Apple iPhone 17 event recap: iPhone Air preorders, Apple Watch 11, AirPods Pro 3, more

By Nina Raemont, Wearables Editor at Sept. 12, 7:53 a.m. ET

Apple unveiled Hypertension Detection at its Tuesday occasion, the place it introduced that the function would obtain FDA clearance by the top of the month. Properly, the FDA clearance got here prior to anticipated. The Apple Watch function acquired clearance Thursday night time, and customers can count on to see the function arrive on their smartwatches beginning subsequent week. 

Hypertension Detection is on the market on Apple Watch Sequence 9 or later and Extremely 2 or later. It skips the SE smartwatch mannequin. 

That is the third well being function Apple has acquired FDA clearance for, with the others together with listening to loss detection and sleep apnea detection. It now has extra FDA-cleared options than Samsung and Google. 

By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 12 at 7:00 a.m. ET

Preorders for the brand new iPhone 17 sequence begin as we speak at 5 a.m. PT/8 a.m. ET on Apple’s web site and at partnering carriers and retailers. Are you putting an early order? If that’s the case, which mannequin and what configuration?

• iPhone 17: Begins at $799
• iPhone Air: Begins at $999
• iPhone 17 Professional: Begins at $1,099
• iPhone 17 Professional Max: Begins at $1,199

By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 11 at 4:55 p.m. ET

ZDNET acquired an opportunity to check out the iPhone 17 Professional and Professional Max cameras whereas at Apple Park this week, and early samples are trying good to date.

My colleague Jason Hiner captured the picture above with the brand new 48MP telephoto sensor at 8x optical zoom. For the way shiny the Cupertino workplace may be, there’s surprisingly no harsh glare or overexposed areas.

By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 11 at 4:42 p.m. ET

and…it survived!

In a current interview with Apple’s senior management, Tom’s Information editor-in-chief Mark Spoonauer was permitted to forcefully bend the iPhone Air. The gadget, bolstered with a titanium band much like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, confirmed a slight flex however rapidly returned to its authentic form.

The brand new design retains the cellphone light-weight and durable. Whereas the iPhone Air seems to have averted a “bendgate” repeat, its true sturdiness might be seen when it is in shoppers’ palms.

By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 11 at 12:30 p.m. ET

In case you preordered circumstances and equipment in your new iPhone 17 — and also you occur to reside close to an area distribution heart — there is a excessive probability they’re going to be delivered as early as as we speak.

My colleague Jason Hiner acquired his order of TechWoven circumstances for the iPhone 17 Professional and Professional Max simply this morning!

By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 10 at 7:19 p.m. ET

The most effective new digicam options on the iPhone 17 sequence helps you to seize with the rear and entrance cameras concurrently. It is a vlogging function I’ve seen on competing Android telephones, and I can see lots of people utilizing it when recording reside performances and live shows. In spite of everything, the reactions to these moments are simply as precious as what’s in entrance of the digicam.

Try Jason Hiner’s check footage beneath.

By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 10 at 2:40 p.m. ET

In keeping with Apple’s technical specs web page for the brand new AirPods Professional 3, the wi-fi earbuds will ship with no charging cable within the field. This implies customers should use an present USB-C cable or wi-fi charging dock to energy the equipment.

At this time limit, are we extra forgiving of those omissions? I personally stash away most of my new USB-C cables, as one or two are sufficient to energy my major units. However in case you’re upgrading from the unique AirPods Professional, count on to have to purchase a charger to go along with it.

By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 10 at 1:29 p.m. ET

Forward of Friday’s preorder window, I am seeing a number of provider promotions beginning to floor, together with this newest one from Verizon. It slashes off $1,100 — equal to the price of an iPhone 17 Professional at retail value — whenever you commerce in an eligible smartphone and are on an Limitless knowledge plan.

That is par for the course with regards to provider offers, as AT&T and T-Cell are operating related packages. As all the time, you need to learn the advantageous print when accepting provider offers, because the smallest of errors can accrue charges and different bills.

By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 10 at 11:05 a.m. ET

We formally reside in a world the place you should buy an iPhone from the Apple retailer for $2,000. The configuration is an iPhone 17 Professional Max with 2TB of inner storage. That is not together with Apple Care and any equipment.

By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 10 at 9:42 a.m. ET

We have been speculating all 12 months whether or not or not Apple would improve the costs of iPhones, and it did! But in addition, not likely.

