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Tag: iPhone

  • Apple delays release of iPhone Air in China due to pending approval of eSIM | TechCrunch

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    Apple is set to release its upcoming iPhone 17 series on September 19 in most countries across the world. However, the eSIM-only iPhone Air’s release is being delayed in China, likely due to regulatory issues around the approval of the embedded SIM.

    Apple’s website notes that all three Chinese state-owned network providers, China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom, will offer eSIM support for the iPhone Air, but says the timing of the release will be subject to regulatory approval. Pre-orders for the other new phones in the line-up start on Friday.

    According to South China Morning Post, Apple told local media that it was working with regulatory authorities to bring the iPhone Air to China “as soon as possible.” The report referred to a post by China Mobile on social network Weibo, that said the network has enabled eSIM services for mobile phones, though a launch date was not mentioned.

    China Telecom posted on RedNote about launching its own eSIM service on September 19, when the iPhone 17 line is supposed to be released. However, the post has since been removed, SCMP noted.

    Apple did not immediately return a request for comment.

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    Ivan Mehta

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  • Apple’s latest iPhone security feature just made life more difficult for spyware makers | TechCrunch

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    Buried in an ocean of flashy novelties announced by Apple this week, the tech giant also revealed new security technology for its latest iPhone 17 and iPhone Air devices. This new security technology was made specifically to fight against surveillance vendors and the types of vulnerabilities they rely on the most, according to Apple.

    The feature is called Memory Integrity Enforcement (MIE) and is designed to help stop memory corruption bugs, which are some of the most common vulnerabilities exploited by spyware developers and makers of phone forensic devices used by law enforcement. 

    “Known mercenary spyware chains used against iOS share a common denominator with those targeting Windows and Android: they exploit memory safety vulnerabilities, which are interchangeable, powerful, and exist throughout the industry,” Apple wrote in its blog post. 

    Cybersecurity experts, including people who make hacking tools and exploits for iPhones, tell TechCrunch that this new security technology could make Apple’s newest iPhones some of the most secure devices on the planet. The result is likely to make life harder for the companies that make spyware and zero-day exploits for planting spyware on a target’s phone or extracting data from them. 

    “The iPhone 17 is probably now the most secure computing environment on the planet that is still connected to the internet,” a security researcher, who has worked on developing and selling zero-days and other cyber capabilities to the U.S. government for years, told TechCrunch.

    The researcher told TechCrunch that MIE will raise the cost and time to develop their exploits for the latest iPhones, and consequently up their prices for paying customers.

    “This is a huge deal,” said the researcher, who asked to remain anonymous to discuss sensitive matters. “It’s not hack proof. But it’s the closest thing we have to hack proof. None of this will ever be 100% perfect. But it raises the stakes the most.”

    Contact Us

    Do you develop spyware or zero-day exploits and are studying studying the potential effects of Apple’s MIE? We would love to learn how this affects you. From a non-work device, you can contact Lorenzo Franceschi-Bicchierai securely on Signal at +1 917 257 1382, or via Telegram and Keybase @lorenzofb, or email. You also can contact TechCrunch via SecureDrop.

    Jiska Classen, a professor and researcher who studies iOS at the Hasso Plattner Institute in Germany, agreed that MIE will raise the cost of developing surveillance technologies.

    Classen said this is because some of the bugs and exploits that spyware companies and researchers have that currently work will stop working once the new iPhones are out and MIE is implemented. 

    “I could also imagine that for a certain time window some mercenary spyware vendors don’t have working exploits for the iPhone 17,” said Classen. 

    “This will make their life arguably infinitely more difficult,” said Patrick Wardle, a researcher who runs a startup that makes cybersecurity products specifically for Apple devices. “Of course that is said with the caveat that it’s always a cat-and-mouse game.”

    Wardle said people who are worried about getting hacked with spyware should upgrade to the new iPhones. 

    The experts TechCrunch spoke to said MIE will reduce the efficacy of both remote hacks, such as those launched with spyware like NSO Group’s Pegasus and Paragon’s Graphite. It will also help to protect against physical device hacks, such as those performed with phone unlocking hardware like Cellebrite or Graykey. 

    Taking on the “majority of exploits”

    Most modern devices, including the majority of iPhones today, run software written in programming languages that are prone to memory-related bugs, often called memory overflow or corruption bugs. When triggered, a memory bug can cause the contents of memory from one app to spill into other areas of a user’s device where it shouldn’t go.

    Memory-related bugs can allow malicious hackers to access and control parts of a device’s memory that they shouldn’t be permitted to. The access can be used to plant malicious code that’s capable of gaining broader access to a person’s data stored in the phone’s memory, and exfiltrating it over the phone’s internet connection.

    MIE aims to defend against these kinds of broad memory attacks by vastly reducing the attack surface in which memory vulnerabilities can be exploited.

    According to Halvar Flake, an expert in offensive cybersecurity, memory corruptions “are the vast majority of exploits.” 

    MIE is built on a technology called Memory Tagging Extension (MTE), originally developed by chipmaker Arm. In its blog post, Apple said over the past five years it worked with Arm to expand and improve the memory safety features into a product called Enhanced Memory Tagging Extension (EMTE).  

    MIE is Apple’s implementation of this new security technology, which takes advantage of Apple having complete control of its technology stack, from software to hardware, unlike many of its phone-making competitors.

    Google offers MTE for some Android devices; the security-focused GrapheneOS, a custom version of Android, also offers MTE. 

    But other experts say Apple’s MIE goes a step further. Flake said the Pixel 8 and GrapheneOS are “almost comparable,” but the new iPhones will be “the most secure mainstream” devices.

    MIE works by allocating each piece of a newer iPhone’s memory with a secret tag, effectively its own unique password. This means only apps with that secret tag can access the physical memory in the future. If the secret doesn’t match, the security protections kick in and block the request, the app will crash, and the event is logged.

    That crash and log is particularly significant since it’s more likely for spyware and zero-days to trigger a crash, making it easier for Apple and security researchers investigating attacks to spot them. 

    “A wrong step would lead to a crash and a potentially recoverable artifact for a defender,” said Matthias Frielingsdorf, the vice president of research at iVerify, a company that makes an app to protect smartphones from spyware. “Attackers already had an incentive to avoid memory corruption.”

    Apple did not respond to a request for comment.

    MIE will be on by default system wide, which means it will protect apps like Safari and iMessage, which can be entry points for spyware. But third-party apps will have to implement MIE on their own to improve protections for their users. Apple released a version of EMTE for developers to do that. 

    In other words, MIE is a huge step in the right direction, but it will take some time to see its impact, depending on how many developers implement it and how many people buy new iPhones. 

    Some attackers will inevitably still find a way.

    “MIE is a good thing and it might even be a big deal. It could significantly raise the cost for attackers and even force some of them out of the market,” said Frielingsdorf. “But there are going to be plenty of bad actors that can still find success and sustain their business.”

    “As long as there are buyers there will be sellers,” said Frielingsdorf.

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    Lorenzo Franceschi-Bicchierai, Zack Whittaker

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  • Which iPhone 17 Model Should You Buy?

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    Apple’s 2025 iPhones are here, and things are quite different for the first time in a while. The base iPhone 17 will still feel familiar, but the iPhone 17 Pro models have a completely new look, and there’s a brand-new model called the iPhone Air. The “Air” branding has been somewhat diluted of late—the current-gen iPad Pro models are lighter than the iPad Air—but the iPhone Air brings meaning back to the original idea: a super-thin and ultra-lightweight device.

    Preorders kick off September 12 and official sales start September 19. If you’re considering an upgrade, what model should you get? I’ll break down the key differences between the iPhone 17 lineup, including their similarities, so you can hopefully make a more informed choice on your next iPhone.

    Table of Contents

    You Don’t Need to Upgrade

    If you have an iPhone from just a few years ago, you probably don’t need to upgrade to Apple’s latest, unless your device has issues. Even then, there are things you can do to fix your iPhone, like getting a battery replacement, or you can try some of these troubleshooting steps. The point is, you shouldn’t feel the need to upgrade just because Apple has a new model.

    If you’re set on buying an iPhone 17 model, we have a guide on how to sell your iPhone so that it doesn’t just collect dust in a drawer. When your new device arrives, back up your old iPhone before switching to the new one, then follow our guide on factory resetting your device before selling or giving it away. We also have tips on how to set up your new iPhone and what settings to change to get the most out of it.

    Which iPhone 17 Is Right for You?

    Let’s quickly talk about the similarities across all the iPhone 17 models this year, and yes, that includes the iPhone Air, even if it doesn’t have “17” in the name.

    • Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

    • Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

    • Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

    Apple

    iPhone 17, iPhone Air, and iPhone 17 Pro

    The Display

    Although iPhones differ in screen size, they all feature an OLED screen (Apple refers to it as a Super Retina XDR display) and employ ProMotion technology. This is the first time the non-Pro models have ProMotion, which is essentially a 120-Hz refresh rate.

    This has been a common feature on Android phones for a while, but it means your display refreshes 120 times per second rather than 60, like on the iPhone 16, so everything you do will feel smoother. (We have a broader explainer here.) These are adaptive refresh rates that can drop as low as 1 Hz when there’s little activity on the screen, which is why the new iPhone 17 and iPhone Air now support the always-on display.

    Apple also says there’s a new Ceramic Shield 2 front glass that’s 3x more scratch-resistant than before, and a new anti-reflective coating to reduce glare. All of these screens can also hit up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness, meaning it’ll be easier to read your iPhone screen on sunny days.

    The Camera

    The front-facing selfie camera is identical on all the iPhone 17 models. It’s a new square-shaped 18-megapixel sensor, and that means you can expect more detail out of your selfies. However, the square sensor also introduces a smarter way to capture group selfies. You can keep holding your phone in portrait orientation for the best grip, and it will automatically zoom out to make sure everyone fits in the frame, while also switching to a landscape orientation for the widest view. All of these models also support Dual Capture, which lets you shoot with both the front and rear cameras at the same time. You can read more about these features here.

    The Usual Specs

    All of the iPhones are IP68 water- and dust-resistant, have Face ID, the Camera Control button, Action Button, USB-C, and Qi2 magnetic wireless charging (MagSafe). All devices start at 256 GB of storage. There’s Apple Intelligence on these devices, the same Emergency SOS via Satellite and Crash Detection capabilities, and they utilize Apple’s new N1 wireless networking chip for Bluetooth 6, Wi-Fi 7, and Thread support.

    The Differences

    Which iPhone 17 Model Should You Buy

    Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

    Now, here’s where they diverge, which will help you better understand what model to buy.

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    Julian Chokkattu

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  • Even with Trump’s tariff blessing, Apple hikes iPhone prices

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    Apple’s big annual event on Tuesday delivered a polished and tightly produced showcase. The company’s CEO, Tim Cook, led the presentation with sweeping visuals, confident pacing and a clear message: Apple is still betting big on premium innovation. But the real headline wasn’t so much the tech; it was the prices.

    Earlier this year, President Donald Trump granted Apple a tariff break. Still, the company raised prices across its iPhone lineup. The new ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, which Apple positioned as a reinvention of last year’s iPhone 16 Plus, jumps to $999. The iPhone 17 Pro begins at $1,099, while the Pro Max tops out at $1,199. The entry-level iPhone 17 starts at $799.

