Apple’s “Pro” iPhones have always been about refinement, but this year the iPhone 17 Pro takes a different path. Rather than focusing solely on internal power, Apple has rethought durability, cameras, and charging speed, making this the most substantial leap for the Pro line in several years. But with last year’s iPhone 16 Pro still a powerhouse, the question becomes whether the new generation truly justifies the upgrade. Design & Build The biggest change is the frame itself. After experimenting with titanium on the 16 Pro, Apple has switched to an aluminum unibody. At first glance this might sound like a downgrade, but the new construction integrates directly with Ceramic Shield 2 on the back, creating a tougher chassis that Apple claims is three times more scratch resistant. It also gives the device a new visual identity with a full-width camera plateau replacing the familiar square bump. The Pro Max in particular looks more industrial than ever. Thickness has gone up slightly, which some may notice in the hand, but the trade-off is a phone that feels more solid and better protected against daily wear. Display & Brightness Brightness is where the 17 Pro stands out immediately. Peak outdoor brightness rises to 3,000 nits, a 50% increase that makes a noticeable difference under direct sunlight. For photographers, videographers, and anyone who regularly uses their phone outdoors, this is a practical improvement. The OLED panel still supports ProMotion and HDR, but the sheer visibility boost is what separates it from the 16 Pro’s display. Performance & Efficiency Under the hood, the new A19 Pro chip makes the jump to TSMC’s N3P process, with Apple building Neural Accelerators directly into the GPU. That makes the device not just faster for games and editing, but more efficient when handling AI-powered tasks, which are increasingly part of iOS. The 16 Pro was already fast enough for most people, so the upgrade here is less about raw speed and more about keeping pace with Apple’s push into machine learning. The inclusion of vapor chamber cooling also means sustained performance is more stable, especially for long gaming or recording sessions. Cameras & Content Creation This is where the Pro 17 models pull furthest ahead. The front-facing TrueDepth camera jumps from 12 to 18 megapixels and gains Center Stage, ultra-stabilized video, and rotation while zooming. For creators who live on FaceTime, record TikToks, or shoot handheld vlogs, the difference is immediately clear. The rear system’s most dramatic addition is the 48-megapixel Fusion Telephoto lens, which pushes optical zoom up to 8x on the Pro Max. That’s a level of versatility the 16 Pro simply cannot match. ProRes RAW, Genlock, and Dual Capture further cement this as a tool for filmmakers and professionals. If you rarely use your iPhone for photography beyond snapshots, these upgrades may be overkill. But for content creators, the 17 Pro redefines what’s possible in a smartphone camera. Battery Life & Charging Battery endurance is another area of improvement. The 16 Pro topped out at 27 hours, while the 17 Pro stretches to 33. The Pro Max sees an even bigger jump from 33 to 39 hours. For heavy users, that means getting through long days with room to spare. Charging has also sped up considerably: both models can now hit 50% in just 20 minutes with a 40W adapter, shaving off valuable time compared to the 16 Pro’s slower charging curve. MagSafe charging also rises to 25W across the line, offering quicker wireless top-ups. Storage & Colors Apple has shifted configurations slightly. The standard 17 Pro still starts at 256GB, but the Pro Max now offers a massive 2TB option, clearly aimed at professionals shooting large ProRes files. Color choices are refreshed too, with Silver, Deep Blue, and Cosmic Orange replacing last year’s Desert and Natural finishes. It’s a smaller detail, but Apple continues to push its “Pro” models as visually distinct from the base iPhones. Our Final Thoughts For iPhone 16 Pro owners, the decision depends on priorities. If you bought the 16 Pro last year and are satisfied with its already excellent performance and cameras, the 17 Pro may feel like an incremental step. The new design, faster charging, and brighter display are nice, but not game-changers unless you care about durability or spend a lot of time outdoors. Where the upgrade feels truly worth it is in the camera system and endurance. The 48MP Fusion Telephoto and 8x optical zoom on the Pro Max open creative possibilities that the 16 Pro can’t match, and the significant gains in battery life will be noticed by power users. For creators, professionals, or anyone still holding onto an older model, the 17 Pro is a substantial upgrade. For everyone else, the 16 Pro remains a very strong device—especially if you can find it at a lower price. The iPhone 17 Pro is Apple’s most ambitious “Pro” model to date, but whether it’s worth the switch depends on how much you value photography, battery life, and build quality over incremental gains in speed.

Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 mark the first real redesign of its high-end earbuds, introducing fitness features and tougher durability. At the same time, the AirPods Pro 2, discontinued but widely discounted, remain a tempting alternative. Choosing between them depends on what matters most to you. Price & Value The AirPods Pro 2 are still on the market through resellers at significantly lower prices than the Pro 3. They deliver most of Apple’s premium audio features, including Adaptive Transparency and strong ANC, at a discount that makes them appealing if cost is your main factor. The Pro 3 command full price but package in fitness tracking and better noise control, which could justify the premium for buyers who want the latest and longest-lasting model. Design & Comfort Apple refined the shape of the AirPods Pro 3, giving them five ear tip sizes which includes a new XXS, for the best fit yet. They also introduce foam tips alongside silicone, improving seal and comfort for a wider range of ears. The pairing button has shifted to a capacitive design, and subtle tweaks make the earbuds feel less slippery in use. The Pro 2, while comfortable, stick with the older design and fewer tip options, which may not work as well for users with smaller ears. Sound & Noise Cancellation Noise cancellation is where the Pro 3 stand out most. Apple claims ANC is now four times stronger than on the Pro 2, making them much better for flights, commutes, or gyms. Both models support Adaptive Transparency and spatial audio, but the Pro 3 edge ahead with dual-band wireless for more stable audio streaming and reduced latency. The Pro 2 still sound excellent, but heavy listeners will appreciate the refinements in the newer model. Durability & Everyday Use The AirPods Pro 3 push Apple further into the fitness category with an IP57 rating. That means protection not just from sweat and rain, but also from dust and immersion—great for running, cycling, or even rugged outdoor use. The Pro 2 top out at IP54, offering good dust and water resistance but not quite to the same level. Battery performance also shifts: the Pro 3 last up to eight hours per charge with ANC on (better than the Pro 2’s six), but their case only holds 24 total hours versus 30 for the Pro 2. Health & Smart Features This is where the Pro 3 feel the most new. They introduce heart-rate sensing during workouts, letting users track exercise intensity directly from their earbuds without relying solely on an Apple Watch. Both generations share features like Hearing Aid functionality, Conversation Boost, and even Live Translation, but the fitness integration puts the Pro 3 in a different category. For health-conscious users, this could be the deciding factor. Our Final Thoughts The AirPods Pro 3 are the most advanced earbuds Apple has made, with stronger noise cancellation, better fit, tougher durability, and health monitoring. They’re a clear upgrade for anyone on the first-generation Pro, or for buyers who want earbuds that double as fitness tools. But the AirPods Pro 2 still make a strong case in 2025. With nearly identical audio processing, the same H2 chip, and longer total battery life from their case, they’re excellent value when found at a discount. If you already own them and don’t care about heart-rate monitoring or tougher dust resistance, you can confidently hold onto them for now. The choice ultimately comes down to priorities: fitness and future-proofing with the Pro 3, or smart savings with the Pro 2.

