iPhone 17, iPhone Air, AirPods Pro 3, and Everything Else Announced at Apple’s Hardware Event

Apple hosted its new hardware event today, releasing its iPhone 17 lineup, along with updates for the Apple Watch and AirPods. For the iPhone 17 models, updates included larger screens, an improved camera system, and the introduction of an ultra-thin iPhone Air that replaces the Plus model.

Additionally, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that Apple may announce more new hardware soon, including a new iPad Pro, an updated Vision Pro, updated AirTags, a new Apple TV, a new HomePod mini, and updated MacBooks, likely to come in either 2025 or the first half of 2026.

iPhone 17

The iPhone 17 received a makeover to align more closely with the Pro models. It features a slightly larger 6.3-inch screen, an increase of 0.2 inches compared to the iPhone 16. It also boasts a 120 Hz display, a significant upgrade from the current 60 Hz. The phone also comes with a 48-megapixel ultrawide camera.

It’s available in new colors: lavender, mist blue, black, white, and sage.

The iPhone 17 Pro’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 side. The Apple logo is centered for aesthetic reasons where the MagSafe charger is located.

The iPhone 17 Pro switched materials, replacing the titanium band around the screen with aluminum.

Pricing:

• iPhone 17 starts at $799 (256GB storage)
• iPhone 17 Pro starts at $1,099
• iPhone 17 Pro Max starts at $1,199

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 120 Hz ProMotion display. The device is eSIM only, which helps maintain its sleek design.

This move appears to be Apple’s response to the trend of slimmer smartphones, following in the footsteps of 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, 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, notifying users if their blood pressure levels are too high or too low.

The third-generation Apple Watch SE received fewer updates, aside from an always-on display, thanks to a faster S10 chip.

Pricing:

• Apple Watch SE 3: $249

• Apple Watch Series 11: $399

• Apple Watch Ultra 3: $799

After the release of the AirPods Pro 2 in 2022, it’s time for an upgrade. The AirPods Pro 3, priced at $249, features smaller earbuds, improved audio, and a new heart-rate-sensing feature. It also includes live translation technology, powered by Apple Intelligence, to help users translate foreign languages in real time.