The $999 iPhone Air has changed the $899 iPhone 16 Plus, however I would not contemplate the Air a direct successor to the latter — it is a completely completely different idea of a cellphone, with an innovation tax to go along with.

The $1,099 iPhone 17 Professional prices $100 greater than its predecessor however now comes with 256GB of base storage as a substitute of 128GB. Apple has primarily eliminated the 128GB configuration this 12 months. That is all.

By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 10 at 6:46 a.m. ET

In case you’re cut up between the most recent iPhones and competing Android fashions, we have coated the largest variations beneath. Extra tales to come back!

By Nina Raemont, Wearables Editor at Sept. 9, 9:34 p.m. ET

The Apple Watch SE 3 is the underdog that few anticipated Apple to announce at its annual {hardware} launch. It does not have the superior {hardware} that its siblings boast – Apple consists of the S10 chip it developed for 2024’s Sequence 10 smartwatch lineup. 

It lacks a number of the hotter options the Apple Watch Sequence 11 or Apple Watch Extremely 3 pack, like Hypertension Detection or Satellite tv for pc Connectivity. But it surely’s shaping as much as be an excellent worth for smartwatch curious shoppers. I sit up for testing the be careful to search out out for myself. 

By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 8:20 p.m. ET

Yearly, when a brand new iPhone launches, I get requested, “Ought to I improve from my present cellphone?” And yearly, I reply by asking if the most recent options make a dramatic distinction to how they use their cellphone.

Listed here are the largest new options you will get by upgrading to the iPhone 17 sequence in comparison with earlier generations.

• From iPhone 16 sequence: A greater selfie digicam that may auto-frame the topic, a 120Hz show on the bottom mannequin, improved thermal cooling (Professional solely), and a sharper telephoto lens (Professional solely).
• From iPhone 15 sequence: A Digicam Management button, slimmer bezels and bigger shows, sooner USB-C charging speeds, and all of the above.
• From iPhone 14 sequence: An Motion button, USB-C charging, an aluminum-forward design (Professional solely), and all of the above.
• From iPhone 13 sequence: A Dynamic Island punch-hole digicam, eSIM assist, and all of the above.

By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 3:42 p.m. ET

The hands-on photographs I’ve seen to date of the iPhone 17 Professional in Cosmic Orange are giving me immense FOMO. It is so refreshing to see Apple department out of the usual black, white, and grayish hues and be extra experimental. However as all the time, if shoppers need extra of this, they’re going to must vote with their wallets.

By Sabrina Ortiz, Senior Editor / Sept. 9 at 4:31 p.m. ET

Whereas I’m not an orange individual and personal not one ounce of orange in my wardrobe or equipment, the Cosmic Orange coloration is totally beautiful. As we mentioned within the workplace, the hands-on footage makes it evident that the colour is far much less of a site visitors cone orange and extra of a copper-like shade.

By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 3:00 p.m. ET

Apple CEO Tim Cook dinner is on the ground and taking photographs with members of the press. Clearly, the ultraportability of the iPhone Air makes it fairly straightforward to carry up and take group selfies.

By Sabrina Ortiz, Senior Editor / Sept. 9 at 2:16 p.m. ET

That is a wrap for the Apple launch livestream and occasion. Now, our ZDNET crew on the bottom is heading to the units to get hands-on footage and insights. We are going to proceed to replace this reside weblog as these photographs, movies, and articles are available in; plus, keep tuned for our occasion day evaluation.

By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 2:15 p.m. ET

Listed here are the iPhone 17 beginning costs, all of which include a base storage of 256GB now:

• iPhone 17: $799
• iPhone Air: $999
• iPhone 17 Professional: $1,099
• iPhone 17 Professional Max: $1,199

You’ll be able to preorder beginning this Friday, Sept. 12, at 5:00 am PT, and all telephones might be accessible on the market beginning on Friday, Sept. 19.

By Nina Raemont, Editor / Sept. 9 at 2:09 p.m. ET

I have been wishing for sleep scores on the Apple Watch for a very long time, and I sit up for testing out the function on the Sequence 11. The function brings a typical well being monitoring function to Apple’s newest lineup of units, and retains the tech big in competitors with its wearable rivals which have already carried out the function into their units.