Apple’s 2025 smartwatch line feels more unified than ever, shared hardware like the S10 chip, always-on displays, media playback, and the new sleep score feature mean even the entry-level watch does a lot. What separates them now is how deep you want to go in durability, health, battery, and special features. Below is how each category stacks up and who will benefit most. Price & Value Proposition The SE 3 is unmistakably the value choice. It gives you the essentials: fitness tracking, notifications, sleep scoring, etc., without the premium features or price tag. If your priorities are basic health metrics, a light build, and limited budget, SE 3 offers strong bang for your buck. Series 11 pushes the price up, but you get more sensors, better finishes, and a sharper display. For many people, especially those upgrading from older watches, Series 11 represents the sweet spot — more capability without going overboard. Ultra 3 enters a different realm. The price reflects not just durability and ruggedness, but features you likely will use only in demanding conditions: diving, remote travel, long battery stretches, etc. For users who are outdoors a lot, adventure travelers, or sports enthusiasts, Ultra 3 may justify the premium. For casual users it may feel overkill. Design, Comfort & Durability SE 3 keeps it light and approachable. Aluminum cases, modest size (40mm and 44mm), curved crystal, solid water resistance (50m), and IP-rated dust protection make it everyday-friendly. Series 11 adds premium touches: tougher materials, bigger case options, improved display tech including brighter panels and finishes that look nicer in different lighting. It still keeps a design that many will feel comfortable wearing always, at home, at work, in social settings. Ultra 3 is built for extremes. The 49mm titanium case is heavier, bulkier, but also much tougher. It has higher water resistance (100m), stronger resistance to dust, better shielding of the front sapphire crystal, and more rugged specs (MIL-STD etc.). If you're hiking, diving, climbing, or often exposed to tough environments, you’ll feel the difference. If you prefer sleek or low-profile wearables, it may feel large. Health, Fitness & New Sensing Features All three now report sleep score, giving nightly breakdowns of sleep quality, duration, and restlessness, useful if you're tracking trends. But beyond that, Series 11 and Ultra 3 pull ahead. Both include hypertension detection, which extends health monitoring into areas that SE 3 doesn’t. The Series 11 adds ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, enhanced heart sensors, etc., so you get deeper insights that can matter for people paying attention to cardiovascular health, respiratory health, or wanting metrics beyond just steps. Ultra 3 includes all of that plus features made for active, adventurous use. Its sensors include depth gauge for diving, wider operating ranges for altimeter, precision dual-frequency GPS for more accurate tracking in difficult terrain, and new satellite connectivity for emergency situations off the grid. These are extra layers of safety and utility. Battery Life & Practical Use Over Time If you only use a watch for standard day-to-day tasks, notifications, fitness tracking, sleep tracking, battery life becomes a big decision point. SE 3 offers solid performance but demands daily charging. Series 11 stretches things out: longer on a charge and more forgiving when you use features aggressively or forget to put it on charger at night. Ultra 3 is the standout here. Not only does it offer much longer standard usage (nearly double what SE 3 gives in many scenarios), but in low-power modes it can last through long trips, multi-day hikes, or times away from a charger. That makes Ultra 3 less of a tool you charge nightly and more one that accompanies over time. Special & Emerging Features Here’s where Ultra 3 really differentiates. The new satellite connectivity is a major plus for safety, especially if you go into remote areas. The customizable “Action” button, louder speakers and siren, more rugged build, superior GPS fidelity, and wider altimeter range are all features that many won’t need every day, but when you do , you’ll notice. Series 11 does pull in many formerly-Ultra-only features (e.g. better display brightness, some health sensors), reducing how “exclusive” Ultra is, but Ultra still leads in the most demanding use-cases. Who Each Model Is Best For If you want a smartwatch that covers basics, notifications, fitness, sleep scoring, without overpaying, and you don’t need advanced health sensors or ruggedness, the SE 3 is likely all you need. If you care about more detailed health and fitness tracking (ECG, blood oxygen, hypertension detection), a better display, perhaps more refined materials, but don’t often push your gear into extreme situations, Series 11 is probably the most balanced choice. If your life takes you into more extreme settings, remote wilderness, diving, tough weather, or you want features like satellite connectivity, high-precision GPS, long battery life, rugged build, and you are okay with a bulkier and more expensive device, the Ultra 3 will pay dividends.

