Apple events are always a big deal. But their recent livestream on 9 September was something else. That’s because the Californian tech giant not only dropped its brand-new iPhone 17 range, but an extra surprise in the iPhone Air — their thinnest ever handset.

They also showcased their next-gen Apple Watch line-up, including the Series 11 and SE 3. Plus, AirPods Pro 3 have arrived with the world’s best in-ear active noise cancellation. There’s loads to unpack, so let’s dive straight in…

iPhone 17: a huge leap forward

Apple has officially unveiled the iPhone 17, and it’s a serious step up from the previous generation. With a smoother 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display featuring thinner borders, plus a powerhouse A19 chip under the hood, it’s built for style, speed, and stamina.

Up front, the selfie camera gets a clever boost with Center Stage tech, which keeps you perfectly framed during selfies and video calls. Flip it around, and there’s a new 48MP Fusion Ultra-Wide camera which can capture expansive scenes and crisp macro shots in more detail.

It’s also the first iPhone to launch with 256GB storage as standard, giving you extra room for your snaps and apps. Plus, with a tougher Ceramic Shield 2 front, the screen’s as durable as it is dazzling — offering up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness. A seven-layer anti-reflective coating reduces glare by up to 33% too, so you won’t be squinting at the 17’s screen on a sunny day.

iPhone 17 key features

  • ProMotion display tech: Has an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz, so you can enjoy ultra-smooth gaming with battery life saved where possible.

  • Ceramic Shield 2: Protects the screen with three times better scratch resistance compared to iPhone 16.

  • 48MP Dual Fusion camera system: With a new Ultra Wide lens, it captures up to four times the resolution of the previous-gen model.

  • Centre Stage front camera: Places you in the middle of the frame, with AI auto-expanding the field of view. Take a group shot holding your phone in portrait, and it’ll fit everyone in!

  • All-day battery life: Provides up to 30 hours of video playback, which is about 8 hours more than the iPhone 16.

  • N1 wireless networking chip: Enables the latest generation of wireless technologies (including Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6) for ultra-fast connectivity. It also makes features like Personal Hotspot and AirDrop more reliable.

iPhone Air: Apple’s thinnest ever phone

The all-new iPhone Air is a proper showstopper. At just 5.6mm thin, it’s the slimmest iPhone ever made — but don’t let its size fool you. With a strong titanium frame and Ceramic Shield on the front and back, it’s also the most durable iPhone Apple’s ever released. It’s exceeded their famously stringent bend strength requirements, so you know it’s a tough cookie!

Apple’s also managed to squeeze in the new A19 Pro chip from the iPhone 17 Pro (that’s coming up next), so it’s seriously powerful and efficient. And the 6.5-inch display with ProMotion and 3,000 nits peak brightness means everything looks stunning.

iPhone Air key features

  • 48MP Fusion main camera: Looks like a single cam, but it essentially puts four lenses in your pocket for flexible photography. And with an updated Photonic Engine, it captures more lifelike colours and detail.

  • Dual Capture video: Record with both front and rear cameras at the same time — perfect if you want to show your reactions and surroundings in one seamless shot.

  • A19 Pro chip: Faster and more efficient than the A19 processor in iPhone 17, bringing MacBook-grade computing power to the palm of your hand.

  • eSIM-only design: Say goodbye to physical SIM cards — iPhone Air streamlines connectivity with built-in eSIM. It makes setup faster and travel easier, with support for multiple networks right out of the box.

  • 27 hours video playback: By saving space with its eSIM-only design, Apple’s used the extra room to fit a large, long-lasting battery.

  • Adaptive Power Mode in iOS 26: This learns your daily battery habits and smartly adjusts performance to stretch power when you need it most. It’ll keep you going from morning scrolls to midnight texts.

iPhone 17 Pro & Pro Max: next-level power

The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are absolute beasts. Driven by the A19 Pro chip, they deliver lightning-fast speeds, console-quality graphics, and serious battery gains — making these Apple’s most powerful iPhones to date.

With a bold new aluminium unibody design and a built-in vapor chamber for improved thermal performance, these models are built to go harder for longer. And Ceramic Shield safeguards both the front and back for extreme protection.

You’re looking at three 48MP Fusion lenses on the back too. That includes a new Telephoto with 8x optical zoom. Plus, there’s an 18MP Centre Stage front camera that’s perfect for ultra-stable 4K selfies and video calls. And new support for ProRes RAW capture is awesome if you’re a pro content creator who loves extra flexibility editing.

Add in iOS 26 with Apple Intelligence, eSIM-only models, and storage up to 2TB (for Pro Max), and you’ve got a phone that’s ready to take on anything.

iPhone 17 & iPhone Air release dates

You haven’t got long to wait. All the latest iPhone models can be pre-ordered from 12 September 2025. And they’ll be available just a week later, on 19 September 2025.

iPhone 17 & iPhone Air prices

Thinking of upgrading? Here’s how the new iPhone range stacks up when it comes to cost:

  • iPhone 17: From £799

  • iPhone Air: From £999

  • iPhone 17 Pro: From £1,099

  • iPhone 17 Pro Max: From £1,199

iPhone 17 & iPhone Air colours

Apple’s gone bold with colour this year. This is the full palette across the iPhone 17 line-up:

  • iPhone 17: Black, Lavender, Mist Blue, Sage, and White.