By Jason Hiner, Editor in Chief / Sept. 9 at 2:07 p.m. ET

All three iPhone 17 Professional cameras are actually 48MP and Fusion cameras, which means they’ve a number of efficient lengths. So the zoom digicam is now 4x with an 8x “optical-quality” zoom. Meaning Apple has really downgraded the optical zoom from 5x to 4x. I am undecided how I really feel about that, however I am going to withhold judgement till I attempt it.

That stated, Apple famous it used the iPhone 17 Professional to movie the launch occasion, on account of its superior video capabilities. The iPhone 17 Professional helps the extremely anticipated ProRes RAW seize and Genlock.

By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 2:00 p.m. ET

Lastly, the iPhone 17 Professional is right here. This time, it is made with aluminum as a substitute of titanium for a lighter but extra sturdy construct. The cellphone options “the largest battery in an iPhone,” Apple says, runs on the identical A19 Professional chip because the iPhone Air, and options an improved thermal cooling system that spreads all through the cellphone physique.

Water is sealed inside the vapor chamber to dissipate warmth and maintain efficiency (a 40% enchancment from the iPhone 16 Professional). In different phrases, the iPhone will run at peak ranges for longer whereas retaining extra battery life over time.

On the entrance, a brand new anti-reflective coating ought to enhance the display’s viewing angles, particularly when outside. All three cameras are 48MP fusion sensors, which means they will flex between numerous zoom ranges. The telephoto sensor, particularly, can seize at 8X optical high quality, thanks partially to the tetraprism design.

iPhone 17 Professional fashions will even function the identical Heart Stage Entrance Digicam because the iPhone 17. The anodized aluminum seems to be a unibody design, with curves that mix into each little nook of the iPhone. On the again is a Ceramic Protect layering that is extra sturdy than earlier generations. 

The iPhone 17 Professional will launch in solely three colours: Silver, Cosmic Orange, and Deep Blue. 

Apple used Ceramic Protect on the again of the 17 Professional, identical to the Air. It is 4x extra immune to cracks whereas being thinner total, providing extra room for the battery, which is one of the best (and largest) in any iPhone.

By Jason Hiner, Editor in Chief / Sept. 9 at 1:57 p.m. ET

I all the time liked the bumper circumstances on the iPhones — minimal, gentle, and nice safety — and I used to be critically bummed when Apple stopped making them. No third-party case maker ever picked up the gauntlet, which was a disgrace. These bumper circumstances additionally allowed the again of the cellphone to point out by means of and show Apple’s design. I am thrilled that Apple is bringing again the bumper case for the iPhone Air — good selection! Let’s have a look at if they carry it to the Professional fashions as effectively.

By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 1:54 p.m. ET

Apple is making an enormous deal in regards to the iPhone Air’s assist for eSIM. In truth, it’s going to be the primary iPhone to launch with eSIM solely globally. Beforehand, solely the US variations launched with eSIM, whereas different nations’ iPhones supported bodily SIM playing cards. By decreasing the elements inside the cellphone, Apple says it was capable of squeeze in a bigger battery.

Apple’s determination to make the iPhone Air eSIM-only is partly logistical — there’s merely not sufficient room within the gadget to slot in a conventional SIM card subsequent to the battery.

By Sabrina Ortiz, Senior Editor / Sept. 9 at 1:51 p.m. ET

iPhone Air has a 48MP fusion digicam system that’s meant to perform like a number of cameras in a single, together with a 12MP 2X telephoto. Another digicam options embrace focus management, photographic kinds, and customized 28MM and 52MM lenses, which add 4 lenses to your digicam. The entrance options the aforementioned heart stage digicam at 12MP.

The battery life on the iPhone Air, supported by iOS 26 options and a considerate under-the-hood design, helps all-day battery life, in line with Apple. This consists of 40 hours of video playback when utilizing the Air’s specifically designed MagSafe battery pack. 

By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 1:48 p.m. ET

The iPhone Air will function a brand new N1 chip, Apple’s in-house silicon that helps Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. This comes simply six months after Apple launched the C1 modem with the iPhone 16e. The iPhone Air will even function an upgraded C1X variant, which the corporate says is rather more energy environment friendly, however simply as robust in community connectivity.

By Jason Hiner, Editor in Chief / Sept. 9 at 1:48 p.m. ET
Integrating Apple’s N1 and C1X chips into the iPhone Air and calling it probably the most environment friendly iPhone ever undoubtedly offers this product the sensation of being the futuristic iPhone, harking back to the iPhone X again in 2017.

