Apple hosted its new hardware event today, releasing the iPhone 17 lineup alongside updates for the Apple Watch and AirPods. The iPhone 17 models feature larger screens and an improved camera system. The event also marked the introduction of an ultra-thin iPhone Air, which replaces the Plus model.
The standard iPhone 17 received a makeover to align more closely with the Pro models. It now features a slightly larger 6.3-inch screen, an increase of 0.2 inches from the iPhone 16. A substantial upgrade is its 120 Hz display, a significant improvement over the previous 60 Hz standard. The phone also includes a 48-megapixel ultrawide camera and comes in new colors: lavender, mist blue, black, white, and sage.
The Pro model’s upgrades are primarily on the back of the phone. The three rear cameras are now arranged in a rectangular bar that extends from one edge of the device to the other. The flash, light sensor, and microphone are positioned far to the right. The Apple logo is centered where the MagSafe charger connects for aesthetic reasons. Notably, the iPhone 17 Pro switched materials, replacing the titanium band around the screen with aluminum.
The iPhone 17 starts at $799 and now has a base storage of 256GB. In contrast, the iPhone 16 started at $699 for 128GB. The Pro model costs $1,099, and the Pro Max is $1,199.
While the primary focus was on the iPhones, Apple also announced new phone cases as a bonus. Called TechWoven cases, these feature a higher quality woven material compared to the discontinued FineWoven line of fabric cases Apple released in 2023.
Notably missing from the keynote was any mention of an AI-enhanced Siri, which puts Apple behind competitors like Google.
The biggest announcement at the event was the debut of Apple’s slimmest phone ever, the iPhone Air, which replaces the iPhone Plus. This device has a profile thickness of 5.6 mm, making it about 0.08 inches thinner than current iPhones. It also features a 6.6-inch screen and a 120Hz ProMotion display. The device is e-SIM-only, a design choice that helps maintain its sleek profile.
This move appears to be Apple’s response to the trend of slimmer smartphones, following other companies like Samsung and Huawei. The iPhone Air could potentially outshine the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, which measures 5.8 mm thick. Additionally, it may pave the way for Apple’s long-rumored foldable phone, which is predicted to launch in September 2026.
The iPhone Air is priced at $999 and will be available in black, white, sky blue, and light gold.
After a two-year wait, Apple announced the Apple Watch Ultra 3, which includes faster charging speeds, 5G support, and satellite connectivity. The watch also features a larger display. One of the most exciting upgrades for both the Ultra 3 and Series 11 is the incorporation of blood pressure-monitoring capabilities. This feature notifies users if their blood pressure levels are too high or too low.
The third-generation Apple Watch SE did not receive major updates, aside from gaining an always-on display thanks to a faster S10 chip. Prices for the watches are $249 for the Apple Watch SE 3, $399 for the Series 11, and $799 for the Ultra 3.
After the release of the AirPods Pro 2 in 2022, Apple introduced the AirPods Pro 3. Priced at $249, the new earbuds are smaller and feature improved audio. They also include a new heart-rate sensing feature and live translation technology powered by Apple Intelligence to help users translate foreign languages in real-time.