Apple iPhone 17 occasion recap: Reactions to iPhone Air, Apple Watches, AirPods Professional 3, extra

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

ZDNET received an opportunity to check out the iPhone 17 Professional and Professional Max cameras whereas at Apple Park this week, and early samples are wanting good up to now.

My colleague Jason Hiner captured the picture above with the brand new 48MP telephoto sensor at 8x optical zoom. For the way vivid the Cupertino workplace could 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 machine, bolstered with a titanium band much like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, confirmed a slight flex however rapidly returned to its unique form.

The brand new design retains the telephone 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’ fingers.

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

In the event you preordered instances and equipment on your new iPhone 17 — and also you occur to reside close to a neighborhood distribution heart — there is a excessive likelihood they will be delivered as early as right now.

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

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

Probably the greatest new digital camera options on the iPhone 17 collection permits 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 stay performances and concert events. In spite of everything, the reactions to these moments are simply as beneficial as what’s in entrance of the digital camera.

Try Jason Hiner’s check footage beneath.

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

In response to Apple’s technical specs web page for the brand new AirPods Professional 3, the wi-fi earbuds will ship and not using a charging cable within the field. This implies customers should use an current USB-C cable or wi-fi charging dock to energy the equipment.

At this cut-off date, 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 main gadgets. However should you’re upgrading from the unique AirPods Professional, anticipate 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 — if you commerce in an eligible smartphone and are on an Limitless information plan.

That is par for the course with regards to provider offers, as AT&T and T-Cellular are operating comparable packages. As at all times, you must learn the tremendous 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 stay in a world the place you should purchase an iPhone from the Apple retailer for $2,000. The configuration is an iPhone 17 Professional Max with 2TB of inside 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 yr whether or not or not Apple would improve the costs of iPhones, and it did! But additionally, probably not.

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 totally different idea of a telephone, 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 an alternative of 128GB. Apple has primarily eliminated the 128GB configuration this yr. That is all.

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

In the event you’re cut up between the newest iPhones and competing Android fashions, we have coated the most important 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 would 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 among the hotter options the Apple Watch Sequence 11 or Apple Watch Extremely 3 pack, like Hypertension Detection or Satellite tv for pc Connectivity. Nevertheless it’s shaping as much as be a very good worth for smartwatch curious shoppers. I stay 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 telephone?” And yearly, I reply by asking if the newest options make a dramatic distinction to how they use their telephone.

Listed below are the most important new options you may get by upgrading to the iPhone 17 collection in comparison with earlier generations.

• From iPhone 16 collection: A greater selfie digital camera 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 collection: A Digital camera Management button, slimmer bezels and bigger shows, quicker USB-C charging speeds, and all of the above.
• From iPhone 14 collection: An Motion button, USB-C charging, an aluminum-forward design (Professional solely), and all of the above.
• From iPhone 13 collection: A Dynamic Island punch-hole digital camera, eSIM assist, and all of the above.

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

The hands-on pictures I’ve seen up to now 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 at all times, if shoppers need extra of this, they will need to 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 colour 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 Prepare dinner is on the ground and taking pictures with members of the press. Clearly, the ultraportability of the iPhone Air makes it fairly simple to elevate 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 gadgets to get hands-on footage and insights. We’ll proceed to replace this stay weblog as these pictures, 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 below 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 possibly can preorder beginning this Friday, Sept. 12, at 5:00 am PT, and all telephones might be out there 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 stay 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 gadgets, and retains the tech big in competitors with its wearable rivals which have already carried out the function into their gadgets.

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

All three iPhone 17 Professional cameras at the moment are 48MP and Fusion cameras, which means they’ve a number of efficient lengths. So the zoom digital camera 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 mentioned, 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 an alternative of titanium for a lighter but extra sturdy construct. The telephone options “the most important 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 telephone physique.

Water is sealed throughout 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 screen’s viewing angles, particularly when outdoor. All three cameras are 48MP fusion sensors, which means they will flex between varied zoom ranges. The telephoto sensor, particularly, can seize at 8X optical high quality, thanks partly to the tetraprism design.

iPhone 17 Professional fashions can even function the identical Middle Stage Entrance Digital camera 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 Defend 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 Defend on the again of the 17 Professional, similar to the Air. It is 4x extra proof against cracks whereas being thinner total, providing extra room for the battery, which is the perfect (and largest) in any iPhone.

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

I at all times beloved the bumper instances on the iPhones — minimal, gentle, and nice safety — and I used to be significantly bummed when Apple stopped making them. No third-party case maker ever picked up the gauntlet, which was a disgrace. These bumper instances additionally allowed the again of the telephone to point out by and show Apple’s design. I am thrilled that Apple is bringing again the bumper case for the iPhone Air — excellent alternative! Let’s examine if they convey it to the Professional fashions as properly.