By Jason Hiner, Editor in Chief / Sept. 9 at 1:45 p.m. ET

The announcement of the iPhone Air acquired, by far, the largest response out of the group inside Steve Jobs Theater for the Apple Occasion. There’s real enthusiasm for this product. The gang particularly hollered — and there have been even some audible gasps — when the video got here up with the iPhone Air balancing on high of a finger. I am undecided individuals are going to be as excited once they study the digicam and battery life compromises, however the design itself generated loads of robust reactions.

By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 1:45 p.m. ET
Sabrina Ortiz, sitting subsequent to me, can’t recover from how skinny the iPhone Air is — 5.6mm and with a 6.5″ always-on show — and I am anticipating many shoppers to really feel equally. For the primary time, the cellphone is roofed with ceramic for improved sturdiness, making it as much as 5 occasions extra resistant. Impressively, the digicam module is sculpted into the again cowl, so it melts into the remainder of the glass, decreasing the dimensions and bulk of the gadget. It is “a paradox you need to maintain to consider,” says Apple.

The body is made out of titanium for a skinny design. These supplies make the iPhone Air extra sturdy than every other mannequin. The iPhone Air options the just-announced A19 Professional chip.

Apple stated the cellphone comprises “MacBook Professional-levels of compute” and that it is “probably the most energy environment friendly iPhone we have ever made.”

By Jason Hiner, Editor in Chief / Sept. 9 at 1:38 p.m. ET

Apple utilizing AI and Heart Stage to mechanically body your selfies acquired an enormous response from the reside viewers contained in the Steve Theater. There are clearly loads of creators on this crowd. 

That is the primary huge AI function Apple introduced on the occasion. It is extra like machine studying and never generative AI, however it’s good to see Apple integrating quality-of-life options in sensible methods.

By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 1:46 p.m. ET

The iPhone 17 will run on an A19 chip with a 16-core Neural Engine, 5-core GPU, and improved on-device computing. The enhancements to how the iPhone computes lend themselves to extra gaming workloads, sooner on-device AI duties, and extra. A extra environment friendly processor additionally extends the iPhone 17 battery by 8 hours of video playback.

Apple says the next-gen 5-core GPU is designed to assist higher gaming, particularly paired with the show’s upgraded 120Hz refresh fee.

Then there’s the brand new A19 Professional chip, which encompasses a 6-core CPU. Apple claims it’s the quickest CPU in any iPhone. It’s speculated to allow battery effectivity for extra on a regular basis duties. The 5-core GPU additionally acquired a efficiency increase, which makes it finest for AI compute. There’s a neural accelerator constructed into every GPU core, perfect for GPU-intensive AI workloads.

The A19 Professional generates warmth, Apple admits — requiring an all-new cooling system to account for it.

By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 1:42 p.m. ET

The iPhone 17 will function a 48MP important digicam (that captures at 24MP binned, by default). It is nonetheless a 2x optical zoom — nothing extra — however I’ve all the time discovered the bottom iPhone digicam ok for zoom photographs. 

Apple has additionally upgraded the selfie digicam, calling it the “Heart Stage Entrance Digicam,” with a wider discipline of view and a bigger sensor than final 12 months. Capturing a wider space permits customers to reframe their photographs, akin to swapping from panorama and portrait mode without having to rotate the cellphone. Permitting you to carry the cellphone vertically retains your eyes extra naturally centered on the lens.

By  Jason Hiner, Editor in Chief / Sept. 9 at 1:38 p.m. ET
Apple utilizing AI and Heart Stage to mechanically body your selfies acquired an enormous response from the reside viewers contained in the Steve Theater. There are clearly loads of creators on this crowd. That is the primary huge AI function Apple introduced on the occasion. It is extra like machine studying and never generative AI, however it’s good to see Apple integrating quality-of-life options in sensible methods.

By Jason Hiner, Editor in Chief / Sept. 9 at 1:40 p.m. ET

The introduction of a 120Hz ProMotion show within the iPhone 17 acquired an enormous response from the reside viewers inside Steve Jobs Theater. This has been lengthy overdue. Far cheaper aggressive telephones have featured 90Hz and 120Hz screens for years whereas the usual iPhone has been caught on 60Hz, which was simply not as good to take a look at each day. The 120Hz display makes the base-level iPhone 17 much more aggressive.