  • iPhone Air: Space Black, Cloud White, Light Gold, and Sky Blue.

  • iPhone 17 Pro: Deep Blue, Cosmic Orange, and Silver.

  • iPhone 17 Pro Max: Deep Blue, Cosmic Orange, and Silver.

iPhone 17 & iPhone Air specs

Here’s a quick look at how the newest phones from Apple compare:

Specifications iPhone 17 iPhone Air iPhone 17 Pro iPhone 17 Pro Max
Operating system iOS 26 iOS 26 iOS 26 iOS 26
Display 6.3" Super Retina XDR OLED, ProMotion tech with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz, 3,000 nits 6.5" Super Retina XDR OLED, ProMotion tech with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz, 3,000 nits 6.3" Super Retina XDR OLED, ProMotion tech with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz, 3,000 nits 6.9" Super Retina XDR OLED, ProMotion tech with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz, 3,000 nits
Frame Aluminium Titanium Aluminium unibody Aluminium unibody
Ceramic Shield Ceramic Shield 2 front Ceramic Shield 2 front, Ceramic Shield back Ceramic Shield 2 front, Ceramic Shield back Ceramic Shield 2 front, Ceramic Shield back
Water/dust resistance IP68 IP68 IP68 IP68
Main camera 48MP Dual Fusion camera system 48MP Fusion camera system 48MP Pro Fusion camera system 48MP Pro Fusion camera system
Front camera 18MP Centre Stage front camera 18MP Centre Stage front camera 18MP Centre Stage front camera 18MP Centre Stage front camera
Chip A19 A19 Pro A19 Pro A19 Pro
Storage 256GB, 512GB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
Connectivity 5G, Gigabit LTE, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread networking technology 5G, Gigabit LTE, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread networking technology 5G, Gigabit LTE, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread networking technology 5G, Gigabit LTE, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread networking technology
Battery Lithium-ion with MagSafe, Qi2 & Qi wireless charging Lithium-ion with MagSafe, Qi2 & Qi wireless charging Lithium-ion with MagSafe, Qi2 & Qi wireless charging Lithium-ion with MagSafe, Qi2 & Qi wireless charging
Wireless charging MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W with 30W adapter or higher MagSafe wireless charging up to 20W with 30W adapter or higher MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W with 30W adapter or higher MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W with 30W adapter or higher
Video playback Up to 30 hours Up to 27 hours Up to 31 hours Up to 37 hours
Colours Black, White, Mist Blue, Sage, Lavender Space Black, Cloud White, Light Gold, Sky Blue Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue, Silver Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue, Silver
Weight 177g 165g 204g 231g

Apple Watch Series 11: more health monitoring magic

Apple’s latest wrist wonder is here, with a thinner and more comfortable design. And with up to 24 hours of battery life, it’s built to keep up with you day and night.

But it’s the new Apple Watch Series 11 health features that really make this fresh model special. Groundbreaking hypertension notifications can flag signs of chronic high blood pressure using advanced sensors and machine learning. And with Sleep Score, you’ve got a watch that not only tracks your health — it helps you understand it too.

Apple Watch Series 11 key features

  • Hypertension notifications: Alerts you to signs of chronic high blood pressure using optical heart sensor data.

  • Sleep Score: Tracks sleep quality with easy-to-understand metrics and personalised insights.

  • Workout Buddy: An AI-powered voice coach that delivers exercise advice based on your fitness data and goals.

  • Up to 24 hours of battery life: Lasts all day, with fast charging giving you 8 hours of power in just 15 minutes.

  • Ion-X glass with ceramic coating: Two times more scratch-resistant than previous Apple Watch models.

  • 5G cellular: Get stronger signal in low-coverage areas. Plus, download music, apps, and pods even faster.

  • Wrist flick gesture: Dismiss alerts, silence alarms, and more with just one hand.

  • Live Translation in Messages: Automatically translates incoming texts to your preferred language when paired with an iPhone running Apple Intelligence.

Pre-orders for the Apple Watch Series 11 are open now, with availability from 19 September. Prices start from around £369.

Apple Watch SE 3: loads better, still budget-friendly

The new Apple Watch SE 3 is proof that great tech doesn’t have to break the bank. Now with Sleep Score, wrist temperature sensing, and sleep apnea notifications — it does a lot more to keep an eye on your health than the last model.

watchOS 26 brings a fresh look and clever upgrades like Workout Buddy, on-device Siri, and Live Translation in Messages too. Plus, new one-handed gestures like double tap and wrist flick make it easier than ever to stay in control.