    Apple positioned the price hikes as a reflection of breakthrough innovation. The company spotlighted the iPhone Air’s sleek redesign, the powerful A19 chip and major camera upgrades. Yet the takeaway was clear: tariff relief didn’t lead to consumer savings. Instead, Apple leaned into its premium identity, signaling that cutting-edge tech now comes with a steeper price tag.

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    Apple CEO Tim Cook holds an iPhone 17 Pro and an iPhone Air, on its campus in Cupertino, California, Sept. 9, 2025. (REUTERS/Manuel Orbegozo)

    iPhone 17 Air: the thinnest iPhone ever

    advertisement showing slim quality of iphone 17 pro

    Apple unveiled the iPhone 17 Air, its slimmest model yet at 5.6mm and 165 grams, built with recycled aluminum, glass and titanium. (Apple)

    Apple calls the iPhone 17 Air a game-changer. At just 5.6mm thin and weighing around 165 grams, it stands as the slimmest iPhone the company has ever made. The design uses recycled aluminum, glass and titanium to reduce weight while staying durable. Engineers reinforced the frame and applied new drop-test algorithms to make sure it holds up in daily use.

    The Air debuts silicon anode battery technology, which allows Apple to shrink the device without cutting power. During the presentation, Apple promised “all-day battery life,” but never gave an exact hour count. That vague description raised questions. Moments later, Apple introduced a new low-profile MagSafe battery accessory. When paired with the iPhone 17 Air, Apple says the combo delivers up to 40 hours of video playback. The timing of that announcement made it clear that battery life could still be a concern.

    Apple also pushed the Air forward with a new ultra-wide 48MP fusion camera system, which uses advanced image processing to improve detail and low-light performance. The display gained a ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate that makes scrolling and animations feel smoother. Outdoor use should also improve, thanks to 3,000 nits of peak brightness, making it easier to see in direct sunlight. On the durability side, the Air features Ceramic Shield 2 coating, which Apple claims resists scratches and accidental drops better than before.

    The iPhone 17 Air starts at $999 with 256GB of storage. That price is $100 higher than last year’s thinnest model, marking another step up in Apple’s pricing strategy.

    iPhone 17 Pro: design and performance overhaul

    close up of orange iphone 17 pro

    The iPhone 17 Pro starts at $1,099 and comes with 256GB of base storage. (Apple)

    The iPhone 17 Pro introduces a striking unibody design that relies on laser-welded vapor chamber cooling to keep performance steady even under heavy use. Apple gave the back a ceramic shield finish, while the front now features its upgraded seven-layer coating. That change reduces glare both indoors and outdoors, making the display easier on the eyes in all conditions.

    At the core of the Pro sits the new A19 Bionic chip built on 3nm architecture. Apple paired it with a 16-core Neural Engine and an updated display engine to push speed and efficiency even further. The company claims this is the most power-efficient iPhone yet and promises the longest battery life ever offered in a Pro model.

    Apple also turned its attention to the camera system. The Pro camera lineup includes a 48MP main sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide, with ProRes support for high-quality video recording. It even offers Genlock syncing, which professionals can use to line up multiple cameras in studio and live production setups.

    To complement the new design, Apple introduced TechWoven cases that feel more like premium accessories than traditional covers. Some versions include optional cross-body straps, a nod to the growing trend of blending technology with fashion.

    Apple also revealed three new finishes for the Pro models: deep blue, cosmic orange and silver, adding a fresh look to the lineup.

    The iPhone 17 Pro comes with 256GB of base storage and starts at $1,099, keeping its place as Apple’s most balanced high-end option between the Air and the Max.

    WWDC 2025: IOS 26, LIQUID GLASS DESIGN AND APPLE’S AI SHORTFALL

    iPhone 17 Pro Max: bigger, brighter, more expensive

    white, orange and dark iphone colors

    Apple unveiled the iPhone 17 Pro Max as its top model, featuring the biggest display ever on an iPhone. (Apple)

    Apple positioned the iPhone 17 Pro Max as the ultimate model in the lineup. It shares the same unibody design, ceramic shield finish and seven-layer front coating as the Pro, but it stretches everything to a larger scale. The Pro Max delivers the biggest display Apple has ever put on an iPhone, paired with enhanced brightness that makes it more usable outdoors and in direct sunlight.

    Inside, it runs on the same A19 Bionic chip with the 16-core Neural Engine, so performance and efficiency mirror the Pro. What sets the Max apart is its endurance. Apple claims it offers the best battery life of any iPhone to date, making it the go-to choice for people who rely heavily on their phone throughout the day.

    The Pro Max also carries the full Pro camera system, including the 48MP main sensor and advanced video features like ProRes and Genlock. With its extra size, it appeals most to creators, gamers and anyone who wants the biggest screen possible in an iPhone.

    Like the Pro, the Max is available in deep blue, cosmic orange and silver finishes.

    Pricing starts at $1,199 with 256GB of storage, marking the highest entry point yet for an iPhone and reinforcing Apple’s steady climb in premium pricing.

    iPhone 17: Apple’s new starting point

    different features displayed for iPhone 17

    iPhone 17 starts at $799 with 256GB of storage. (Apple)

    The standard iPhone 17 rounds out the lineup and now serves as Apple’s new baseline model. It starts at $799 with 256GB of storage.

    The iPhone 17 inherits many of the Pro’s features. It comes in five colors and has a thinner profile that feels more refined in hand. The display includes the upgraded coating to cut glare, and the front camera has a square AI-driven sensor with Center Stage for better video calls.

    The main camera system also makes a leap forward. The iPhone 17 now carries a 48MP main sensor, supported by Apple’s fusion technology to improve clarity and low-light results. Combined with the updated display engine and improved durability from Ceramic Shield 2, the iPhone 17 delivers a more polished experience than previous entry models.

    Beyond iPhones: Apple’s big updates for AirPods and Watch

    Apple didn’t stop with iPhones. The company used its event to refresh its wearables and audio lineup, bringing new features to AirPods and multiple Apple Watch models. Each product builds on familiar designs while adding functions aimed at health, fitness and convenience.

    AirPods Pro 3: smarter sound and live translation

    advertisement showing features of AirPods Pro 3

    The new AirPods Pro 3 deliver up to eight hours of listening time on a single charge. (Apple)

    Apple unveiled the third-generation AirPods Pro, priced at $249, and available starting Sept. 19. The design keeps the iconic stem but introduces foam-infused ear tips that come in five sizes. Apple said it studied 100,000 ear shapes to make them fit more securely.

    The new AirPods Pro 3 extend listening time, offering up to eight hours on a single charge, compared with six hours in the previous generation. With the charging case, total listening time stretches to 10 hours with hearing-AI features enabled.

    One of the standout additions is heart rate sensing, which turns the AirPods into another health-tracking accessory in Apple’s ecosystem. The earbuds also use AI-driven hearing enhancements to improve clarity in noisy environments. Apple said the AirPods Pro 3 now deliver up to four times stronger active noise cancellation (ANC) than the originals, making them far more effective in crowded or loud spaces.

    For workouts, users can also track over 50 activity types with the Fitness app on iPhone while wearing them. Perhaps most notably, Apple added live translation. When two people wear AirPods Pro 3 paired with iPhones, conversations can be translated in real time, breaking language barriers in a way that once seemed impossible.

    Apple Watch Series 11: health at the forefront

    advertisement showing features of Apple Watch Series 11

    Apple Watch Series 11 expands the company’s push into advanced health technology. (Apple)

    The Apple Watch Series 11 continues Apple’s push into health technology. It runs on watchOS 26 and introduces monitoring for possible hypertension and sleep apnea, with alerts designed to prompt users to seek medical care. Apple noted that FDA clearance is still pending for hypertension notifications, but the company clearly sees the watch as a serious medical tool.

    The watch also includes Sleep Score, which breaks down sleep stages such as core, deep and awake to give users a clearer picture of rest quality. Battery life reaches up to 24 hours, and the watch remains efficient even with 5G connectivity.

    Apple built the Series 11 with 100% recycled aluminum and titanium cases, expanding its sustainability pledge. Color options bring a refreshed look, while pricing starts around $399, depending on configuration.

    APPLE WINS BLOOD OXYGEN BATTLE FOR WATCH OWNERS 

    Apple Watch SE 3: affordable and fast

    Apple Watch SE 3 display showing girl in red sweater

    Apple Watch SE 3 remains the lowest-priced entry into the lineup at $249. (Apple)

    Apple also refreshed its budget-friendly model, the Apple Watch SE 3. At $249, it remains the lowest-priced entry into the lineup. The SE 3 uses the new S10 chip, giving it faster performance and support for Apple’s expanding gesture controls.

    It also delivers sleep apnea notifications, a feature previously limited to more expensive models. Charging is now up to two times faster, ensuring the watch is ready to go with less downtime. Apple added more health and convenience tools, including wrist temperature sensing for deeper insights in the Vitals app, retrospective ovulation estimates and an Always-On display. It also supports double-tap and wrist flick gestures, plus on-device Siri. Available in two colors, the SE 3 carries forward Apple’s strategy of making core health features more accessible.

    Apple Watch Ultra 3: the powerhouse upgrade

    Apple Watch Ultra 3 advertisement on features

    Apple Watch Ultra 3 debuts with the largest and brightest display ever on a Watch. (Apple)

    At the top end, Apple introduced the Apple Watch Ultra 3, starting at $799 and shipping September 19. This model pushes the limits of durability and outdoor performance. The Ultra 3 features the largest and brightest display ever put on an Apple Watch, making it easier to read data during workouts or in direct sunlight.

    It includes a redesigned radio and antenna system capable of connecting with satellites orbiting 800 miles above Earth. That means users can send messages or use Find My features even without cell service, making it a true companion for extreme adventures.

    The Ultra 3 packs a larger battery that runs up to 42 hours on a single charge. With Low Power Mode enabled, Apple says the battery can extend to as much as 72 hours, making it the longest-lasting Apple Watch to date. It also introduces new Workout Buddy tools for training and enhanced hypertension notifications, further pushing Apple’s reputation in health tech. Available in black or natural titanium, the Ultra 3 blends rugged design with cutting-edge features.

    iPhone 17 accessories: small add-ons with big impact

    different accessories displayed on iphones

    Apple showcased new accessories for its iPhones, including a low-profile MagSafe battery pack. (Apple)

    Apple used the event to highlight a series of accessories that show how the company expects people to use its new iPhones. The most talked about was the low-profile MagSafe battery pack, created to address the iPhone 17 Air’s biggest weakness: vague “all-day” battery claims. When attached, the Air can stretch to 40 hours of video playback, turning what could have been a limitation into a selling point for Apple’s ecosystem.

    To complement the Air’s slim profile, Apple also revealed a new translucent case and a lightweight bumper. The translucent case keeps the 5.6mm design visible while still protecting it, while the bumper adds shock resistance around the edges without adding bulk. Both aim to reassure buyers who worry that the thinnest iPhone yet might be more fragile.