By Sabrina Ortiz, Senior Editor / Sept. 9 at 1:37 p.m. ET

Apple Launches its iPhone 17 in 5 colours: Lavender, Mist Blue, Black, White, and Sage. The brand new cellphone options:

• A 6.3″ show with thinner borders
• 120 Hz refresh fee (a serious deal, for the primary time ever)
• 3,000 nits peak outside brightness, the best ever on the bottom mannequin
• Ceramic Protect 2, offers it 3 times extra scratch resistance
• Seven-layer anti-reflective coating to scale back glare and distractions
• A19 chipset, which ought to assist on-device generative and enormous language fashions (LLMs) run sooner

Apple stated that if you’re upgrading from an older iPhone, you need to see unbelievable speeds. The corporate additionally recapped iOS 26 upgrades, together with Dwell Translation and Visible Intelligence upgrades.

By Sabrina Ortiz, Senior Editor /Sept. 9 at 1:36 p.m. ET

Apple wraps up its Apple Watch bulletins:

• Apple Watch SE 3 $249
• Apple Watch Sequence 11 $399
• Apple Watch Extremely 3 $799

You’ll be able to pre-order all variations of the watch beginning as we speak, they usually’ll be accessible on Sept. 19.

By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 1:35 p.m. ET

It is Apple Watch Extremely 3 time. This 12 months, the wearable encompasses a new show that makes use of a wide-angle OLED and LTPO 3, making it brighter to view. Apple says the bezels are thinner, too, permitting the watch to have a bigger display inside the identical physique as final 12 months.

Just like the Watch Sequence 11, Extremely 3 helps 5G connectivity. But it surely goes a step additional by utilizing satellites for emergency messages, pings. and Discover My syncing. The Watch Extremely 3 can last as long as 42 hours, the longest score of any Apple Watch.

ZDNET Editor in Chief Jason Hiner says he is “been sporting Apple Watch Extremely each day for the previous two years, and I am going to undoubtedly be upgrading to Apple Watch Extremely 3 for the larger display, the stronger 5G and satellite tv for pc connectivity, and the black coloration.”

By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 1:33 p.m. ET

The Apple Watch Sequence 11 can last as long as 24 hours, is available in Jet Black, Rose Gold, and House Grey, and is made with 100% aluminum. We’re seeing some basic watch bands accessible, together with Nike and Hermes-branded equipment.

The lineup has a number of up to date watch bands, together with some from in style manufacturers like Nike, and a Hermes band with a novel branded animated wallpaper.

By Sabrina Ortiz, Senior Editor / Sept. 9 at 1:32 p.m. ET

Apple launched its third-generation Apple Watch SE. It options the S10 chip that helps a brand new always-on show. You’ll be able to play music immediately by means of the speaker. 

The Apple Watch SE additionally options an 18-hour battery life and quick charging for the primary time — in quarter-hour of quick charging, customers can rise up to eight hours of regular use. It’s appropriate with iOS 26, which opens it as much as superior options on par with the remainder of the lineup too.

By Sabrina Ortiz, Senior Editor / Sept. 9 at 1:30 p.m. ET

Apple Watch Sequence 11 now has Sleep Scores, which analyzes the way you sleep utilizing advanced algorithms. You’ll be able to see an in depth evaluation of how the rating was concluded.

By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 1:24 p.m. ET

The Apple Watch Sequence 11 makes use of the optical blood sensor to trace and assessment knowledge over a 30-day interval to search out indicators of hypertension. Apple says it is anticipating FDA clearance “quickly.”

By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 1:20 p.m. ET

Apple highlights how the Apple Watch presents life-saving options, forward of unveiling its new smartwatch lineup.

The corporate’s advertising for the Apple Watch is powerfully efficient, shifting past technical specs to share real-world testimonials of how the gadget has actually remodeled lives. This method transforms the watch from a gadget into a vital piece of private well being and security know-how.

The Apple Watch Sequence 11 would be the first of the wearable line to assist 5G connectivity. It additionally options a number of new watch faces, together with Circulate (based mostly on Liquid Glass, the design aesthetic used throughout iOS 26) and “Exactograph,” a novel design that separates hours, minutes, and seconds.

The brand new launch is Apple’s thinnest and most comfy watch but, with a customized ceramic design coating utilized on the atomic degree that is twice as scratch-resistant.

By Jason Hiner, Editor in Chief and Nina Raemont, Editor / Sept. 9 at 1:17 p.m. ET

Apple is including coronary heart fee sensing to the AirPods Professional 3, which was already within the Powerbeats Professional 2.

