Apple’s “awe-dropping” iPhone 17 launch event just brought some of its most eye-catching hardware in years, with the spotlight firmly on a brand-new model, the iPhone Air. The device is Apple’s thinnest smartphone yet, measuring just 5.6 mm. According to The Guardian, the phone uses titanium and a ceramic shield for durability while keeping the weight down. It features a 6.5-inch ProMotion OLED display, the new A19 Pro chip, and enhanced connectivity with Wi-Fi 7 and Thread support. The iPhone Air also eliminates physical SIM cards entirely, marking Apple’s strongest shift yet toward an eSIM-only future.
The rest of the iPhone 17 lineup, including the Pro and Pro Max models, received more modest updates. Improvements include better cameras, upgraded battery life, and dual filming capabilities that let users capture video from both front and rear cameras simultaneously. All models will ship with iOS 26, which is set to roll out on September 15. The newest version of iOS features a refreshed “Liquid Glass” look, which brings translucent UI elements to the entire Apple ecosystem.
Another major reveal was the AirPods Pro 3. Priced at $249, the new earbuds feature improved noise cancellation, real-time language translation, heart-rate monitoring, and a customizable fit. Apple says they’ve pushed the limits of computational audio to make these the most advanced AirPods yet.
The Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 also took the stage with notable health upgrades. These include new tools for monitoring hypertension, enhanced sleep tracking, and stronger durability. With added 5G support and improved battery life, the Series 11 offers up to 24 hours of continuous use. Apple has positioned the watch as another step in its ongoing expansion into digital health.
Rounding out the announcements were updates across Apple’s software platforms. In addition to iOS 26, users will see new features in iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS, with improvements ranging from streamlined messaging to enhanced gaming support.
Apple’s event showed that while the company continues to refine its ecosystem, it’s also willing to experiment. The iPhone Air in particular signals a bold design shift that could change how users think about smartphones – ultra-thin, eSIM-only, and built for the next generation of wireless connectivity.