    For the Pro and Pro Max models, Apple introduced TechWoven cases made from a durable fabric blend. What stood out was the addition of an optional cross-body strap, giving users a hands-free way to carry their phones. Apple leaned into the idea of the iPhone as not just a device but also a lifestyle accessory that blends technology with personal style.

    Together, the MagSafe battery, translucent Air case, protective bumper and fashion-forward TechWoven cases with cross-body straps showed Apple’s strategy clearly. Accessories are no longer secondary; they are central to how Apple expects customers to protect, power and personalize their iPhones.

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    Kurt’s key takeaways

    Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup pushes innovation forward with a blend of sleek design and powerful features. The iPhone 17 Air impresses with its ultra-thin profile and new battery technology. Meanwhile, the Pro and Pro Max models deliver unmatched performance and durability for demanding users. Additionally, Apple enhances its ecosystem with upgraded AirPods and Apple Watch models that emphasize health and convenience. Overall, Apple continues to balance style, functionality and user experience, setting a strong foundation for the year ahead.

    Which Apple device are you most excited to buy, and why?

    Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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  • iOS 26: What to know about the free iPhone software update arriving September 15

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    The iPhone 17 event last Tuesday revealed the latest Phone 17 lineup — including the ultra-thin iPhone Air. (You can catch up on everything Apple announced or rewatch the full iPhone 17 launch.) The company rounded out its announcements with three new Apple Watch models, as well as the all-new AirPods Pro 3.

    The even better news is that many of us sticking with older iPhones will finally be able to install iOS 26 in just a few days: It arrives Monday, September 15, alongside all of Apple’s other new operating systems. But you don’t have to wait to test out the new features, since you can download and install the newly released iOS 26 RC (release candidate) if you’ve been using the public or developer betas. (See our preview of the iOS 26 public beta release for more info.) The first thing you’ll notice is a new clear design language Apple dubs Liquid Glass. The translucent look can be found within apps as well as your lock and home screens. The overhaul is one of several big changes coming to iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS and the rest of Apple’s software suite.

    After overpromising on AI plans last year, Apple kept its iOS roadmap focused more on basic quality of life improvements with iOS 26. There are multiple useful additions coming to the Phone and Messages apps, for instance: Apple execs outlined the ability to weed out spam texts or unknown senders and an option to hold your spot on a phone call when you’ve been waiting for a representative to pick up.

    It seems like additional new improvements are popping up (or at least hinted at) with each beta, such as an AirPods live translation feature, which Apple talked about during the event. We also noticed a new bouncy animation on the passcode screen and in the Control Center. Most newer iPhone models are eligible to download iOS 26 (both the betas and final version). We’ve rounded up a full list of new features coming this fall below.

    What is iOS 26?

    The current iPhone operating system is iOS 18, which Apple is still actively updating — version 18.6.1 was released last month, for example, to restore Apple Watch blood oxygen monitoring functionality for certain users in the US. More recently, Apple released iOS 18.6.2 to address a vulnerability related to image processing.

    But don’t expect to ever see an iOS 19. Instead, Apple is skipping its naming convention ahead to iOS 26. (Apple is also expected to release iOS 18.7 at the same time, per MacRumors, to address security issues.) The company has decided to line up its iOS version numbers with a year-based system, similar to car model years. So while iOS and its sibling operating systems will be released in late 2025, they’re all designated “26” to reflect the year ahead.

    It’s official, we’re moving to iOS 26. (Apple)

    What is Liquid Glass design?

    Let’s be honest. Out of everything announced at WWDC this year, the new Liquid Glass design was the star of the show. The iPhone’s home and lock screens have looked pretty much the same year after year — the last exciting thing (in my opinion) was the option to add your own aesthetic to your home screen by customizing your apps and widgets. So seeing the home and lock screens’ new facelift is refreshing.

    So what exactly is Liquid Glass? Apple calls it a “new translucent material” since, well, the apps and widgets are clear. However, the screen can still adapt to dark and light modes, depending on surroundings. You’ll also notice buttons with a new floating design in several apps, like Phone and Maps. They’re designed to be less distracting than the current buttons, but are still easy to see. While the design overhaul has proven to be controversial since its announcement, some — including Engadget’s Devindra Hardawar — like the new direction, even if it’s somewhat reminiscent of Microsoft’s translucent Windows Vista Aero designs from nearly twenty years ago.

    That said, as of the release of the iOS 26 beta 2, Apple has already incorporated some user feedback into the design, dialing back the transparency in at least some places. And while it will continue to evolve, Apple users won’t be able to escape it: The company says Liquid Glass was designed to make all of its platforms more cohesive. Here’s a look at how the translucent aesthetic will look with the new macOS Tahoe 26 on your desktop.

    What are the new and notable features of iOS 26?

    iOS 26 has a laundry list of new features. Among the most worthwhile:

    Phone app redesign: You’ll finally be able to scroll through contacts, recent calls and voicemail messages all on one screen. It also comes with a new feature called Hold Assist that’ll notify you when an agent comes to the phone so you can avoid the elevator music and continue on with other tasks.

    Live Translation in Phone, FaceTime and Messages: iOS 26 is bringing the ability to have a conversation via phone call or text message with someone who speaks another language. Live Translation will translate your conversation in real time, which results in some stop-and-go interactions in the examples Apple shared during its presentation.

    Polls in group chats: Tired of sorting through what seems like hundreds of messages in your group chat? You and your friends will soon be able to create polls in group messages for deciding things like which brunch spot you’re eating at or whose car you’re taking on a road trip.

    Filtering unknown senders in Messages: If you haven’t received spam texts about unpaid tolls or other citations, you’re lucky. For those of us who have, those annoying messages will soon be filtered away in a separate folder.

    Visual Intelligence: Similar to a reverse Google image search, this new feature will allow you to search for anything that’s on your iPhone screen. For instance, if you spot a pair of shoes someone is wearing in an Instagram photo, you can screenshot it and use Visual Intelligence to find those shoes (or similar ones) online.

    Photos tabs are back: For anyone who’s been frustrated with last year’s changes to the Photos app, you’ll be happy to know that your tabs are coming back. Library and Collections will have their own separate spaces so you don’t have to scroll to infinity to find what you’re looking for.

    Camera app updates: Navigating the Camera app should be simpler in iOS 26, as all the buttons and menus are in convenient spots — less swiping, more photo taking. Plus, there’s a new feature that tells you if your lens needs to be cleaned.

    FaceTime “Communication Safety” feature: A newer addition to iOS 26 appears to be the FaceTime “Communication Safety” feature that pauses communications if and when nudity is detected. The feature appears to be a child safety feature that uses on-device detection, thus obviating any cloud-based privacy issues.

    New lock screen options: The iPhone lock screen gets more customizable in iOS 26, with a cooler clock, 3D wallpaper effects, more widgets and better focus mode options.

    New alarm setting: You’ll no longer be stuck with the 9-minute snooze setting in your alarms. Instead, you’ll have the option to change your snooze time from one to 15 minutes.

    Screenshots look different: You’ll notice several new features when you take a screenshot, including “highlight to search,” the option to search your image on Google and ChatGPT is there for any questions you have about the image.

    New Hold Assist being displayed at the wwdc keynote

    Apple’s Hold Assist will be nifty for those pesky services that put you on hold for 10 or more minutes. (Apple)

    New changes coming to iPadOS 26

    Your iPad isn’t getting left behind when it comes to big updates. Here’s what’s coming this fall.

    Multitasking and real windowing: When you download the newest update, you’ll be able to have multiple apps running on your screen at the same time. Once you open an app, it’ll appear on your screen as normal but you’ll be able to resize and move it across your screen to make room for other apps. This feature is optional so you can turn it off if you don’t like it.

    Visual update: Along with the other new OSes, iPadOS 26 is coming with the Liquid Glass aesthetic. This new look will appear on the lock and home screens, as well as the drop-down menus.

    New menu bar: When you swipe down on your screen, the new menu bar will appear with options like File, Edit, Windows and more. There’s also a search option if you’re looking for something specific.

    There’s more beyond that, so be sure to check out our first impressions of iPadOS 26.

    What about AirPods?

    AirPods are also getting updated with iOS 26. Here are some of the more notable functions.

    Enhanced audio recording: Apple calls this “studio-quality” audio recording, and with it, you’ll notice more clarity while in noisy environments.

    Camera remote control: Using this, you can take a photo or start and stop video recording with just one press on your AirPods. When taking photos, you’ll get a three-second countdown before your iPhone or iPad snaps the picture.

    Live translation feature: The Apple event confirmed that live translation is coming to AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 with ANC when paired with iPhones running iOS 26.

    Heart rate monitoring: Apple introduced new AirPods Pro 3 earbuds this week, which include heart rate monitoring. It would work with Apple’s Health app and other fitness apps that track heart rates.

    Will Siri get an update?

    Siri is in a holding pattern. Apple has previously specified that its smarter voice assistant — first promised at WWDC 2024 — is delayed until some point “in the coming year,” so you shouldn’t expect any major changes in the current betas. But there are reports that Apple is aiming to give Siri a bigger brain transplant by basing it on third-party artificial intelligence models like OpenAI’s ChatGPT or Anthropic’s Claude, which could make 2026 a pivotal year. The company is also reportedly working on a “stripped-down” AI chatbot to rival ChatGPT.

    Which iPhones will be able to upgrade to iOS 26?

    A few iPhone models that run the current version of iOS — iPhone XR, XS and XS Max — won’t be compatible with the latest upgrade. But any iPhones from 2019 or later will be eligible for iOS 26:

    • iPhone SE (second generation or later)

    How to install iOS 26 beta

    The iOS 26 public beta is available to download via the Apple Beta Software Program. If you’re not already a member, you’ll need to sign up to try out all the latest features. Just visit beta.apple.com and sign up with your phone number or email address. It’s free.

    Once you’re in, you can install it by going to Settings > General > Software Update and selecting iOS 26 public beta.

    A word of caution: Don’t sign up with your main iPhone unless you’re OK with any risks that occur with using an OS that isn’t finalized.

    When will the final version of iOS 26 be released?

    iOS 26 will be released to the public for free on September 15, which is less than a week away.

    If you’re more interested in the Apple Intelligence features coming, here’s everything Apple revealed for iOS, macOS and more during WWDC. Also, check out how iOS 26 screenshots could be an intriguing preview of Apple’s delayed Siri rework.

    Update, September 11: Added the products Apple released at its Tuesday event and noted when iOS 26 will be available to download.

    Update, September 9: Noted the iPhone event is starting soon.

    Update, September 8: Noted the iPhone 17 event is tomorrow.

    Update, September 4: Added details about how screenshots are different in iOS 26.

    Update, September 3: Noted Apple is expected to release iOS 18.7 alongside iOS 26.

    Update, September 2: Added more new features coming with iOS 26.

    Update, August 29: Added new section about Siri and a link to what’s new with the iOS 26 Camera app.

    Update, August 27: Added the official iPhone 17 event date, as well as the potential iOS 26 release.

    Update, August 25: Added a rumor about new AirPods Pro having heart rate monitoring.

    Update, August 22: Noted that Apple has officially stopped signing iOS 18.6.