The Apple AirPods Professional 3 didn’t get the rumored temperature monitoring, which is a bummer since temperature may be taken very precisely from the ear. The wrist temperature monitoring on Apple Watch will not be straightforward to entry and may be inaccurate. Including temperature to AirPods Professional 3 would have given Apple’s well being ecosystem a greater alternative to compete with sensible rings like Oura on this metric, so it is a missed alternative.

By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 1:10 p.m. ET

Impressively, Dwell Translation works between a number of AirPods Professional customers, with the translated audio broadcasting of their desired language. The function runs on the iPhone’s present AI fashions.

Dwell translation on the AirPods Professional will decrease the amount of the speaker and supply a contextual translation, not simply particular person phrases. When paired with the iPhone, you may communicate naturally and get a translation to show on the display to the speaker.

By Sabrina Ortiz, Senior Editor / Sept. 9 at 1:07 p.m. ET

The occasion kicked off with the AirPods Professional 3 launch. The earbuds had been designed with a multi-port acoustic structure which higher controls air stream, producing higher total sound throughout music and calls alike.

The AirPods Professional 3 even have double the energetic noise cancellation (ANC) from earlier fashions, and the function is 4 occasions simpler than the unique AirPods Professional. Dwell Translation powered by Apple Intelligence can also be coming to the brand new AirPods Professional.

Apple says AirPods Professional 3 will last as long as 8 hours with ANC on and 10 hours with Transparency mode on. That is 4 extra hours than the earlier technology. They will be accessible beginning Sept. 19.

The brand new AirPods Professional may have a greater in-ear for customers. This consists of new ear ideas in 5 sizes.

By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 1:03 p.m. ET

Apple CEO Tim Cook dinner kicks off the reside occasion along with his signature “Good morning.” He hints that as we speak’s bulletins will embrace the AirPods, Apple Watch, and iPhone.

By Nina Raemont, Wearables Editor / Sept. 9 at 12:45 p.m. ET

We have made it to Steve Jobs Theater, the place Apple will unveil its newest {hardware} lineup in simply minutes. The theater is buzzing with pleasure as media and business leaders fill in.

By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 12:22 p.m. ET

Whereas the official gross sales dates stay unconfirmed, Apple has historically opened up preorders on the second Friday of Sept. (or Sept. 12 this 12 months). The official launch, which means when the telephones may be demoed and bought in shops, occurs the next Friday (or Sept. 19 this 12 months). 

Word that Apple might regulate these dates and occasions based mostly on product availability and stock.

By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 11:34 a.m. ET

Leaker Instantaneous Digital on Weibo just lately posted a picture depicting each new iPhone 17 coloration, from the Air to the Professional Max, and it coincides with different renders and case listings we have seen. If true, we could also be trying on the first orange-colored iPhone Professional, a sky blue end for the Air, and a few pastel choices for the usual mannequin.

By Sabrina Ortiz, Senior Editor / Sept. 9 at 10:54 a.m. ET

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman predicted that there will not be loads of new AI launched at Apple’s occasion. Particularly, he stated the corporate didn’t “have lots up its sleeve by way of AI — not less than not within the close to future.”

In case you’re ready for important new AI options and upgrades, you’ll have to take action till the launch of the extremely anticipated Siri 2.0 — which is not slated to happen till spring of subsequent 12 months. Within the meantime, there are additionally the iOS 26 AI options introduced at WWDC to sit up for (extra on that in earlier entries beneath).

By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 10:32 a.m. ET

The successor to the world’s hottest Bluetooth tracker is predicted to launch at as we speak’s Apple occasion. Notable upgrades embrace a brand new Extremely Wideband chip for extra exact monitoring, enhanced privateness options, and a longer-lasting battery. Hopefully, Apple retains the value in the identical ballpark.

By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 9:47 a.m. ET

A Reddit consumer has found a Greatest Purchase promotion that means that new AirPods are, in reality, coming. The provide, legitimate from Sept. 9 to Oct. 5, offers My Greatest Purchase members a $20 low cost on the AirPods Professional 3, that are anticipated to be unveiled through the Apple keynote as we speak.

By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 8:55 a.m. ET

The most important query mark going into as we speak’s occasion is iPhone pricing; whether or not or not we’ll see the primary improve to Apple’s handsets because the iPhone 15 Professional Max (although it was justified with a storage improve).

