Apple's September Event: The iPhone 17 Series, iPhone Air, and New Apple Watch SE
Apple has unveiled its latest assortment of devices, including a set of four new iPhones-the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max-along with the third generation of the Apple Watch SE. Among the upgrades that cut across these new devices are the ProMotion displays, the new A19 series chips, and the major improvements to their cameras.
Apple iPhone 17: Major Improvements on the Base Model
The standard iPhone 17 comes with many improvements but maintains the same starting price. It is the first time, according to the arguing company, that the base model will feature a 120Hz ProMotion display. Storage for entry-level models also doubled to 256GB.
- Processor: Apple A19 chip (6-core CPU, 5-core GPU).
- Display: 120Hz ProMotion screen with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits and the Dynamic Island.
- Cameras: A dual-camera system with 48MP main sensor and 12MP ultra-wide lens that also function as a macro camera.
- Includes remap-able Action Button and dedicated camera control button.
- Price & Availability: $799, will be available later this month.
iPhone Air: A Totally New Thin and Potent Model
One of the new devices was the iPhone Air-in the world of numbered devices. It comes in a super-slim design that is only 5.6 mm thick because some components have now been relocated to an extended camera bar. It is eSIM-only across the board.
- Processor: The more expensive Apple A19 Pro chip.
- Display: 6.5 inches XDR ProMotion AMOLED (up to 120Hz) with Ceramic Shield 2 on the front.
- Design: 80% recycled grade 5 titanium casing.
- Camera: A single 48MP Fusion rear camera with 2x zoom and a new 18MP square-sensor Center Stage front camera that supports Dual Capture.
- Connectivity: Apple C1X modem, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 7.
- Price & Availability: Starts at $999 for 256GB. Pre-orders begin September 12, available September 19.
iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max: Performance and Focused on Camera
The Pro models emphasize performance, cooling, and camera technology. They switch to a newly designed aluminum chassis combined with a new vapor chamber aimed at increasing sustained performance by as much as 40%.
- Processor: Apple A19 Pro
- Display: Features new display glass that is 3x more scratch resistant and has fewer reflections.
- Build: Aluminum chassis and an improved "Dynamic Shield" on the front and back.
- Cameras: All three rear cameras are 48MP sensors. The telephoto camera has a 4x optical zoom and has a sensor that's 56% larger than its predecessor. The front camera is a new 18MP square sensor.
- Video: Can record in 4K at 120 fps, Dolby Vision HDR, ProRes Log, and now also ProRes RAW.
- Battery: It is said to have the longest battery life of any iPhone till now.
- Price and Availability: Starts at $1,099 for the Pro and $1,199 for the Pro Max (256GB). Pre-orders open September 12 and available September 19.
Apple Watch SE 3: A Fresh Update
The third-gen Apple Watch SE is in its first update after three years and features most modern features and capabilities for an entry-level model, while keeping the design of Apple Watch Series 6.
- Processor: This is now upgraded to the Apple S10 chip, which enables much quicker response time from Siri, as well as additional control gestures.
- Display: The OLED display now supports the always-on feature with up to 1,000 nits brightness.
- Health Features: Includes skin-temperature sensor for even more precise cycle tracking and sleep apnea detection. No ECG or high blood pressure detection will be included.
- Charging: Now with faster charging, 80% in 45 minutes.
- Battery Life: Remains at 18 hours of normal daily use.
- Price & Availability: Starts at $249. Pre-orders now possible, delivery on September 19.