Apple Watch SE 3 key features

  • Always-On display: Check time and notifications at a glance — no wrist raise needed. The cover glass is also four times more crack-resistant than the second-gen SE.

  • Fast charging: Top up the battery twice as fast as the previous model, with 15 minutes of charging giving you 8 hours.

  • S10 chip: Allows for faster on-device Siri and powers Voice Isolation to reduce background noise. So, you’ll sound crisp and clear on the other end of the line.

  • Built-in speaker: Lets you play music and podcasts directly out of the watch.

Reckon the SE 3 is the smart watch for you? You can pre-order it now, and it’ll be available from 19 September 2025. The Apple Watch SE 3 will start from just £219.

Apple Watch Ultra 3: it’s well connected

The top-of-the-range Apple Watch has received some awesome upgrades too. Ultra 3 is Apple’s most advanced model to date, designed for athletes, adventurers, and health-conscious users. It introduces satellite connectivity for extra off-grid safety. Plus a larger and brighter display and extended battery life that lasts up to a whopping 42 hours.

Just like the new Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3 debuts next-gen health tools including hypertension alerts, a Sleep Score system, and the intuitive Workout Buddy. Add in enhanced GPS accuracy and offline maps, and it’s the ultimate companion for runners, cyclists, swimmers, and trailblazers alike.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 key features

  • Emergency SOS via satellite: Stay safe off-grid with direct communication to emergency services and contacts.

  • Largest Apple Watch display ever: With 24% thinner borders than Apple Watch Ultra 2, it maximises screen space without bulking up the case size.

  • 42-hour battery life: Up to 42 hours of regular use, or 72 hours in Low Power Mode!

  • 5G Cellular support: Faster downloads and smoother connectivity wherever your travels take you.

  • Advanced GPS: Industry-leading accuracy for outdoor workouts and race tracking.

  • Offline maps and Compass Waypoints: Navigate confidently with turn-by-turn guidance — even without a signal.

AirPods Pro 3: even smarter with improved ANC

The new Apple AirPods Pro 3 take everything users loved about the previous-gen headphones and cranks them up to eleven. With the world’s most powerful in-ear Active Noise Cancellation, these ‘buds are built to provide immersive audio anywhere. Whether you're commuting, working out, or just winding down.

Apple’s also packed in clever new tech like heart rate tracking and Live Translation, making these their smartest AirPods yet. And they’re the comfiest too, redesigned to be smaller and more stable with foam-infused ear tips in five sizes — including XXS.

Battery life gets a serious boost too. We’re talking up to 10 hours of playback in Transparency Mode and 8 hours with ANC. Fitness fan? The new Workout Buddy feature brings personalised insights straight to your ears. So, whether you're chasing gains or just good vibes, it sounds like AirPods Pro 3 are ready to go the distance.

AirPods Pro 3 key features

  • World’s best in-ear active noise cancellation: Removes up to two times more noise than AirPods Pro 2, and four times more than the original Pro earbuds.

  • Live Translation powered by Apple Intelligence: It’s like having a personal interpreter in your ear. The AirPods use Apple Intelligence to listen in, translate what the other person’s saying, then play it back to you in your language. Your paired iPhone can even show a live transcript and speak your reply out loud in their language. Whoa.

  • Apple’s smallest heart rate sensor: Measures your heart rate, calories burned, and lets you track over 50+ exercise types. Workout Buddy can deliver motivating messages to keep you going too.

  • New multiport acoustic architecture: Precisely controls the airflow that carries sound into the ear for richer bass, a wider soundstage, and crystal-clear vocals.

  • Best-fitting AirPods ever: Apple analysed over 10,000 3D ear scans to improve the fit of their latest-gen AirPods Pro, making them smaller with new ear tips in five sizes.

  • Conversation Boost: Automatically amplifies the voice of a person talking to you and reduces background sounds. Perfect for when you’re catching up with someone in a busy office or café.

  • IP57-rated sweat and water resistance: A first for any AirPods, letting you keep the tunes going during the the most intense gym sessions or a sudden downpour outside.

AirPods Pro 3 release date

You can pre-order Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 earbuds right now, with general availability from 19 September 2025.

AirPods Pro 3 price

The latest ‘Pods won’t cost a pretty penny. Even with all their neat upgrades, the AirPods Pro 3 come in at just £219.

Watch the full Apple event

And that’s a wrap! We’ve covered everything Apple revealed in their livestream on 9 September 2025. From the new iPhone 17 line-up and iPhone Air, to their latest wearables in the Apple Watch Series 11, SE 3, and Ultra 3. Those AirPods Pro 3 looks seriously cool too. But if you want to watch the whole thing back anyway, here it is:

Want to learn more?

Now that you’re clued up on the latest iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods Pro models — how about finding out more about Apple Intelligence? Or check out our Apple announces new MacBook Air and iPad Air article from earlier this year to see some of 2025’s coolest computing tech.