This weekend, leaked coaching paperwork from a South Korean provider firm urged that iPhone 17 costs will keep largely the identical as final 12 months’s fashions. This is the breakdown after conversions:

• iPhone 17: $799
• iPhone 17 Air (which replaces the Plus): $899
• iPhone 17 Professional: $999
• iPhone 17 Professional Max: $1,250

Notably, the Professional Max variant prices $50 extra, although these costs could also be particular to sure nations and areas, like South Korea.

By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 8:37 a.m. ET

Whereas I not count on Apple to make main shifts to the iPhone Professional’s digicam system — it is a legislation of diminishing returns form of factor — the rumored 48MP telephoto sensor does put a smile on my face. 

The improved optics ought to enormously profit photographers and videographers desirous to seize at farther distances, with the potential of 8x optical zoom (versus digital) paving the way in which for crisper and extra real looking photographs.

If Apple nails the telephoto digicam, the iPhone 17 Professional might compete effectively with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely and Google Pixel 10 Professional, each of which have confirmed to be dependable long-distance shooters.

By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 8:27 a.m. ET

In Apple custom, the online retailer is down quickly in preparation for as we speak’s product releases. You’ll be able to count on the shop to be down — as in you will not have the ability to purchase and take a look at something — till the top of the keynote. Take into account it as safety for impulse buying habits!

By Jason Hiner, Editor in Chief / Sept. 8 at 9:21 p.m. ET

ZDNET’s Nina Raemont and I’ve landed in Cupertino and are prepared for this week’s huge occasion. Keep tuned for extra reside protection, together with hands-on photographs and movies.

By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 8 at 5:01 p.m. ET

Somebody has apparently found an unofficial iPhone 17 accent, and it is one you’d least count on. X consumer Sonny Dickson just lately posted photos of what appears to be like to be a crossbody strap for the iPhone 17 sequence, with a loop that seemingly attaches to the underside of a cellphone case. It is orange, it is trendy, and it’ll unquestionably be costly.

By Sabrina Ortiz, Senior Editor / Sept. 8 at 3:17 p.m. ET

Whereas the precise particulars on the brand new Apple {hardware} stay a thriller till the occasion begins tomorrow, we already acquired the news on all the iOS 26 Apple Intelligence updates at WWDC again in June. The AI options will not be the flashiest, however lots of them will be sure you enhance the way you work together together with your cellphone. A fast round-up of the options I’m trying ahead to probably the most may be discovered beneath:

• Visible Intelligence
• Actual-time translation
• AutoMix in Apple Music
• Shortcuts utilizing Apple Intelligence
• Maintain Help
• Spatial Pictures
• Exercise Buddy

The very best half in regards to the new options is that they are not simply restricted to iPhone 17 customers; iPhone 15 Professional and iPhone 16 sequence units are supported too. You’ll be able to learn extra about what every function does, and a few further ones to sit up for right here: 7 useful AI options launching in iOS 26 subsequent week.

By Nina Raemont, Wearables Editor / Sept. 8 at 11:18 a.m. ET

May Apple add coronary heart fee monitoring to its latest AirPods lineup? The Apple-owned Powerbeats Professional 2 unveiled earlier this 12 months with the function, and the train earbuds share the AirPods Professional 2’s H2 chipset. It isn’t unreasonable to foretell the function’s arrival in Apple’s newest earbuds. 

By Nina Raemont, Wearables Editor / Sept. 8 at 10:32 AM ET

Apple is releasing its new watch lineup amid a aggressive panorama of well being wearables. Its smartwatch launch tomorrow, which reportedly consists of the discharge of the Sequence 11, Extremely 3, and probably an SE 3, may maintain its income momentum, which surpassed $100 billion in Q2, going, in line with Counterpoint Analysis. 

Counterpoint credit the “steady evolution” of the model’s well being and health-monitoring options for its income achievements. Apple may unveil extra well being developments at tomorrow’s occasion, as rumors a few new hypertension monitoring function or AI-infused well being coaches swirl.

By Jason Hiner, Editor in Chief / Sept. 8 at 9:21 a.m. ET

Okay, so we’re doing this. A lot of Apple occasion protection incoming on ZDNET this week. What are you anticipating probably the most from Apple, or what do you need to know popping out of tomorrow’s iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods launch? Hold forth within the feedback beneath.

By Nina Raemont, Wearables Editor / Sept. 6 at 5:18 p.m. ET

Apple’s newest smartwatch software program, WatchOS 26, has given us a couple of glimpses at what the Sequence 11 is able to. Exterior of these software program updates, I am conserving my eyes and ears open for rumors, murmurs, and whispers on Apple’s subsequent wearable. Listed here are seven options we’re at present .