    Update, August 20: Noted that iOS 26 public beta 4 and iOS 18.6.2 are now available to download.

    Update, August 18: Added details about a potential iOS 18.6 update.

    Update, August 15: Added to link to what to expect at the Apple iPhone event and details about what’s available in the iOS 26 screenshots editor.

    Update, August 13: Added new AirPods detail spotted in the iOS 26 beta.

    Update, August 11: Noted that iOS 26 developer beta has hit beta 6.

    Update, August 8: Added new features coming with iPadOS 26 and AirPods.

    Update, August 6: Noted the release of iOS 26 beta 5 and the new bouncy feature on passcode screen and Control Center.

    Update, August 4: Noted that Apple is reportedly working on a ChatGPT rival.

    Update, August 1: Added quote from Tim Cook about iOS 26.

    Update, July 31: Noted that iOS 18.6 is now available.

    Update, July 24: Noted the iOS 26 public beta is now available.

    Update, July 3: Noted new FaceTime feature found in the developer beta.

    Update, June 30: Noted ongoing iOS 18 releases, and reports that Apple is considering additional external LLMs for Siri.

    Update, June 25: Noted changes added in iOS 26 beta 2.

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    Katie Teague

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  • Apple’s Best New iOS 26 Feature Has Been on Pixel Phones for Years

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    Ever since I was a child, I’ve despised answering the phone when an unknown number calls. Who could be on the other end? Literally anyone: an acquaintance, a telemarketer, a serial killer who’s menacingly breathing into the mouthpiece.

    While Apple’s upcoming Liquid Glass refresh in iOS 26 is likely to be the most immediately noticeable aspect of the software update as it starts rolling out to the public on September 15, I believe a smaller addition in iOS 26 might even have a bigger impact on how iPhone owners use their devices.

    The iPhone is finally getting call screening. Hallelujah. At launch, the feature will support calls coming in from nine languages, including English, Spanish, and Japanese.

    Once your iPhone updates to iOS 26, you can opt in and have the software automatically screen calls that come from unknown numbers. In this case, an unknown number is any phone number you haven’t interacted with before.

    When your phone automatically picks up the call, a robotic voice asks the caller for their name as well as why they want to get in contact with you. Only after that information is collected, the iPhone will ring and show you these details in a notification bubble so you can decide whether to answer.

    I was ecstatic to see this new option as I experimented with a beta version of iOS 26. I’m constantly getting calls from so many unknown numbers that I’ve completely given up answering the phone for anyone not saved in my contacts list.

    With the imminent release of iOS 26, I can make informed decisions to ignore or answer these calls. And while most of the calls will still be ignored, I no longer have to wait until the caller starts leaving a voicemail and the live transcription appears on the screen to make a decision.

    Call screening will be new for iPhones owners this fall, but users of some Android smartphones, like Google’s Pixel, have had a version of this tool, named Call Screen, available to them for years. Lyubov Farafonova, a product manager at Google, says in a statement emailed to WIRED that millions of Pixel users are using the feature in the US alone. “It is one of our fan favorite features,” she says.

    Since its release of call screening in 2018, Google has worked to make the synthetic voice sound more natural for incoming callers. It’s also started showing relevant replies as tappable options while the screening is in progress so users can easily communicate with unknown callers without actually answering the phone. Further leaning into this feature, Google plans to roll out call screening to additional markets this fall.

    “Pixel 10 owners in India can start experimenting with the beta version of manual Call Screen. This feature will be initially working in English and Hindi, with more languages and dialects on the way,” Farafonova says. “It will have a functionality to not only transcribe but also translate what the caller says to the Call Screen bot, to make life easier for those who don’t speak the same language as the caller.” Options for call screenings, manual or automatic, are coming soon to Pixel owners in Australia, Canada, Ireland, and the UK as well.

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    Reece Rogers

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  • What’s the Real Difference Between the iPhone Air and iPhone 16?

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    Thin phones are in. The iPhone Air (not the iPhone 17 Air, as rumors previously suggested) will be the thinnest iPhone ever, or at least that’s what Apple claimed at its “Awe Dropping” product debut Tuesday. Whether that matters to you depends on the size of your pocket, though. If you were wondering just how this compares to the last-gen iPhone 16, we have most of the specs necessary to offer a point of comparison. The iPhone Air effectively replaces the usual Plus model in the latest smartphone lineup. If you were thinking about jumping on the upgrade, perhaps you should hold your horses and consider if you’ll be giving anything up for the sake of a cake-cutting iPhone.

    The closest comparison to what you can get in the U.S. is the $1,100 Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge. That device’s 5.8mm thickness is slim enough to cut a slice of pie, but it also gives up flagship-level battery life with its 3,900mAh battery. The first iPhone Air will also miss out on the battery life Apple fans have come to expect from their phones. It’s better to think of the Air as an alternative device, a phone with a very specific use case (extremely thin pockets) and a user base with specific needs (wanting to be the cool kids on the block with the latest iPhone design).

    But we’ll need to put the new Air through its paces. Perhaps, with time, it will prove as landmark a device as the original MacBook Air was close to two decades ago. Or maybe China-based companies like Tecno will figure out slim devices with good batteries far faster than the engineers in Cupertino. Time—as always—will tell.

    iPhone Air Versus iPhone 16: Design

    Your regular iPhone 16 came with several new features that would normally be relegated to the Pro models. For one, it featured an all-new Camera Control capacitive button used for snapping photos or modifying photo settings without having to touch the screen. It included Apple’s A18 chip, which sported a beefed-up CPU and GPU with enough power to handle on-device ray tracing; being close enough to the iPhone 16 Pro, the device felt like a bargain. The good news is the iPhone Air still has the Camera Control button as well as the Dynamic Island on the main display, rather than any sort of notch.

    The iPhone Air boasts Ceramic Shield 2 on the glass and back for better scratch and crack resistance, plus titanium sides that are supposed to keep the device from bending under pressure. Apple’s older phone from 2024 was 7.8mm thin, which is standard for a phone that weighs in at just 170g, or .37 pounds. Few people would call that thick or heavy. Compared to the Air, the 16 is a brick. The iPhone Air weighs in at 165g, or .36 pounds. The difference in weight is so minimal, though at 5.6mm thick, the Air is many times thinner than the 16. If you want a point of comparison, glance at this video showing off the S25 Edge at 5.8mm versus the Air.

    The major distinction between the old and new devices is what lies inside. Apple designed the Air from the ground up with new in-house 5G modems and wireless chips. The iPhone 16, by comparison, uses a Qualcomm-made 5G modem. The new device also comes stock with 256GB of storage for its base price, whereas the iPhone 16 makes do with 128GB. While the iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 sport a host of calming colors (pink, teal, and ultramarine blue), the base 17 also comes in calming lavender and sage hues. The iPhone Air will seem a little more mundane with black, white, light gold, plus a “sky blue” hue, which I imagine is similar to the gray-blue of the MacBook Air with M4.

    iPhone Air Versus iPhone 16: Battery

    If you’re looking for the main distinction between Apple’s new phone category and its battery. The iPhone 16 was rated for up to 22 hours of battery life in video playback tests, but in real life, we’ve seen the iPhone 16 go for more than a full day after regular use and still have some juice for the following morning. The iPhone 16’s battery capacity sits at 3,561mAh, which doesn’t seem especially high until you consider the limited refresh rate and Apple’s good standby power savings on the base iPhone.

    Apple has yet to share precise specs for the iPhone Air’s battery capacity. Instead, the company repeatedly promised the device would have a “full-day” battery life. On the specs page, Apple said the Air managed to hit 27 hours in video playback tests, though only 22 hours when streaming. That’s better than a base iPhone 16, though not nearly as good as the iPhone 16 Plus, which the Air is effectively replacing in Apple’s 2025 iPhone lineup. Apple emphasized all the extra work it did to maximize battery efficiency.

    The iPhone Air promises to support a separate “iPhone Air MagSafe Battery” sold separately from the main unit. This battery, which is three-quarters the size of the actual phone, should push the battery life further at the cost of the thin frame. At least, the new device is compatible with the Qi2 standard up to 20W as well as MagSafe.

    iPhone Air Versus iPhone 16: Camera

    The iPhone Air is supposedly very durable, but you’ll need to give up on an ultrawide sensor. © Raymond Wong / Gizmodo

    The older iPhone contained a 48-megapixel Fusion camera as well as a 12-megapixel ultrawide. The main sensor also enabled 12-megapixel 2x telephoto pictures. The device also made use of the TrueDepth camera for Face ID. The iPhone Air is notable since it contains a single camera bump, just like the iPhone 16e. The new device sports the 48-megapixel Fusion main camera that also allows for 2x, 12-megapixel telephoto shots. Unfortunately, there’s no ultra-wide lens to speak of. The new device can also handle 4K video up to 60 FPS, the same as the iPhone 16.

    The Air has one sensor that beats the 16. The slim device sports an 18-megapixel “Center Stage” front camera compared to 12 megapixels on the iPhone 16. Apple suggested users would end up spending more time with the front camera with the inclusion of better image stabilization.

    iPhone Air Versus iPhone 16: Display

    With a 6.3-inch OLED display at 2,556×1,179 resolution, the regular iPhone was still a looker even compared to the larger, higher-resolution Plus model. The device was limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, which miffed some users when comparing their phones to mainline Android devices. Still, that means the device lasts longer compared to other devices.

    The iPhone Air is slightly larger at 6.5 inches, less than the iPhone 16 Plus, though it sports a big, 2,736×1,260 resolution screen at 460 PPI, or pixels-per-inch—the same as the older phone models. However, the Air features a much faster screen at a 120Hz refresh rate that can go down to 1Hz if you enjoy an always-on display blazing from your nightstand.

    The Air may have a brighter display at both HDR and SDR brightness for viewing outside, though the device is not designed to share screens over USB. Compared to the iPhone 16, which supported DisplayPort over USB-C, the iPhone Air doesn’t.

    iPhone Air Versus iPhone 16: Chip

    The iPhone 16’s A18 chip was one of Apple’s best for the regular iPhone, often meeting benchmarks of the A18 Pro-level chip except in intensive situations, like ray tracing scenarios when gaming. The A18 was built on a six-core CPU and five-core GPU design with a 16-core neural engine.

    Not much has changed in configuration, though Apple swears the Air’s A19 Pro is a true next-gen chip despite it all. The A19 Pro uses a six-core CPU with two performance and four efficiency cores, alongside a five-core GPU (the iPhone 17 Pro devices make use of a six-core GPU, which will make them slightly better for graphics tasks). The device still supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing.

    The A19 Pro is supposed to make the phone more energy efficient while improving on single-thread performance, which is how Apple is implying it should be able to handle simple tasks faster than before. How well it performs in the field, especially considering its awkward battery life specs, will determine if the thin frame is worth all the other small trade-offs.

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    Kyle Barr

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  • Apple Reveals iPhone 17, iPhone Air, AirPods, Apple Watch | Entrepreneur

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    Apple held its biggest launch event of the year on Tuesday, with the tagline: “Awe Dropping.” At the event, Apple released the next generation of iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods, including the Apple Watch Ultra 3, AirPods Pro 3, and iPhone 17.