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

Apple is making an enormous deal concerning the iPhone Air’s assist for eSIM. Actually, it will 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 lowering the elements throughout the telephone, Apple says it was in a position to 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 machine to slot in a standard 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 digital camera system that’s meant to operate like a number of cameras in a single, together with a 12MP 2X telephoto. Another digital camera options embrace focus management, photographic kinds, and customized 28MM and 52MM lenses, which add 4 lenses to your digital camera. The entrance options the aforementioned heart stage digital camera 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, based on 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 can even function an upgraded C1X variant, which the corporate says is way more energy environment friendly, however simply as sturdy 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 essentially the most environment friendly iPhone ever positively offers this product the sensation of being the futuristic iPhone, paying homage 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 received, by far, the most important response out of the gang 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 prime of a finger. I am undecided persons are going to be as excited after they be taught the digital camera and battery life compromises, however the design itself generated loads of sturdy 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 telephone is roofed with ceramic for improved sturdiness, making it as much as 5 instances extra resistant. Impressively, the digital camera module is sculpted into the again cowl, so it melts into the remainder of the glass, lowering the dimensions and bulk of the machine. It is “a paradox it’s important to maintain to imagine,” 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 mentioned the telephone accommodates “MacBook Professional-levels of compute” and that it is “essentially 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 Middle Stage to routinely body your selfies received an enormous response from the stay viewers contained in the Steve Theater. There are clearly lots of creators on this crowd. 

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

Then there’s the brand new A19 Professional chip, which contains a 6-core CPU. Apple claims it’s the quickest CPU in any iPhone. It’s alleged to allow battery effectivity for extra on a regular basis duties. The 5-core GPU additionally received a efficiency increase, which makes it greatest for AI compute. There’s a neural accelerator constructed into every GPU core, superb 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 principal digital camera (that captures at 24MP binned, by default). It is nonetheless a 2x optical zoom — nothing extra — however I’ve at all times discovered the bottom iPhone digital camera ok for zoom pictures. 

Apple has additionally upgraded the selfie digital camera, calling it the “Middle Stage Entrance Digital camera,” with a wider discipline of view and a bigger sensor than final yr. Capturing a wider space permits customers to reframe their pictures, akin to swapping from panorama and portrait mode with no need to rotate the telephone. Permitting you to carry the telephone vertically retains your eyes extra naturally targeted on the lens.

By  Jason Hiner, Editor in Chief / Sept. 9 at 1:38 p.m. ET
Apple utilizing AI and Middle Stage to routinely body your selfies received an enormous response from the stay viewers contained in the Steve Theater. There are clearly lots of creators on this crowd. That is the primary large AI function Apple introduced on the occasion. It is extra like machine studying and never generative AI, nevertheless it’s good to see Apple integrating quality-of-life options in good 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 received an enormous response from the stay 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 have a look at day-after-day. The 120Hz display screen 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 telephone options:

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

Apple mentioned that in case you are upgrading from an older iPhone, you must see unimaginable speeds. The corporate additionally recapped iOS 26 upgrades, together with Stay 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 possibly can pre-order all variations of the watch beginning right now, and so they’ll be out there on Sept. 19.

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

It is Apple Watch Extremely 3 time. This yr, the wearable contains 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 screen throughout the similar physique as final yr.

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

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

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 Area Grey, and is made with 100% aluminum. We’re seeing some basic watch bands out there, together with Nike and Hermes-branded equipment.

The lineup has a number of up to date watch bands, together with some from common manufacturers like Nike, and a Hermes band with a singular 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 possibly can play music immediately by 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 stand 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 complicated algorithms. You possibly can 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 overview information 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 machine has actually remodeled lives. This method transforms the watch from a gadget into a vital piece of non-public well being and security expertise.

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 Movement (primarily based on Liquid Glass, the design aesthetic used throughout iOS 26) and “Exactograph,” a singular design that separates hours, minutes, and seconds.

The brand new launch is Apple’s thinnest and most snug watch but, with a customized ceramic design coating utilized on the atomic stage 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 charge 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 could be taken very precisely from the ear. The wrist temperature monitoring on Apple Watch shouldn’t be simple to entry and could be inaccurate. Including temperature to AirPods Professional 3 would have given Apple’s well being ecosystem a greater alternative to compete with good 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, Stay 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 current AI fashions.

Stay translation on the AirPods Professional will decrease the quantity of the speaker and supply a contextual translation, not simply particular person phrases. When paired with the iPhone, you’ll be able to communicate naturally and get a translation to show on the display screen 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 circulate, 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 instances more practical than the unique AirPods Professional. Stay 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 out there beginning Sept. 19.

The brand new AirPods Professional could 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 Prepare dinner kicks off the stay occasion along with his signature “Good morning.” He hints that right now’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 trade 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 yr). The official launch, which means when the telephones could be demoed and bought in shops, occurs the next Friday (or Sept. 19 this yr). 

