only?
Yes, all iPhone 17 models and the iPhone Air are eSIM-only, but Apple is offering easy migration for users with physical SIM cards.
Q6. What’s new in the Apple Watch lineup?
Apple Watch Series 11 ($399): Smaller, tougher, brighter display, and 24-hour battery.
Apple Watch SE 3 ($249): Budget-friendly with essential features.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 ($799): 42-hour battery (72 in low power), satellite connectivity, and advanced durability for outdoor use.
Q7. Do the new Apple Watches include health features?
Yes. Features include a new hypertension monitor (coming soon), an advanced “Sleep Score,” and improved health tracking.
Q8. What’s new in AirPods Pro 3?
The AirPods Pro 3 ($249) feature:
Better comfort with foam ear tips.
2x stronger Active Noise Cancellation.
8–10 hours of battery life.
Heart rate monitoring synced with the iPhone Health app.
Live Translation powered by Apple Intelligence.
Q9. When will all these devices be available?
Apple’s new lineup, including the iPhone Air, iPhone 17 series, Apple Watches, and AirPods Pro 3, will be available starting September 19, 2025.
Q10. How does the iPhone Air compare to competitors?
The iPhone Air competes with ultra-thin phones like Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge (5.8mm, $1,219.99). While rivals may offer more advanced AI, Apple focuses on design, ecosystem integration, and user experience.
Q11. What are the color options for the iPhone Air?
The iPhone Air comes in four color options, though Apple has yet to confirm the official names. The finish is sleek and premium, reflecting Apple’s new design language.
Q12. Does the iPhone Air support MagSafe and wireless charging?
Yes. The iPhone Air supports MagSafe accessories and fast wireless charging, just like the iPhone 17 family.
Q13. How durable is the iPhone Air given its thin design?
Despite its 5.6mm thinness, Apple has used titanium instead of aluminum, making it stronger. The new Ceramic Shield 2 reportedly offers 3x more scratch resistance compared to the previous version.
Q14. Does the iPhone Air have better battery life than iPhone 17?
Apple claims the iPhone Air can last up to 27 hours of video playback, which is impressive. However, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to have longer real-world usage due to its larger size.
Q15. What’s the standout feature of the iPhone 17 series?
The biggest upgrade lies in the camera system. With 48MP triple-lens setups on Pro models, AI-powered framing, dual-recording, and an upgraded selfie camera, photography and videography get a huge leap forward.
Q16. What new colors are available in the iPhone 17 lineup?
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max introduce a new orange color option, in addition to Apple’s classic shades.
Q17. Do the iPhone 17 models have satellite connectivity like the Apple Watch Ultra 3?
Apple hasn’t confirmed satellite connectivity for iPhones yet—it remains exclusive to the Apple Watch Ultra 3.
Q18. What health monitoring features does the Apple Watch Series 11 include?
Along with heart rate, SpO2, and ECG tracking, the Series 11 will soon add a hypertension (blood pressure) monitor and a Sleep Score system to track sleep quality.
Q19. How much storage does the iPhone 17 series offer?
iPhone 17: Starts at 256GB
iPhone 17 Pro & Pro Max: Up to 1TB
Q20. Can AirPods Pro 3 translate conversations in real-time?
Yes. The new Live Translation feature, powered by Apple Intelligence, allows near real-time translation during conversations—useful for travel, business, or multilingual interactions.
Q21. Do AirPods Pro 3 support fitness tracking?
For the first time, AirPods Pro 3 can measure your heart rate during workouts and sync the data with Apple’s Health app.
Q22. Are there price hikes compared to last year?
Surprisingly, no. Apple kept the same prices as last year despite global tariffs. In fact, the iPhone 17 offers double the storage at the same $799 starting price, making it a better value than the iPhone 16.
Q23. When can users pre-order these Apple devices?
Pre-orders for the iPhone Air, iPhone 17 series, Apple Watches, and AirPods Pro 3 will start on September 12, 2025, with availability from September 19, 2025.
Q24. Who should buy the iPhone Air vs. iPhone 17?
iPhone Air: Best for those who want a lightweight, ultra-thin design without compromising on performance.
iPhone 17/Pro models: Ideal for power users, photographers, and gamers who want advanced cameras, AI features, and bigger batteries.
Q25. What’s Apple’s main competition for these devices?
iPhone Air: Competes with Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge (5.8mm) and Google Pixel Fold series.
iPhone 17 Pro models: Compete with Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and Google Pixel 10 Pro.
Apple Watch Ultra 3: Competes with Garmin Epix Pro and Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Ultra.
AirPods Pro 3: Compete with Sony WF-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds.
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