Short, Sweet, and Powerful: Apple’s iPhone 17 Launch Recap

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One of the most anticipated tech events of the year took place on 9 September, as Apple unveiled its new lineup heading into 2026. This time, it actually felt worth the hype. After a string of updates in recent years that could be described as “fine, I guess,” Apple finally had more to offer. Thanks to leaks and the moves we’ve seen from rival brands, the headline was always going to be Apple’s thinnest iPhone yet. Fittingly, the event opened with a Steve Jobs quote: “Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” 

From AirPods to Watches to the next generation of iPhones, Apple clearly wanted to prove that point, and for once, it looks like they just might have.

AirPods Pro 3

Apple kicked things off with the AirPods Pro 3, giving its most popular accessory a serious upgrade. A new multi-port acoustic architecture promises deeper bass and a wider soundstage, while foam-infused ear tips, now available in five sizes, double down on noise cancellation. Apple went as far as to claim these are the world’s best noise-cancelling earbuds.

But the upgrades aren’t just about sound. For the first time, AirPods gain IP57 sweat and water resistance, making them more reliable for workouts. They also introduce health tracking, with heart-rate sensing and calorie monitoring built directly into the buds.

Battery life sits at 8 hours with noise cancellation on, and up to 10 hours when using the new hearing aid mode. Add in live translation powered by Apple Intelligence, and the AirPods Pro 3 feel like they’re pushing into completely new territory.

At $249, they’re still a premium purchase, but for many, the blend of sound quality, fitness features, and everyday convenience will make them harder to resist.

Apple Watch Series 11

The Apple Watch Series 11 continues Apple’s push to make the wrist the most important piece of real estate in tech. This year, it’s all about durability, health, and staying connected. The display is now twice as scratch-resistant, which should be welcome news for anyone who’s ever brushed against a wall (myself included).

The big talking point, though, is health. The Series 11 introduces high blood pressure/hypertension monitoring, alongside a new sleep score system that measures the quality of your rest rather than just the hours you manage to grab. It still packs the basics; fitness tracking, heart rate, and all the other metrics Apple has made standard, but the addition of these advanced tools makes it clear Apple wants the Watch to be seen less as a gadget and more as a genuine health companion.

Connectivity gets a boost with 5G support, and while the 24-hour battery life won’t win any endurance awards, it’s in line with what we’ve come to expect from the standard model.

Starting at $399, the Series 11 keeps the Apple Watch firmly in the premium smartwatch category. And while Apple didn’t spend too much time on colours during the event, it’s clear that the focus here was function first, fashion second.

Apple Watch SE 3

If the Ultra is Apple’s watch for adventurers and the Series 11 is for the everyday professional, the SE 3 is unmistakably geared towards kids and teens. It finally gets an always-on display, so no more frantic wrist-flicking to check the time during class or sports practice. The S10 chip keeps things smooth, while gesture controls and the ability to play music through the built-in speaker give it just enough fun factor to feel personal.

On the health side, Apple added wrist temperature sensing and even sleep apnea detection, but for younger users, that’s more reassurance for parents than anything else. With 18 hours of battery life and fast charging, the SE 3 is manageable for school schedules and daily routines.

Design-wise, it comes in Midnight and Starlight, sticking with simple colours. And at $249, it’s reasonably priced, making it a solid entry point into the Apple ecosystem. Parents can feel confident handing this to their kids without worrying it’s too delicate or too complicated.

Apple Watch Ultra 3

The Ultra 3 isn’t trying to blend in. It’s the model Apple designed for the bold: hikers, divers, ultra-marathoners, and anyone who pretends their Saturday trail run is an expedition to Everest. Its new wider display refreshes more quickly, staying visible even at a super-efficient 1Hz. Add in satellite connectivity and 5G, and this is the watch you want when “no service” isn’t an option.

The real star, though, is the 42-hour battery life; a massive step up from the Series 11. That stamina makes it practical for multi-day trips without needing to babysit the charger. The black and titanium finishes emphasise its rugged but premium identity, ticking both form and function boxes.

At $799, this is for those who need the extra battery life, larger screen, and enhanced connectivity features.

iPhone 17

For years, tech enthusiasts have shunned the base iPhone for its 60Hz display, but that changes in 2026. The iPhone 17 now features a 6.3-inch display with ProMotion 120Hz and always-on capability, bringing it in line with its higher-end siblings. It comes in lavender, mist blue, black, white, and sage, and outdoor visibility gets a boost with 3000 nits peak brightness. Durability is improved thanks to Ceramic Shield 2, claimed to be three times more scratch-resistant, and an anti-reflective layer.

Under the hood, the A19 chip is 20% faster than the iPhone 16, delivering 8 more hours of video playback. Photography upgrades include a 48MP fusion ultra-wide rear camera and a Center Stage front camera with stabilisation and wider angles, so you don’t need to rotate the phone for landscape shots. Action Mode also stabilises video when using the selfie camera.

The iPhone 17 starts at $799, making these upgrades the most accessible in the 2026 lineup.

iPhone Air

The iPhone Air brings a fresh take on Apple’s lightweight, high-performance design. It features a titanium body with a mirrored finish and a high-density battery for all-day use. Measuring 5.6mm thick with a 6.5-inch display, it offers ProMotion at 120Hz, always-on functionality, and Ceramic Shield on the back glass for durability. Colour options include space black, white cloud, gold, and light blue.

Inside, the A19 Pro chip powers what Apple claims is the fastest CPU ever in an iPhone, complemented by the N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread connectivity, plus the C1X chip, delivering twice the performance of its predecessor. The camera setup is robust: a 48MP fusion main camera with 2x telephoto in a single lens, alongside an 18MP selfie camera supporting dual capture video.

Additional features include eSIM, Adaptive Power mode, and MagSafe battery support, with a translucent side bumper and crossbody strap for carrying versatility. Apple positions the iPhone Air as its most power-efficient device yet, all for $999.

iPhone 17 Pro

Apple has apparently started from scratch with the iPhone 17 Pro, introducing a forged aluminium unibody with a new thermal vapor chamber for improved heat management. The front and back are clad in ceramic, and the colour lineup includes silver, deep blue, and cosmic orange.

Battery life is Apple’s best yet, offering 39 hours of video playback. Camera-wise, it features an 18MP Center Stage selfie camera and 48MP back “fusion” cameras, with a 40x zoom, ProRes Raw, and Genlock support for advanced creators. Apple also introduced a Techwoven case to complement the device.

Storage tops out at 2TB for the iPhone Pro Max, and the price starts at $1,099. This model clearly targets power users and professionals who need peak performance, photography, and video capabilities.

Innovation in Every Upgrade

Compared to past Apple events, this one was short but very sweet, delivering a lineup packed with upgrades and advances that many have been yearning for. From enhanced displays and faster chips to improved battery life and expanded health features, Apple seems to have struck a balance between refinement and innovation.

No doubt, all eyes are now on the iPhone Air. With its sleek design, powerful new internals, and user-friendly features, it remains to be seen if it will live up to the hype, but anticipation is certainly at an all-time high.