    “We’re taking the biggest leap ever for iPhone,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said at the event.

    Here’s what Apple announced, from the ultra-thin profile of the iPhone Air to satellite connectivity on the Apple Watch Ultra 3.

    Related: ‘We’re Very Open’: Apple CEO Tim Cook Says He Wants to Buy Startups. Could Your Company Be Next?

    Apple Introduced the iPhone Air and iPhone 17

    The new iPhone lineup includes four new phones: the iPhone Air, 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max.

    Apple revealed its highly anticipated $999 iPhone Air, the “thinnest iPhone ever” — at 5.6 millimeters, it’s the slimmest iPhone yet. Apple also claims that the 6.5-inch phone is the most durable of all iPhones and benefits from an improved internal chip. It’s the most power-efficient iPhone ever made, with a powerful camera and an all-day battery life.

    iPhone Air. Credit: Apple

    Meanwhile, the $1,099 iPhone 17 Pro is “the most powerful iPhone yet, by far,” according to Apple. The phone has a unified outer body that uniformly dissipates heat from the battery, preventing overheating. Apple also said that the phone offers “the best battery life ever in an iPhone,” with 39 hours of video playback.

    Related: How Much Does Apple Pay Its Employees? Here Are the Exact Salaries of Staff Jobs, Including Developers, Engineers, and Consultants.

    Apple said the event was filmed with an iPhone 17 Pro, demonstrating the capabilities of the phone in real time. The $1,199 iPhone 17 Pro Max has a larger screen than the Pro, but features the same capabilities, including increased power and battery life.

    iPhone 17 Pro. Credit: Apple

    The standard iPhone 17 features a 6.3-inch display with thinner borders for a wider screen. The display is more readable in direct sunlight, and the phone has twice the scratch resistance. Charging is now faster than ever: Ten minutes of charge can result in 8 hours of video playback.

    iPhone cameras are also improving, with better resolution and a wide field of view for the front-facing camera. Apple noted that users took 500 billion selfies last year, more than any other smartphone.

    iPhone 17. Credit: Apple

    Pre-orders for the new iPhone lineup start Sept. 12. The new phones will be available starting Sept. 19.

    What’s New With the AirPods Pro 3

    Cook said that this year, Apple was building on innovations with AirPods Pro, including the hearing aid function introduced last year that transformed the buds into assistive devices for people experiencing mild to moderate hearing loss.

    Related: Your Old Apple AirPods Can Soon Act as an Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid, According to the FDA

    At the event, Julz Arney, senior director of fitness technologies at Apple, introduced heart rate sensing for AirPods. Custom sensors on the AirPods allow the earbuds to track heart rate independently of a smartwatch, Arney explained.

    AirPods Pro 3. Credit: Apple

    The AirPods Pro 3 also deliver twice the active noise cancellation of previous generations. Apple claimed that the AirPods deliver the world’s best active noise cancellation of any in-ear headphones.

    The earbuds also offer live translation, transforming words from one language into another in real-time. For example, if someone speaks a different language, the AirPods will lower their voice and deliver a real-time translation.

    The AirPods Pro 3 cost $249 and will be available on Sept. 19. Preorders begin Tuesday.

    Here’s How the Apple Watch Is Changing

    Apple introduced the $399 Apple Watch Series 11, which comes with a thorough list of health features, including state-of-mind tracking for mental health.

    In a new development, Apple is taking on hypertension, or high blood pressure, with a new feature that tracks irregularities in blood pressure over time. Apple expects to notify one million people of hypertension within the first year alone.

    Apple Watch Series 11. Credit: Apple

    The company is also introducing a new sleep score based on duration of sleep, how many times a user wakes up throughout the night, and regularity of sleep over time. The new sleep score function applies to the budget-friendly $249 Apple Watch SE 3.

    The $799 Apple Watch Ultra 3 is also packed with new features, including satellite connectivity. Even when a user is off the grid, they can use their Apple Watch to get help in case of an emergency. The watch features 42 hours of battery life and also has hypertension notifications.

    Apple Watch Ultra 3. Credit: Apple

    Cook called Apple Watch “the most popular watch in the world.”

    The Apple Watches can be pre-ordered today and will be available starting Sept. 19.

    Apple held its biggest launch event of the year on Tuesday, with the tagline: “Awe Dropping.” At the event, Apple released the next generation of iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods, including the Apple Watch Ultra 3, AirPods Pro 3, and iPhone 17.

    “We’re taking the biggest leap ever for iPhone,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said at the event.

    Here’s what Apple announced, from the ultra-thin profile of the iPhone Air to satellite connectivity on the Apple Watch Ultra 3.

    The rest of this article is locked.

    Join Entrepreneur+ today for access.

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    Sherin Shibu

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  • Apple’s creator-centric iPhone 17 Pro will make the vlogging camera obsolete | TechCrunch

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    Apple unveiled its new line of iPhones on Tuesday, and the iPhone 17 Pro is making a direct appeal to content creators.

    The iPhone camera has long checked all the boxes for anything that a casual user might need, making a digital camera obsolete for most consumers. But for millions of content creators — an industry encompassing an estimated 200 million potential customers — it has remained necessary to buy handheld video cameras from companies like Canon, Sony, Panasonic, Nikon, and Fujifilm. Some of these camera brands have spun up entire product lines marketed as “vlogging cameras,” featuring pop-out displays to record selfie videos, as well as compatibility with the common dimensions used for social media.

    But the iPhone 17 Pro could finally be the device that makes content creators’ other video cameras collect dust.

    At a glance, a key difference here is that the new iPhone 17 Pro’s camera sensor is 56% larger than the iPhone 16 Pro’s. The size of a camera sensor impacts most aspects of a camera’s performance, like low-light capabilities, depth of field, and resolution — so, basically, the specs are simply just better on the new device.

    But under more scrutiny, the specs remain impressive for a pocketable camera that weighs half a pound. (It still clocks in a tad lighter than the Ricoh GR IIIx, a tiny camera I’ve been eyeing for everyday street photography.) The iPhone 17 Pro’s main, ultra wide, and telephoto lenses are all 48MP fusion cameras, making optical zoom possible at 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 4x, and 8x. The telephoto lens is a huge improvement from the iPhone 16 Pro’s 12 MP lens, while the selfie camera also improves from 12 MP to 18 MP.

    “The wider field of view in higher resolution are particularly useful when recording yourself speaking directly to the camera, making our Pro models the absolute best choice for content creators,” said Patrick Carroll, manager of iPhone camera architecture, during Apple’s presentation.

    But most important for creators is the phone’s video capabilities — like the previous model, the iPhone 17 Pro supports 4K 120 fps video recording in Dolby Vision, but it’s the new, creator-focused video features that come baked into the phone that make it stand apart.

    Though also included in other iPhone 17 models, the dual front and back camera recording is bound to be a hit with creators. The whole product line also supports Center Stage mode on the front camera, which lets users capture both horizontal and vertical orientations without rotating the phone. These features will be better on the Pro, since it improves on the basic device’s video capabilities with ultra-stabilized video at 4k 60 fps, which is a boon for creators on the go.

    Image Credits:Apple

    When it comes to editing and compatibility with professional film setups — something central to creators’ workflow — the iPhone 17 Pro takes a big leap.

    For creators who record videos or livestream in a home studio, the iPhone 17 Pro supports Genlock — a setup that allows multiple cameras to easily work together in sync — with an API available for developers to create custom filming setups.

    In conjunction with the release of these new iPhones is Final Cut Camera 2.0, an upgrade to Apple’s free app that makes more professional-level video editing possible on the device. With the updated app, creators can film in Apple’s ProRes RAW format, which Apple says will speed up exports and make files smaller without sacrificing quality.

    Final Cut Camera 2.0Image Credits:Apple

    “The update also introduces open gate recording, which uses the full camera sensor to capture a wider field of view at resolutions greater than DCI 4K,” Apple said in a press release. “This gives editors ultimate flexibility to reframe shots, stabilize footage, and set final aspect ratios, all without compromising image quality or performance.”

    It makes sense that iPhones have historically left a bit to be desired for professionals. The iPhone, unlike other cameras, has to do so much more than just take photos and video — Canon, for example, doesn’t have to dedicate any of its hardware budget to GPUs that run complex AI models on-device.

    But the bottom line is, the iPhone 17 Pro is a phone. For many creators, carrying one device in an iPhone, as opposed to a phone and a separate camera, is already appealing enough.

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    Amanda Silberling

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  • Everything Apple Announced Today

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    Another September, another Apple event. Today, Apple revealed its new iPhone 17 lineup in regular and Pro models, as well as the new and very thin iPhone Air. The company also showed off the new Apple Watches—Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE—and the refreshed AirPods Pro 3.

    There wasn’t much talk of software, or about Apple’s ongoing efforts to seamlessly integrate AI into all its products. But we got lots of hardware! Here’s everything Apple announced today.

    New iPhones

    There are four iPhones as usual, but Apple has changed things up quite a bit this year. Gone is the Plus model, and in its place is the iPhone Air, a new ultra-slim and lightweight iPhone that’s just 5.6 mm thick.

    The new iPhone Air, available in four colors.

    Courtesy of Apple

    You only get one camera on this model, though, and Apple seems to be using high-density silicon-carbon batteries. The company is claiming the same 27 hours of video playback that the iPhone 16 Plus was capable of, even though this phone is much thinner and presumably has a slimmer battery. We’ll see how it performs when we test it. There’s a new low-profile MagSafe battery pack to accompany it in case you’re worried (or Apple is worried) about battery.

    The iPhone 17 Pro models have a completely fresh look, with a new “Camera Plateau” design. The highlights here are a vapor chamber cooling system which helps regulate the heat generated by the beefier processor, and a 48-megapixel telephoto camera that hits 4x optical zoom and 8x “optical-like” zoom.

    The forged plateau creates extra space for components, like a larger battery.

    Courtesy of Apple

    All of these phones employ Apple’s new N1 wireless networking chip, which features Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread support, though only the iPhone Air comes with Apple’s homebrewed C1X modem. That’s likely because the C1X doesn’t support millimeter wave 5G (only sub-6).

    Perhaps more exciting is the fresh 18-megapixel selfie camera, which supports the Center Stage feature that automatically adjusts the framing to keep you centered. It also has Dual Capture support, so you can send reaction videos all day everyday and call yourself a Twitch streamer.

    The base iPhone 17 starts at $799. The iPhone Air is $999, the iPhone 17 Pro is $1,099, and the iPhone Pro Max is $1,199. All iPhones will be available on September 19.

    And this wasn’t in the presentation, but iOS 26 will be available on iPhones old and new on September 15. —Julian Chokkattu

    3 New Watches!

    Compared to last year’s somewhat lackluster 10th anniversary of the Apple Watch, this year sees a complete revamp, including a long overdue update of the company’s entry-level Watch SE. This year, the Watch SE has the latest S10 chip, which means that it finally has a lot of the features available on more expensive watches, like the sleep tracking and satellite messaging. Satellite messaging became available on the iPhone last year, and is now available on all three watches. You can text your family and friends when you’re off the grid via your watch. If your watch detects that you’ve crashed or had an incident, it will also send your location via satellite to emergency services and contacts.