Be aware that Apple might modify these dates and instances primarily based on product availability and stock.

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

Leaker Immediate Digital on Weibo not too long ago posted a picture depicting each new iPhone 17 colour, 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 wanting 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 lots of new AI launched at Apple’s occasion. Particularly, he mentioned the corporate didn’t “have rather a lot up its sleeve by way of AI — no less than not within the close to future.”

In the event you’re ready for vital new AI options and upgrades, you could have to take action till the launch of the extremely anticipated Siri 2.0 — which is not slated to happen till spring of subsequent yr. Within the meantime, there are additionally the iOS 26 AI options introduced at WWDC to stay 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 anticipated to launch at right now’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 worth 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, the truth is, coming. The supply, 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 right now.

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

The largest query mark going into right now’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 advised that iPhone 17 costs will keep largely the identical as final yr’s fashions. Here 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 anticipate Apple to make main shifts to the iPhone Professional’s digital camera system — it is a legislation of diminishing returns sort of factor — the rumored 48MP telephoto sensor does put a smile on my face. 

The improved optics ought to vastly profit photographers and videographers eager to seize at farther distances, with the potential of 8x optical zoom (versus digital) paving the best way for crisper and extra sensible pictures.

If Apple nails the telephoto digital camera, the iPhone 17 Professional might compete properly 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 net retailer is down briefly in preparation for right now’s product releases. You possibly can anticipate the shop to be down — as in you will not be capable to purchase and take a look at something — till the tip of the keynote. Contemplate 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 large occasion. Keep tuned for extra stay protection, together with hands-on pictures 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 anticipate. X consumer Sonny Dickson not too long ago posted pictures of what seems to be to be a crossbody strap for the iPhone 17 collection, with a loop that doubtless attaches to the underside of a telephone case. It is orange, it is modern, 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 received the inside track on all the iOS 26 Apple Intelligence updates at WWDC again in June. The AI options is probably not the flashiest, however a lot of them will make sure to enhance the way you work together along with your telephone. A fast round-up of the options I’m wanting ahead to essentially the most could be discovered beneath:

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

The perfect half concerning the new options is that they are not simply restricted to iPhone 17 customers; iPhone 15 Professional and iPhone 16 collection gadgets are supported too. You possibly can learn extra about what every function does, and a few extra ones to stay 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

Might Apple add coronary heart charge monitoring to its latest AirPods lineup? The Apple-owned Powerbeats Professional 2 unveiled earlier this yr with the function, and the train earbuds share the AirPods Professional 2’s H2 chipset. It is not 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 presumably an SE 3, might preserve its income momentum, which surpassed $100 billion in Q2, going, based on Counterpoint Analysis. 

Counterpoint credit the “steady evolution” of the model’s well being and health-monitoring options for its income achievements. Apple might 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. Numerous Apple occasion protection incoming on ZDNET this week. What are you anticipating essentially 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 number of glimpses at what the Sequence 11 is able to. Exterior of these software program updates, I am retaining my eyes and ears open for rumors, murmurs, and whispers on Apple’s subsequent wearable. Listed below are seven options we’re presently taking a look at.

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

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

Whereas the iPhone has nearly all the smartest AI apps out there from the newest AI trailblazers, it lacks the sort of deep integration of AI options which are solely out there on the intersection of the working system and the newest {hardware}.

Listed below are 7 competing providers and options I would 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 enhancing

Whereas the delay in rolling out Apple Intelligence options might not have appeared to harm the iPhone through the previous yr, 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 sturdy case that it presents the neatest telephone cash should buy.

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

Leaks and rumors have advised that the upcoming collection of Professional iPhones will function a redesigned digital camera bar, with the identical association of cameras within the upper-left nook as earlier fashions, flanked by extra sensors on the precise facet — all upheld by a protruding module. For telephone lovers, assume Poco M4 Professional design.

There can 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 permits you to cost different Qi-supported gadgets when set on the again of the telephone.

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

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

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

Additionally: If these iPhone 17 Air rumors are actual, my outdated telephone is about to be retired

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

Zoom out a bit, and also you may even be wanting on the beginnings of what an iPhone Fold expertise may very well be like in a yr 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 yr, no preview is extra official than Apple’s occasion invitation graphic, crammed with sufficient Easter eggs to maintain followers excited and journalists engaged. 

This yr, we’re seeing an Apple emblem shimmering in blue, orange, crimson, 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 yr’s Apple occasion invitation additionally resembles a warmth map — reds and oranges trace at heat, whereas the cooler blues recommend temperature regulation. That may very well be a delicate nod to approaching thermal enhancements.
• Different temperature options: We might probably see physique temperature and blood stress 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 yr’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 nearly by way of livestream.

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

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