Apple iPhone 17 Launched Along with AirPods Pro 3 and Apple Watch Series 11, Watch SE 3
Apple has officially unveiled its iPhone 17 lineup at its much-anticipated annual September hardware event at Apple Park. Branded as the “Awe Dropping” showcase, the event kicked off at 10:30 PM IST and introduced some of the most significant iPhone design changes in recent years. Alongside the iPhone 17, Apple also announced the new AirPods Pro 3, Apple Watch Series 11, and Watch SE 3.
iPhone 17 Air: Apple’s Thinnest iPhone Yet
The highlight of the event is the iPhone 17 Air, which is rumoured to measure just 5.5 millimetres thick. To put this into perspective, it’s nearly a third thinner than the iPhone 16 Pro and even slimmer than the iPhone 6, which previously held the record for Apple’s thinnest smartphone.
However, this ultra-thin design comes with compromises. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature only a single rear camera and a smaller battery capacity, compared to the standard and Pro models. Apple seems to be positioning the Air as a middle-ground option—balancing portability and style over raw performance.
iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max: First Major Redesign Since 2020
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are receiving their first major design refresh in years. Reports suggest Apple has moved away from the square-shaped camera bump, opting instead for redesigned camera systems that span much of the phone’s back.
Another notable change could be the switch from the titanium build of the iPhone 15 Pro back to aluminium construction. This move is expected to reduce weight, improve heat dissipation, and potentially enhance durability.
Standard iPhone 17: ProMotion Finally Arrives
For the standard iPhone 17, the biggest upgrade is the inclusion of ProMotion display technology. This means non-Pro iPhones will finally feature 120Hz refresh rates, a feature that has been exclusive to Pro models since 2021. This improvement is likely to enhance the overall smoothness of animations, scrolling, and gaming performance.
Apple Watch Series 11, Watch SE 3, and Watch Ultra 3
Apple also expanded its wearables lineup at the event. The new Apple Watch Series 11 may introduce 5G connectivity, marking a big step forward in smartwatch capabilities. Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is rumoured to include satellite messaging features, improving its usability for outdoor adventurers and emergency situations.
The Apple Watch SE 3 was also unveiled, giving users a more budget-friendly option without compromising on core Apple Watch functionalities.
AirPods Pro 3: A Smarter Listening Experience
The AirPods Pro 3 received a long-awaited refresh, as the last update came in 2022. The new earbuds are rumoured to bring health monitoring features, in addition to enhanced audio performance and noise cancellation. These updates continue Apple’s push to merge technology with health and fitness tracking.
iOS 26 and Software Updates
In addition to hardware, Apple announced the official release date for iOS 26, which was previewed earlier at the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). Users can also expect new updates for iPadOS, watchOS, and macOS, bringing expanded functionality and integration across Apple’s ecosystem.
Conclusion: Apple Raises the Bar Once Again
With the launch of the iPhone 17 series, Apple Watch Series 11, Watch SE 3, and AirPods Pro 3, Apple has once again showcased its ability to push boundaries in design, performance, and innovation.
The iPhone 17 Air stands out as the thinnest iPhone ever, while the Pro models get a long-awaited design refresh. Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 17 finally levels up with ProMotion displays. On the wearables front, new health, connectivity, and satellite features make the Apple Watch lineup more versatile than ever.
Apple’s ecosystem continues to grow stronger, making 2025 an exciting year for Apple fans worldwide.