    Apple Watch Series 11 is the ultimate health and fitness companion empowering users with new insights into sleep quality...

    Apple Watch Series 11.

    Courtesy of Apple

    The latest update to the Watch Series 11 and Watch Ultra 3’s vaunted series of health features is hypertension notification, which Apple expects to be FDA-cleared within the month.

    Over a period of 30 days, the watch’s optical heart sensor will check if you have symptoms of hypertension, which affects as many as one out of three of the global population and can cause everything from heart attacks to kidney disease to stroke.

    This is in addition to hardware upgrades like wide-angle OLED displays that we saw on last year’s Series 10, along with—this is huge—a full 24 hours of battery life on the Series 11 and up to 72 hours of battery life on the Watch Ultra 3 in low power mode. The Apple Watches have had notoriously poor battery life for a decade, and now you can (probably) wear your Apple Watch all through the night or for a weekend camping trip! Amazing!

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    Boone Ashworth

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  • The iPhone 17 Series Gets the Biggest iPhone Design Refresh in Years

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    Apple has largely stuck with the same iPhone design since the iPhone 11 debuted in 2019, but change is afoot in Cupertino. While the iPhone 17 may resemble iPhones of the past few years, there’s an entirely new camera layout for the iPhone 17 Pro models. Also, there’s a brand-new iPhone! The iPhone Air replaces what was supposed to be the iPhone 17 Plus. It, too, features a new look, and it’s the thinnest iPhone Apple has ever made.

    The changes on the standard iPhone 17—typically Apple’s most popular iPhone model—aren’t as drastic. The company announced the new handsets alongside new Apple Watches and AirPods Pro at its annual September event at the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple Park in Cupertino, California.

    Preorders are available on Friday, with the iPhone 17 starting at $799, the iPhone Air costing $999, and the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max seeing an increase to $1,099 and $1,199. The iPhone Air is eSIM only globally, and more iPhone models than ever have eSIM-only versions around the world. Here’s everything you need to know.

    The iPhone Air

    Apple’s iPhone Air is joining a slew of other phones that launched in 2025 that tout incredible thinness, like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge and the Honor Magic V5. It’s 5.6-mm thick—an incredible feat, as that’s even thinner than Samsung’s handset and a 2.65-mm drop from the iPhone 16 Pro.

    iPhone Air is the thinnest iPhone ever.

    Courtesy of Apple

    That’s about seven credit cards stacked on top of each other. With it comes weight savings of 24 grams compared to the regular iPhone 16, and this combo can dramatically alter how the phone feels in your hand, especially considering it sports a large 6.5-inch screen. It’s also the only iPhone this year employing titanium to help with the durability of the frame. Speaking of which, Apple says this phone uses its new Ceramic Shield 2 material on the front for 3X better scratch resistance and 4X better drop protection. The back glass uses the original Ceramic Shield glass mixture.

    There’s still a camera bump, except it’s now horizontal (ahem, like a certain Google phone), but as you’ll see, there are compromises: You only get one camera. It can simulate a 2X optical zoom like most iPhones today, but unlike Samsung’s thin phone, there’s no ultrawide camera, making it less versatile for shutterbugs.

    This phone debuts Apple’s C1X modem, which allows for sub-6 5G but no millimeter wave 5G, and it also features the first-ever Apple N1 wireless networking chip. The N1 has Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread support, which can improve local smart home controls with supported devices.

    It still maintains features from previous iPhones, like the Dynamic Island, which takes up less space on the front, the Action Button, and Camera Control. The selfie camera has been upgraded to 24 megapixels and supports Apple’s Center Stage technology, which keeps you in the frame. The selfie camera has a square sensor, so you can take selfies in landscape or portrait orientation without having to switch the phone into landscape orientation. Apple has also added the ability to shoot videos with both the front and rear cameras at the same time.

    The internals of the iPhone Air have been designed to maximize battery space.

    Courtesy of Apple

    Apple says inside is a “high-density battery,” which likely alludes to silicon-carbon battery technology to achieve this level of thinness. The phone is powered by the new A19 Pro chip, features Apple’s ProMotion 120-Hz refresh rate for the display, and has magnetic Qi2 25W wireless charging. It’s available in black, white, light gold, and light blue.

    You might think this super-thin iPhone will have limited battery life, but Apple is still claiming the same video playback numbers as the iPhone 16 Plus: 27 hours. This is likely why Apple is selling a new low-profile MagSafe power bank to help users keep their slim phone topped up. Let’s just see how often you need to use it.

    The iPhone 17 Pro

    The first thing you’ll notice about the iPhone 17 Pro and the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the redesigned camera array on the back, which Apple calls the Camera Plateau. Gone is the square-shaped camera module in favor of a long, horizontal camera bar. Maybe it means the iPhone finally won’t rock on a table. There’s also a slightly different color tone below, indicating the split between the new aluminum chassis and the glass.

    The forged plateau creates extra space for components, like a larger battery.

    Courtesy of Apple

    You heard that right, Apple’s priciest models are reverting to aluminum instead of the titanium of yesteryear. Aluminum handles heat better and is cheaper and lighter, not to mention a better carbon footprint. (It’s 100 percent recycled aluminum.) Now the only titanium model in the company’s lineup is the iPhone Air. You’d think this would bring a price drop, but alas.

    Apple is also debuting a vapor-chamber cooling system on these phones, helping them keep cool under load. This is something Android phones have used for years, so it’ll be interesting to see how it impacts performance across the board, whether you’re shooting 4K video or playing a graphically demanding game.

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    Julian Chokkattu

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  • Apple launches iPhone 17 Pro with major camera upgrades | TechCrunch

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    Apple launched the iPhone 17 Pro and the iPhone 17 Pro Max today with a new design and an upgraded camera system.

    The devices are powered by the new A19 Pro chipset and have a larger battery, Apple said. Plus, it noted that eSIM-only models will have a slightly larger battery as compared to Pro models with physical SIMs.

    The new Pro phones have an aluminium unibody instead of the titanium used in the previous year’s iPhone.

    The company said it designed a new vapor chamber thermal system along with the new unibody. The company is also adding ceramic shield 2 protection on the front and and previous gen ceramic shield on the back.

    The company is upgrading the telephoto camera from a 12-megapixel sensor to a 48-megapixel sensor. With the sensor change, users will be able to get an 8x optical zoom. This is one of the highest optical zoom capacities on the market, with the Vivo X200 offering 8.7x optical zoom with its periscope kit.

    Apple is offering 40x digital zoom. This is lower than 100x offered by Google or Samsung, but it is not clear if Apple is doing digital regeneration using AI like those companies.

    All of this is housed by a new rectangular camera bar covering the entire width of the back of the iPhone, which Apple has chosen to call “plateau.”

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    The selfie camera is also getting an upgrade from a 12-megapixel to an 18-megapixel sensor. Apple will now also allow for a video recording from both the front and the back camera simultaneously.

    The iPhone 17 Pro starts at $1,099, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max starts at $1199. These devices are available to pre-order on Friday and will be available on September 19. Both models now start at 256GB base storage, and the company is also offering a 2TB model for the 17 Pro Max.

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    Ivan Mehta

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  • Apple’s Cheaper Apple Watch SE May Be the Wearable Most People Need

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    Why spend more than $300 for an Apple Watch? Apple may have its wearables fans asking that question with the new Apple Watch SE. The third-gen update brings a host of upgrades, including a new screen and better performance from a new chip. It may not have all the health tracking features of the mainline wearables, but that may simply make it a better option for most people.

    The last SE (2nd-gen) arrived in 2022 alongside the Apple Watch Series 8 and the first Apple Watch Ultra. The revised edition revealed Tuesday at Apple’s “Awe Dropping” event may look closer to the regular Apple Watch Series 11 than the older 2020s-era wearables. The new smartwatch sports an aluminum frame, so it’s closer to the premium feel of the other models. On the other hand, this new SE also supports the same 5G capabilities as the Apple Watch Series 11. The new SE is even closer to replacing a regular Apple Watch with an on-device Siri voice assistant and an always-on display.

    © Raymond Wong / Gizmodo

    With the upgraded chip, Apple promised the new device would be faster than the one from 2022 thanks to last year’s S10 SiP, or system in a package. The device will still have the sleep apnea and sleep score features found on last year’s Apple Watch and the Series 11, respectively. Better yet, it will have fast charging, promising 15 minutes of charging to get 8 hours of battery life. It includes temperature sensing and some of the “wrist flick” gestures for shuffling through apps or music.

    You don’t have to worry about a price bump like we saw from the iPhone SE to the iPhone 16e. The device starts at $250 for the 40mm version with GPS and comes in both a “midnight” and silver “starlight” aluminum case.

    The Apple Watch SE starts at $250 for the 40mm and will be available for preorder Tuesday. It should start shipping by Sept 19.

    This is a developing story.

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    Kyle Barr

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  • Apple unveils new iPhone 17, watch and upgraded AirPods at annual tech launch

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    Apple on Tuesday unveiled its latest generation of iPhones, AirPods and watch at the technology company’s launch event, held annually at its Cupertino, California, headquartetrs. 

    The iPhone 17 features larger, 6.3-inch display and includes the new A19 chip to help power Apple’s AI features. The devices’ front camera has also been upgraded to provide a wider field of view and new sensor allowing users to take landscape photos without having to rotate the phone. 

    Apple also is releasing an Phone 17 Air, which the company said is its thinnest and lightest model ever. All new iPhone models feature improved camera capabilities that let users take sharper photos and record more stable videos, according to Apple.

    The AirPods Pro 3 feature improved noise cancellation capabilities and a live translation feature powered by Apple AI. That new functionality lets consumers use the devices to hear a speaker in one language and get an English-language in real time.

    The AirPods, which are priced at $249, have also been redesigned to better fit wearers’ ears, according to Apple. 

    Apple’s latest watches can alert users to potentially serious health issues, according to the company.

    Business Wire


    The Apple Watch 11 features upgrades that can alert users to potentially serious health issues. It can also detect if the wearer has fallen down, as well as monitor users heart rates and track their sleep. 

    Since 2020, Apple has charged $800 for its basic iPhone and $1,200 for its top offering, but some analysts think the company may raise prices by $50 to $100 on some of the new models. 

    “We estimate roughly 315 million iPhone users, of 1.5 billion users worldwide, have not upgraded their phones in over four years, speaking to an upgrade opportunity on the horizon for [Apple],” Wedbush tech analyst Dan Ives said in a report. 

    — This is a developing story and will be updated.

    The Associated Press

    contributed to this report.

    Megan Cerullo

    Megan Cerullo is a New York-based reporter for CBS MoneyWatch covering small business, workplace, health care, consumer spending and personal finance topics. She regularly appears on CBS News 24/7 to discuss her reporting.

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  • iPhone 17 Air will be eSIM only worldwide | TechCrunch

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    Apple announced its new thin iPhone 17 Air on Tuesday at its annual hardware event. The company said that this device will have only eSIM support all across the world.

    Apple managed to cram a lot of tech into a 5.5 mm-thick design, but at the expense of a physical SIM tray.