Apple’s iPhone 17 has arrived with one of the most meaningful base-model refreshes in years. But with a starting price of $799 and the iPhone 16 still being a solid device, is it worth making the jump? Why the iPhone 17 Stands Out The most immediate change comes from the display. The 17 grows slightly to 6.3 inches, but the bigger story is the addition of ProMotion and an always-on mode, features previously locked to Apple’s Pro models. With brightness now peaking at 3,000 nits and tougher Ceramic Shield 2 glass, the screen is sharper, smoother, and more durable. Performance also gets a push thanks to the A19 chip, which improves efficiency and extends battery life to as much as 30 hours. Charging is faster too, reaching 50% in 20 minutes with a 40W adapter. Camera upgrades are equally noteworthy: a new 48MP Ultra Wide lens and an 18MP front camera with rotation, stabilization, and better video recording options. Connectivity and convenience get smaller but useful boosts, like Bluetooth 6, dual-frequency GPS, and slightly quicker MagSafe wireless charging. Reasons to Stay With the iPhone 16 For all its improvements, the iPhone 16 remains a capable device. It shares the same general design, runs iOS 18 smoothly, and already delivers strong all-day battery life. Its A18 chip is still fast, its main cameras capture great photos, and for many users, the jump from 60Hz to 120Hz display refresh rates, while noticeable, isn’t essential. If you bought an iPhone 16 last year, the differences may not feel dramatic enough to justify another $799. But if you’re using an iPhone 14 or older, the leap in display quality, battery life, and camera hardware will be much more striking. Our Final Thoughts The iPhone 17 is a substantial upgrade for Apple’s non-Pro lineup, bringing Pro-level features down to a lower price point. If you care about smoother visuals, longer battery life, and better cameras, it’s a compelling buy. But iPhone 16 owners who are satisfied with their devices may be better off waiting another cycle for the next big jump.

Apple is expanding its in-house silicon strategy with the debut of the N1 chip, introduced in the new iPhone Air. Unlike the company’s well-known processors that power the CPU and GPU, the N1 focuses entirely on connectivity, handling Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread in a single integrated design. The move represents Apple’s latest step in reducing reliance on outside suppliers. Until now, these wireless components were powered by Broadcom hardware. By bringing them under its own roof, Apple says it can deliver faster hotspot connections, smoother AirDrop transfers, and more efficient wireless performance overall. The approach mirrors the transition that began with Apple Silicon CPUs and continued with the introduction of the custom C1 modem in the iPhone 16e. Although the N1 debuts exclusively in the iPhone Air, it is expected to spread quickly across the rest of Apple’s lineup.

Apple’s keynote has reshaped the iPhone family once again, streamlining the lineup while expanding choices across a wide price range. With the arrival of the iPhone 17 series and the debut of the iPhone Air, Apple now offers seven distinct models, giving customers more flexibility than ever in choosing between entry-level affordability and high-end performance. The latest generation introduces the iPhone 17, which now brings ProMotion and Always-On technology to a non-Pro device, while the iPhone Air replaces the Plus model with a thinner, more premium design that sits just below the Pro tier. At the top end, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max push performance further with new aluminum builds, vapor chamber cooling, and upgraded camera systems. To simplify the range, Apple has retired last year’s iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max, as well as the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus. This gives us the new iPhone lineup: iPhone 16e starting at $599 iPhone 16 starting at $699 ‌iPhone 16‌ Plus starting at $799 iPhone 17 starting at $799 ‌iPhone‌ Air starting at $999 iPhone 17 Pro starting at $1,099 ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max starting at $1,199 Pre-orders for the new devices open September 12, with availability beginning September 19.

Apple is reshaping the Pro iPhone experience this year with two standout changes, a unibody aluminum chassis which is a major shift from titanium, and the debut of vapor chamber cooling. Together, these upgrades define the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max more than any new sensor or software tweak, signaling Apple’s intent to merge durability with sustained high performance. The shift to aluminum is striking not just for its aesthetics but for what it represents. Apple describes the new unibody build as lighter yet stronger, with Ceramic Shield 2 reinforcing both the front and back. This design gives the Pro models a fresh identity compared to last year’s titanium-clad iPhones, while also making them more resistant to scratches, cracks, and everyday wear. The clean lines and horizontal camera plateau are possible in part because of the rigidity the aluminum structure provides, marking a deliberate departure in Apple’s material strategy. Equally important is what’s happening inside. The vapor chamber cooling system, an industry-standard approach in gaming phones and laptops, finally makes its way to the iPhone. By spreading heat more evenly and efficiently, it allows the A19 Pro chip to sustain high performance for longer periods. This means fewer slowdowns during gaming, video editing, or extended camera use. It also helps preserve battery efficiency, since less energy is wasted battling heat. While the iPhone 17 Pro still carries Apple’s hallmark features like ProMotion displays and advanced cameras, it’s the combination of aluminum engineering and thermal innovation that sets this generation apart. Apple is positioning these devices as not only the most powerful iPhones to date, but also the first designed with the long game in mind, phones that stay cooler, run faster, and last longer under pressure.

