Apple returned to its familiar September stage Tuesday, unveiling the iPhone 17 lineup at its “Awe Dropping” event in Cupertino.
This year’s presentation carried particular weight as the company introduced its thinnest iPhone ever while refining its core smartphone offerings.
The headline grabber was undoubtedly the iPhone 17 Air, measuring just 5.6mm thick, a feat of engineering that makes previous “thin” phones look chunky by comparison.
Apple achieved this remarkable profile through its new A19 Pro chip, which incorporates the company’s first custom modem and wireless components.
The trade-offs are notable: a single 48MP rear camera instead of the multi-lens systems found on other models, and a titanium frame that likely helps with both durability and weight distribution.
The Air sports a 6.6-inch display, slightly larger than the standard iPhone 17’s 6.3-inch screen, suggesting Apple sees this as a premium offering rather than a budget alternative.
At 5.6mm, it’s thin enough to raise questions about real-world durability, though Apple’s engineering team has consistently surprised skeptics with its structural solutions.
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The standard iPhone 17 maintains familiar territory with its aluminum construction and six color options, but benefits from the new A19 chip and what Apple calls a “revolutionary” Center Stage feature in its 24MP front camera.
This automatic subject tracking technology, borrowed from the iPad, could address one of the most common complaints about video calls and selfies.
The Pro models received more substantial changes, adopting a pill-shaped camera bump that bears an unmistakable resemblance to Google’s Pixel design language.
Whether this represents convergent evolution or outright inspiration, the new 48MP triple camera system now supports 8K video recording, a specification that will likely matter more for marketing than most users’ actual needs.
Apple’s inclusion of an upgraded vapor chamber cooling system in the Pro models suggests the company is taking thermal management seriously as chip performance continues advancing.
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The AirPods Pro 3 represent a more significant leap, doubling active noise cancellation capabilities while adding live translation through Apple Intelligence.
The addition of heart rate sensing and tracking for over 50 workout types positions these earbuds as serious fitness accessories, not just audio devices. At $249, they’re priced competitively against premium alternatives.
The Apple Watch Series 11 and redesigned Ultra 3 continue the company’s steady progression in wearables, though specific improvements weren’t detailed extensively during the presentation.
Pricing and availability
The iPhone 17 Air arrives with a price tag of $999, positioning it in the premium mid-tier segment between the standard iPhone 17, which starts at $799, and the Pro models that cost $1,099 and above.
Pre-orders begin September 12, with general availability starting September 19. The iPhone 17 Air represents Apple’s most interesting design risk in years, betting that consumers will prioritize form factor over camera versatility.
In a market where phone thickness has largely plateaued, the Air could either demonstrate that there’s still appetite for impossibly thin devices or reveal the practical limits of miniaturization.
The broader iPhone 17 lineup appears evolutionary rather than revolutionary, which may be exactly what Apple needs as smartphone replacement cycles continue lengthening and consumers become more selective about upgrades.
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