    The company opted to ditch physical SIMs for eSIMs for iPhones sold in the U.S. in 2022.

    “We pioneered eSIM years ago, and now it’s an industry standard, and compared to that, decades-old piece of plastic, eSIM is so much easier to use, has better security, and saves precious space inside the iPhone; eSIM is also great for travel,” Apple said during the keynote.

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    Ivan Mehta

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  • Apple launches iPhone 17 with a 120 Hz display | TechCrunch

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    Apple launched the iPhone 17 series today at its “awe-dropping” event, with the base model getting an upgraded display.

    The iPhone 17 has a slightly bigger screen at 6.3 inches as compared to the 6.1-inch screen of the iPhone 16. The display is getting an upgrade with ProMotion, which is being used in the base model for the first time.

    It supports a 120 Hz refresh rate and dynamically switches to different refresh rates using the LTPO (low-temperature polycrystalline oxide) tech. This display also has a peak brightness of 3,000 nits for better outside legibility. This display is now protected by Ceramic Shield 2 with better scratch resistance.

    The phone is powered by a 3 nm A19 processor with a new display engine to power the display update.

    The iPhone 17 gets a new 48-megapixel ultrawide camera. The phone’s camera system also powers 2x optical telephoto and better macro photos.

    The company updated the front camera with a new 18-megapixel square sensor. Apple said this allows you to take selfies in different formats without switching orientation. Plus, it also said that the new selfie center will let you capture more stable videos. The new iPhone 17 front camera also supports Center Stage for calls.

    This phone will be available in lavender, mist blue, black, white, and sage colors. The iPhone 17 will start at $799 with base storage of 256GB. The iPhone 16 started at $699 for 128GB. In essence, the pricing for a comparable model is the same, but you don’t get to choose a 128GB model.

    Techcrunch event

    San Francisco
    |
    October 27-29, 2025

    The iPhone preorders start Friday and the phones will be available starting September 19.

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    Ivan Mehta

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  • When Is Apple Releasing the iPhone 17? Awe-Dropping Event | Entrepreneur

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    Apple is hosting its biggest launch event of the year on Tuesday in preparation for the release of the next generation of iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods.

    The tech giant gave the launch event the tagline “Awe Dropping” when announcing it last month.

    Here’s more about the Apple event, including how to watch and what new products and releases are expected.

    When Is the Apple Event?

    The Apple event is Tuesday, Sept. 9, at 10 a.m. PT or 1 p.m. ET.

    How Can I Watch Apple’s “Awe Dropping” Event?

    The event will be livestreamed online at apple.com and on the Apple TV app. You can also watch on YouTube, here:

    Related: How Much Does Apple Pay Its Employees? Here Are the Exact Salaries of Staff Jobs, Including Developers, Engineers, and Consultants.

    Is Apple Announcing the iPhone 17?

    Apple is set to introduce four new iPhone 17 models: the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Air, and iPhone 17 Pro Max.

    The iPhone 17 Air will replace the Plus, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The ultra-thin phone will be Apple’s first new smartphone model in years and will be noticeably thinner—about one-third—than previous models. According to MacRumors, screen sizes will be 6.3 inches for the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro, 6.6 inches for the 17 Air, and 6.9 inches for the 17 Pro Max.

    The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are expected to have improved cameras and enhanced battery life, according to Gurman. MacRumors suggests that the standard iPhone 17 will look similar to last year’s iPhone 16.

    How Much Will the New iPhones Cost?

    The price of the new iPhone 17 is unclear, but for comparison, Apple released the iPhone 16 last year at a price point of $799 for its base model, and charged $1,199 for the higher-tier iPhone 16 Pro Max.

    It’s uncertain if specific iPhone 17 models will get a price hike due to tariffs, which were 30% against Chinese imports as of Monday. Last month, Apple shifted some of its U.S. iPhone production to India as it strove to lessen its dependence on China.

    Related: Here’s What Was Discussed at President Donald Trump’s ‘High IQ’ Dinner With Tech CEOs, Including Apple’s Tim Cook and Microsoft’s Satya Nadella

    Is Apple Releasing a Foldable iPhone?

    According to a July JPMorgan investor letter, Apple is working on its first foldable phone to compete with Samsung and Google, but the iPhone maker will not introduce the foldable phone this year.

    Apple will instead debut the foldable devices in the fall of 2026, per the letter.

    What Is Apple’s New Liquid Glass?

    Liquid Glass is the name of a new translucent design element that Apple announced in June at its Worldwide Developers Conference. The element looks like glass on the screen and takes on the color of its environment.

    Apple is bringing Liquid Glass to the iPhone via translucent menus and a new lock screen with Liquid Glass time. Liquid Glass will roll out this fall, along with Apple’s new iOS 26 operating system.

    Related: Apple Is Reportedly Developing AI Smart Glasses to Compete with Meta and Google

    Is the Apple Watch Getting an Update?

    Apple is expected to refresh its Apple Watch line, adding new models like the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3, per Bloomberg. The Series 11 will feature a brighter screen, while the Ultra 3 will boast satellite connectivity, so users can remain connected, even when they’re off the grid without their phones.

    Are AirPods Changing?

    Apple will likely add a heart rate monitor to its AirPods Pro earbuds, allowing users to track calories burned without a smartwatch, per Bloomberg. The tech giant is leaning more into fitness with its earbuds this year.

    Apple is hosting its biggest launch event of the year on Tuesday in preparation for the release of the next generation of iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods.

    The tech giant gave the launch event the tagline “Awe Dropping” when announcing it last month.

    Here’s more about the Apple event, including how to watch and what new products and releases are expected.

    The rest of this article is locked.

    Join Entrepreneur+ today for access.

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    Sherin Shibu

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  • Apple will unveil iPhone 17 and more at the ‘Awe Dropping’ event today: Here’s everything we know

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    The day has finally arrived: Today at 1PM ET, Apple is all but certain to unveil the iPhone 17 line. This year is shaping up to be a departure from recent September product rollouts, with the strong possibility of an all-new superthin iPhone (dubbed “iPhone Air“) expected to join the company’s lineup. Also on tap could be new Apple Watch models — including the first truly new Ultra model in two years — and (maybe) the long-awaited AirPods Pro 3. Intrigued? You can watch the Apple iPhone 17 event unspool in real-time, livestreamed on YouTube from Cupertino. Even better, Engadget is liveblogging the iPhone 17 launch, with three team members on-site at Apple Park to provide their hands-on impressions.

    Bloomberg Apple reporter Mark Gurman confirmed his expectation for all of the above products to arrive as expected today in his recent event preview story. Gurman had previously reported many of those details, including the expected battery and camera compromises of that rumored thin iPhone Air. You can hear him share his full analysis of the upcoming lineup — and even a peek at some 2026 iPhone models — during his recent guest appearance on the Engadget Podcast.

    Expected to be roughly 5.55 mm thick, the iPhone Air would be the thinnest iPhone yet, besting 2014’s iPhone 6 which, at 6.9 mm, was the previous svelteness champ. And they’ve only gotten chunkier since then. (The iPhone 16 Pro has a depth of 8.25 mm.) The Air would also give Apple a direct rival to Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge, which we found to be more than a gimmick.

    But the iPhone Air’s thin design will likely lead to some compromises. It’s rumored to have only a single 48 MP camera and a smaller battery — one that’s about 16% less capacious than the iPhone 17’s power source, if a late-breaking leak on X is to be believed. That said, Taiwan’s TrendForce, a market research firm quoted in a recent MacRumors story, suggests that the Air will sport a high-density “silicon anode battery” that could theoretically provide more power from a smaller frame.

    The Pro lineup could offer some design tweaks and performance improvements. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are rumored to switch from titanium to aluminum. And that heat-mapped Apple logo featured in Apple’s “Awe dropping” invitations may be indicative of better thermal cooling in the new Pro models, too. They could also see the rear camera array expand to an entire “island” that extends across most of the phone’s backside. It’s expected to house three cameras (as before), but multiple rumors have suggested it will have an improved telephoto one. The zoom lens could jump to 48MP, which would strengthen its digital zooming / cropping chops. The phones may also add an anti-glare coating, similar to those found on iPads.

    The standard iPhone 17 could see some welcome display upgrades. At least one supply chain source claimed it will add a 120Hz variable refresh rate (ProMotion) display, which the Pro series has used since 2021.

    Apple's iOS 26 Liquid Glass design language. Closeup of the bottom of an iPhone, showing Apple Music's new translucent controls.

    One thing we know without a doubt is that the new iPhones will launch with iOS 26, which brings Apple’s biggest design refresh in years. It’s easy to imagine the company highlighting the new model’s displays as the best way to experience the new Liquid Glass visual language. As for the naming scheme, there haven’t been any leaks pointing to a similar hardware rebranding (“iPhone 26,” “iPhone 26 Pro,” etc.). But hey, Apple does like surprises.

    Engadget’s iPhone 17 rumor roundup gives you a deeper dive into what to expect from the new models.

    Two Apple Watch Ultra 2 models, propped up on a demo table. Blurred background.
    Cherlynn Low for Engadget

    Apple’s fall event isn’t just for iPhones. The company is also expected to roll out new Apple Watch models. 5G and a processor upgrade are expected for the Apple Watch Ultra 3. It may also let you send texts via satellite, handy for those who use it out in the wilderness. Regardless of the details, Apple hasn’t launched a new rugged and premium model since 2023 (apart from a new color), so it’s due for an upgrade.

    The Series 11 model is unlikely to depart dramatically from the Series 10. After all, that model introduced a new design, with a thinner body and larger screen. (And Apple has historically kept those around in three-year cycles.). But a faster chip also seems logical. Perhaps we’ll see 5G arrive on the standard wearable, too.

    The Apple Watch lineup and the company’s Fitness team has been in the news of late too. In addition to ongoing legal battles over the wearable’s blood oxygen monitoring feature, Apple’s vice president of fitness technologies Jay Blahnik has been accused of creating a toxic workplace environment, according to a New York Times report. It’s unlikely that the company even mentions either of these situations at its event on September 9, but it is interesting background information for the fitness and wearable portions of its presentation.

    We may also see the AirPods Pro 3 at the event. It’s been about three years since Apple last upgraded its premium earbuds. The new model could also bring some biometric sensors to the earphones: an in-ear heart-rate monitor and (maybe) temperature sensing. Live translation is also rumored, although that may not be exclusive to the third-gen model. But don’t expect major design changes, if the latest reports from leaker Majin Bu (via MacRumors) are to be believed: In addition to a “slight reduction in size,” Bu notes the case will lose the physical pairing button, while gaining capacitive controls.

    We aren’t holding our breath for any major developments around Apple’s AI or its overhauled Siri, which was announced last summer. Mark Gurman reported ahead of Tuesday’s event that Apple is working on an AI search product that it plans to launch with the new Siri, but these aren’t scheduled to arrive until March.

    Will there be other announcements? Time will tell, but now we know we won’t have to wait long to find out. The official countdown clock has begun, and the answers are just days away.

    Update, September 9, 2025, 8:35AM ET: Added final details and link to Engadget’s liveblog.