Apple is giving its newest iPhone a dedicated power accessory with the launch of a redesigned MagSafe Battery made exclusively for the iPhone Air. Unlike earlier versions, this pack has been engineered around the Air’s ultra-thin frame, offering a slimmer profile that blends more seamlessly with the device’s design. The battery snaps directly onto the back of the iPhone Air, extending runtime dramatically without adding cables or ports. Apple says the integration allows the system to intelligently manage when to draw or store energy, keeping the experience efficient. Users who need an immediate boost can expect up to 12W of wireless charging on the go, while pairing the pack with a 20W adapter delivers even faster wired speeds. With the accessory attached, the iPhone Air surpasses the endurance of every other iPhone model, offering enough power for extended video playback, streaming, or travel without worry. At $99, the new MagSafe Battery is available only for the iPhone Air.

Alongside its new lineup of iPhones, Apple is rolling out a fresh wave of accessories designed to match the updated hardware and give customers more ways to personalize their devices. This year’s collection expands beyond the usual cases, introducing new materials, finishes, and even a redesigned strap that changes how people can carry their iPhones. For the iPhone 17 family, Apple has refreshed its silicone lineup with a brighter palette, including shades like Neon Yellow and Purple Fog, while still offering more understated tones such as Black and Light Moss. The Pro and Pro Max models gain a wider variety of options, with Clear Cases making a return and the introduction of new TechWoven cases, Apple’s latest material that blends durability with a textured finish. The Pro-level cases arrive in colors like Sienna, Blue, and Green, marking some of the boldest tones Apple has used in years. The iPhone Air gets its own tailored set of MagSafe cases, maintaining the thin profile of the device while offering protection in Apple’s signature minimalist style. The most eye-catching new addition to the lineup, however, is the Crossbody Strap. Crafted from recycled yarns and available in ten colors, it lets users wear their iPhone like a bag, reflecting Apple’s effort to merge function with fashion. Accessories extend beyond the iPhone itself. Apple has partnered with Beats on complementary protective gear for its audio lineup, ensuring the broader ecosystem gets the same design refresh. All of these products are now available through Apple’s online store, giving customers plenty of choices to pair with their new devices on day one. By expanding color options, experimenting with new materials, and introducing lifestyle-focused gear like the Crossbody Strap, Apple is signaling that accessories are more than an afterthought,they’re becoming part of the identity of the iPhone experience.

Apple is pushing its smartwatch lineup further into the realm of health and connectivity with the debut of the Apple Watch Series 11. Unveiled at today’s keynote, the device emphasizes both medical monitoring and everyday performance, signaling Apple’s ambitions to make the watch a more indispensable companion. Among the standout additions is hypertension detection, a first for the series. By analyzing signals over time, the watch aims to flag potential high blood pressure risks and prompt users to seek further care. Apple expects the feature to benefit millions, pending final clearance from health regulators like the FDA. The Series 11 also deepens its focus on sleep. A new Sleep Score distills data on duration, consistency, wake events, and time spent in each sleep stage into a single rating. The aim is to give users an immediate sense of their nightly rest quality without digging through detailed graphs. Apple hasn’t overlooked durability and performance either. The latest watch uses a stronger front crystal that is twice as resistant to scratches, while battery life has been extended to 24 hours, finally pushing past the single-day threshold. For cellular models, 5G support is making its first appearance, a move designed to make streaming, calls, and data-heavy tasks faster and more reliable on the go. Design continuity remains intact, with the same case sizes as before, but more finishes to choose from. Aluminum models come in new shades alongside traditional options, and titanium versions are available in natural, gold, and slate. Pricing starts at $399, with pre-orders open today ahead of a September 19 release. The Apple Watch Series 11 brings Apple closer to its vision of a device that doesn’t just track health but actively contributes to preventative care, while also keeping pace with demands for speed, style, and longevity.