• Sleep scores
• Elevated brightness on the Sequence 11
• A bigger show on the Extremely 3
• A brand new processor and sooner chip
• Satellite tv for pc connectivity on the Extremely 3
• A revamped Well being app
• Blood strain monitoring

By Jason Hiner, Editor in Chief / Sept. 6 at 4:32 p.m. ET

Whereas the iPhone has just about all the smartest AI apps accessible from the most recent AI trailblazers, it lacks the form of deep integration of AI options which are solely accessible on the intersection of the working system and the most recent {hardware}.

Listed here are 7 competing companies and options I might wish to see Apple undertake with the iPhone 17:

• ChatGPT’s Voice Mode
• Pixel 10’s Professional Res Zoom
• Google’s Magic Cue
• Anthropic’s Deep Analysis
• Greatest Take from Google Pictures
• A lot broader language assist
• Google’s Conversational picture modifying

Whereas the delay in rolling out Apple Intelligence options might not have appeared to harm the iPhone through the previous 12 months, Apple might want to shut the hole to keep away from the iPhone 17 feeling like a tool that is a step behind. As of proper now, Google could make a reasonably robust case that it presents the neatest cellphone cash should buy.

By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 6 at 4:02 p.m. ET

Leaks and rumors have urged that the upcoming sequence of Professional iPhones will function a redesigned digicam bar, with the identical association of cameras within the upper-left nook as earlier fashions, flanked by further sensors on the proper aspect — all upheld by a protruding module. For cellphone fans, suppose Poco M4 Professional design.

There will even be a two-toned portion of the again panel that features as a wi-fi charging space. If we get fortunate, Apple might even give us reverse wi-fi charging, a function prevalent on Android flagships that means that you can cost different Qi-supported units when set on the again of the cellphone.

By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 6 at 3:27 p.m. ET

An ultra-thin and lightweight iPhone could be refreshing to see from Apple, as its present four-iPhone lineup has remained in place because the iPhone 12 sequence in 2020. 

The iPhone 17 Air will reportedly function a big show measurement, a titanium body, and a revamped digicam bar with solely a single sensor.

Apple can also be anticipated to exchange the iPhone 17 Plus with the iPhone 17 Air, as shoppers have proven the least curiosity within the former mannequin. This doubtlessly positions the Air mannequin as each one of the best huge iPhone that does not price as a lot because the Professional Max and probably the most moveable for many who need that.

Zoom out a bit, and also you would possibly even be trying on the beginnings of what an iPhone Fold expertise could possibly be like in a 12 months or two.

By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 6 at 3:02 p.m. ET

Whereas rumors of the upcoming merchandise have been swirling over the previous 12 months, no preview is extra official than Apple’s occasion invitation graphic, stuffed with sufficient Easter eggs to maintain followers excited and journalists engaged. 

This 12 months, we’re seeing an Apple brand shimmering in blue, orange, pink, and yellow, adopted by the phrases “Awe dropping.” My three theories for what the design implies are…

• iPhone 17 Professional colours: Anticipated to include Orange, Black, Silver, and Darkish Blue
• A vapor chamber for cooling: This 12 months’s Apple occasion invitation additionally resembles a warmth map — reds and oranges trace at heat, whereas the cooler blues counsel temperature regulation. That could possibly be a refined nod to approaching thermal enhancements.
• Different temperature options: We might doubtlessly see physique temperature and blood strain monitoring throughout new AirPods and Apple Watches.

By Sabrina Ortiz, Senior Editor / Sept. 6 at 3:00 p.m. ET

Apple has confirmed by way of social media that this 12 months’s fall occasion will happen on Sept. 9 at Apple Park in Cupertino, California. Choose members of the press, together with ZDNET’s Jason Hiner and Nina Raemont, will attend in individual, however the public might be invited to hitch just about by way of livestream.

Whereas Apple’s September occasion was open to a reside viewers, consisting of members of the media, business analysts, staff, and companions, the corporate additionally held a livestream in order that the general public may tune in and watch its latest merchandise launch in actual time.

The livestream was hosted on Apple’s important web site and YouTube, opening as much as viewers a number of minutes earlier than begin time. This 12 months, the occasion kicked off at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET, with replays being broadcasted at this level.