    Update, September 8, 2025, 5:49PM ET: Added a new leak that appears to confirm a lower battery capacity for the iPhone Air.

    Update, September 7, 2025, 1:53PM ET: Added a new report from Mark Gurman about the timeline for Apple’s upgraded Siri and AI search.

    Update, September 6, 2025, 10:20AM ET: Added a link to Mark Gurman’s latest Bloomberg story, which confirms and expands on his months of previous reporting on the imminent new Apple hardware.

    Update, September 4, 2025, 7:20PM ET: Added a new report that the iPhone Air may feature a high-density battery.

    Update, September 3, 2025, 2:20PM ET: Included a reference and link to the theory that the invitation graphic suggests a new cooling system for the upcoming iPhones.

    Update, September 2, 2025, 11:15AM ET: Tweaked the intro to accurately reflect how far we are from the event at this point in time, and added a paragraph on recent happenings around Apple’s Watch and Fitness products.

    Update, August 29, 2025, 2:32PM ET: Added insights from Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman based on his appearance on the Engadget Podcast.

    Update, August 28, 2025, 10:45AM ET: Added new report on AirPods 3 case details.

    Update, August 26, 2025, 5:41PM ET: Added confirmation of official event invitation, date and time.

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    Will Shanklin

    Source link

  • Apple is expected to unveil iPhone 17 and more at the ‘Awe Dropping’ event on Tuesday: Here’s everything we know

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    It’s now just a few hours away: At 1PM ET on Tuesday, Apple is all but certain to unveil the iPhone 17 line. This year’s theme of “Awe dropping,” which was featured in Apple’s invitations to the media sent on August 26 doesn’t reveal much by way of clues, though some think the heat-mapped Apple logo is indicative of better thermal cooling in the new models. But more importantly, we already know how to watch the Apple iPhone 17 event itself: The keynote will be livestreamed on YouTube from Cupertino. We’ll have three Engadget team members reporting, liveblogging and providing their hands-on impressions from Apple Park, so make sure you come back here for the latest coverage.

    This year is shaping up to be a departure from recent September product rollouts, with the strong possibility of an all-new superthin iPhone expected to join the company’s lineup. Also on tap could be new Apple Watch models — including the first truly new Ultra model in two years — and (maybe) the long-awaited AirPods Pro 3.

    Bloomberg Apple reporter Mark Gurman confirmed his expectation for all of the above products to arrive as expected next week in his recent event preview story. Gurman had previously reported many of those details, including the expected battery and camera compromises of that rumored thin iPhone (which everyone already calls the iPhone Air). You can hear him share his full analysis of the upcoming lineup — and even a peek at some 2026 iPhone models — during his recent guest appearance on the Engadget Podcast.

    Expected to be roughly 5.55 mm thick, the iPhone Air would be the thinnest iPhone yet, besting 2014’s iPhone 6 which, at 6.9 mm, was the previous svelteness champ. And they’ve only gotten chunkier since then. (The iPhone 16 Pro has a depth of 8.25 mm.) The Air would also give Apple a direct rival to Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge, which we found to be more than a gimmick.

    But the iPhone Air’s thin design will likely lead to some compromises. It’s rumored to have only a single 48 MP camera and a smaller battery — one that’s about 16% less capacious than the iPhone 17’s power source, if a late-breaking leak on X is to be believed. That said, Taiwan’s TrendForce, a market research firm quoted in a recent MacRumors story, suggests that the Air will sport a high-density “silicon anode battery” that could theoretically provide more power from a smaller frame.

    The Pro lineup could offer some design tweaks and performance improvements. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are rumored to switch from titanium to aluminum. They could also see the rear camera array expand to an entire “island” that extends across most of the phone’s backside. It’s expected to house three cameras (as before), but multiple rumors have suggested it will have an improved telephoto one. The zoom lens could jump to 48MP, which would strengthen its digital zooming / cropping chops. The phones may also add an anti-glare coating, similar to those found on iPads.

    The standard iPhone 17 could see some welcome display upgrades. At least one supply chain source claimed it will add a 120Hz variable refresh rate (ProMotion) display, which the Pro series has used since 2021.

    Apple's iOS 26 Liquid Glass design language. Closeup of the bottom of an iPhone, showing Apple Music's new translucent controls.

    One thing we know without a doubt is that the new iPhones will launch with iOS 26, which brings Apple’s biggest design refresh in years. It’s easy to imagine the company highlighting the new model’s displays as the best way to experience the new Liquid Glass visual language. As for the naming scheme, there haven’t been any leaks pointing to a similar hardware rebranding (“iPhone 26,” “iPhone 26 Pro,” etc.). But hey, Apple does like surprises.

    Engadget’s iPhone 17 rumor roundup gives you a deeper dive into what to expect from the new models.

    Two Apple Watch Ultra 2 models, propped up on a demo table. Blurred background.
    Cherlynn Low for Engadget

    Apple’s fall event isn’t just for iPhones. The company is also expected to roll out new Apple Watch models. 5G and a processor upgrade are expected for the Apple Watch Ultra 3. It may also let you send texts via satellite, handy for those who use it out in the wilderness. Regardless of the details, Apple hasn’t launched a new rugged and premium model since 2023 (apart from a new color), so it’s due for an upgrade.

    The Series 11 model is unlikely to depart dramatically from the Series 10. After all, that model introduced a new design, with a thinner body and larger screen. (And Apple has historically kept those around in three-year cycles.). But a faster chip also seems logical. Perhaps we’ll see 5G arrive on the standard wearable, too.

    The Apple Watch lineup and the company’s Fitness team has been in the news of late too. In addition to ongoing legal battles over the wearable’s blood oxygen monitoring feature, Apple’s vice president of fitness technologies Jay Blahnik has been accused of creating a toxic workplace environment, according to a New York Times report. It’s unlikely that the company even mentions either of these situations at its event on September 9, but it is interesting background information for the fitness and wearable portions of its presentation.

    We may also see the AirPods Pro 3 at the event. It’s been about three years since Apple last upgraded its premium earbuds. The new model could also bring some biometric sensors to the earphones: an in-ear heart-rate monitor and (maybe) temperature sensing. Live translation is also rumored, although that may not be exclusive to the third-gen model. But don’t expect major design changes, if the latest reports from leaker Majin Bu (via MacRumors) are to be believed: In addition to a “slight reduction in size,” Bu notes the case will lose the physical pairing button, while gaining capacitive controls.

    We aren’t holding our breath for any major developments around Apple’s AI or its overhauled Siri, which was announced last summer. Mark Gurman reported ahead of Tuesday’s event that Apple is working on an AI search product that it plans to launch with the new Siri, but these aren’t scheduled to arrive until March.

    Will there be other announcements? Time will tell, but now we know we won’t have to wait long to find out. The official countdown clock has begun, and the answers are just days away.

    Update, September 8, 2025, 5:49PM ET: Added a new leak that appears to confirm a lower battery capacity for the iPhone Air.

    Update, September 7, 2025, 1:53PM ET: Added a new report from Mark Gurman about the timeline for Apple’s upgraded Siri and AI search.

    Update, September 6, 2025, 10:20AM ET: Added a link to Mark Gurman’s latest Bloomberg story, which confirms and expands on his months of previous reporting on the imminent new Apple hardware.

    Update, September 4, 2025, 7:20PM ET: Added a new report that the iPhone Air may feature a high-density battery.

    Update, September 3, 2025, 2:20PM ET: Included a reference and link to the theory that the invitation graphic suggests a new cooling system for the upcoming iPhones.

    Update, September 2, 2025, 11:15AM ET: Tweaked the intro to accurately reflect how far we are from the event at this point in time, and added a paragraph on recent happenings around Apple’s Watch and Fitness products.

    Update, August 29, 2025, 2:32PM ET: Added insights from Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman based on his appearance on the Engadget Podcast.

    Update, August 28, 2025, 10:45AM ET: Added new report on AirPods 3 case details.

    Update, August 26, 2025, 5:41PM ET: Added confirmation of official event invitation, date and time.

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    Will Shanklin

    Source link

  • If the iPhone 17 doesn’t get ProMotion, I won’t be upgrading my iPhone 12

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    In 2020, I bought an to replace my aging , and nearly five years later, I’m still using that same device because it works fine and Apple has yet to bring the feature I want most on a regular iPhone: a ProMotion display. If you’re not familiar with the company’s marketing lingo, ProMotion is its way of describing a high-refresh rate display.

    Apple introduced ProMotion with the . Since then, every Pro model has offered a 120Hz refresh rate display with the ability to scale down to 1Hz for always-on functionality. That’s great for gaming and day-to-day use; higher refresh rates make every interaction on the iPhone’s touchscreen look and feel smoother. In fact, high refresh rate displays are such a well-liked feature that most Android manufacturers have begun offering them on their entry-level devices, but it’s still something you need to spend $1,000 to get on an iPhone..

    If you ask me, that’s a problem for Apple. The closest I got to upgrading was in 2023 when it released the , which was the first regular model to include the company’s Dynamic Island display cutout after it debuted on the . In the end, even the iPhone 15, with its better display, camera and USB-C charging, wasn’t enough to convince me to part with the iPhone 12, because the new model didn’t include a ProMotion screen. I imagine I’m not the only person who kept their old iPhone for the same reason.

    At this point, Apple’s trickle-down strategy is painfully behind its competitors. In 2022, when display analyst Ross Young the entire iPhone 15 would offer Dynamic Island displays, he said the company likely wouldn’t bring ProMotion to its regular iPhones until 2024 at the earliest. He blamed the timing on a supply chain that “[couldn’t] support” the feature on Apple’s more affordable handsets. Whether or not that was true, I don’t know. In 2020, the same year Apple released the $799 iPhone 12, Google came out with the , which came with a 90Hz OLED.

    Either way, it appears my long wait is about to come to an end, with all four 2025 iPhone models — the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max and new iPhone 17 Air — set to offer 120Hz displays. For me, this is the year I upgrade, but I do wonder what it means for the future of the iPhone line.

    If I had to guess, Apple’s decision to hold off on bringing ProMotion to the regular iPhone had more to do with the company wanting to give people a reason to spend extra on a Pro model than the limits of one of the largest and most efficient supply chains on the planet. If the pre-release rumors turn out to be true, the iPhone 17 will leave the iPhone Pro in an awkward place. With ProMotion gone as a differentiating feature and the Pro and Pro Max rumored to be made from aluminum again, there aren’t many reasons to go for the more expensive models other than if you want a telephoto camera or a bigger display in the case of the Pro Max.

    I suspect this may be the last year we see an iPhone Pro, at least in the format we know it as now. When Senior Editor Devindra Hardawar and I got a chance to talk to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman during a recent episode of the , he mentioned that Apple plans to go all in on the iPhone Air. At first, it may offer only a single camera and worse battery life than its siblings, but Gurman said Apple was confident it could further shrink those components over time and make the Air the equal of its current devices.

    In other words, the iPhone Air might be a side project now, but it’s easy to envision a future where it becomes the company’s flagship. Maybe it’s wishful thinking, but I’m hopeful Apple plans for a future where the Air and regular iPhone offer similar features, but the company charges a premium for getting those in a sleeker package.

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    Igor Bonifacic

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