Apple has unveiled the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, pushing design, performance, and imaging to new heights. This year’s Pro models are defined by a stronger build, an overhauled camera system, and new hardware engineered for sustained power and speed. The design shifts to a seamless aluminum unibody with Ceramic Shield covering both the front and back. Apple claims the front coating, Ceramic Shield 2, delivers three times better scratch resistance, while the rear offers four times more crack protection than previous iPhones. Despite the rugged build, the devices remain slim while delivering brighter displays that peak at 3,000 nits, ensuring readability even in harsh sunlight. Photography and video production remain central to the Pro line. A redesigned rear plateau accommodates three 48MP Fusion cameras with improved optics, highlighted by a Telephoto lens capable of up to 8x optical zoom, surpassing the 5x limit of last year’s Pro Max. Professional creators will also benefit from expanded formats like ProRes RAW, Apple Log 2, and genlock, features that support multi-camera filming setups. On the front, an 18MP camera introduces Center Stage for adaptive framing in selfies and video calls. Performance comes courtesy of the A19 Pro chip, featuring balanced six-core CPU and GPU clusters. Apple promises up to 40 percent better sustained performance, aided by a new vapor chamber cooling system designed to handle intensive workloads like gaming and video editing. Connectivity is strengthened by the N1 wireless chip, which integrates Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread for smoother networking across Apple’s ecosystem. Battery life has also taken a step forward. The iPhone 17 Pro Max now leads the lineup with up to 39 hours of video playback, the longest runtime Apple has ever claimed for an iPhone. Both models benefit from a larger internal battery, partially made possible by removing the physical SIM tray in markets where eSIM is standard. Color choices expand to Silver, Deep Blue, and Cosmic Orange, with storage configurations now reaching up to 2TB. Pricing begins at $1,099 for the iPhone 17 Pro and $1,199 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max, with pre-orders opening September 12 and availability beginning September 19.

Apple has introduced a new category to its smartphone lineup with the launch of the iPhone Air, a device that blends cutting-edge design with high-performance hardware. Instead of focusing on size or weight alone, the Air is built around thinness, presenting the slimmest profile ever in an iPhone while still retaining durability and advanced features. Measuring just 5.6mm thick, the iPhone Air relies on a titanium frame polished to a mirror-like finish and protected by Ceramic Shield glass on both sides. Apple claims this makes it the most resilient iPhone yet, despite its sleek form factor. A redesigned rear layout places the cameras, speaker, and processing components across a plateau that spans the entire width of the device, creating a distinct look unlike any other model in the lineup. The 6.5-inch OLED panel is brighter and clearer than anything Apple has offered before in a non-Pro iPhone. With peak outdoor brightness of 3,000 nits, ProMotion adaptive refresh rates, and a specialized multi-layer coating to combat glare, the display is designed to hold up in direct sunlight while maintaining fluidity for apps, games, and video. Photography sees a new approach as well. A single 48MP rear sensor doubles as both wide and telephoto through integrated optical cropping, while the front-facing 18MP camera introduces a square sensor that automatically frames selfies and video calls without requiring the user to adjust orientation. Dual-capture video leverages both cameras at once, allowing one lens to remain locked on the subject while the other zooms into the background. Performance is handled by the A19 Pro chip, built to deliver faster CPU and GPU speeds while powering new generative AI capabilities. Alongside it, the C1X modem boosts cellular performance, and Apple’s new N1 chip integrates Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth, and Thread connectivity into a single system. The Air, like the rest of the lineup, relies exclusively on eSIM for connectivity. Replacing the “Plus” model, the iPhone Air is positioned between the standard iPhone 17 and the Pro models, offering a premium experience without stepping all the way up to the flagship tier. It ships in four finishes, Space Black, Cloud White, Light Gold, and Sky Blue, starting at $999. Pre-orders open Friday, with availability set for September 19. With its ultra-thin build, ambitious display technology, and refined camera system, the iPhone Air is Apple’s boldest reinterpretation of the iPhone form in years, aimed at those who want high-end performance in the sleekest design Apple has ever made.