As the Pumpkin Spice season approaches, Apple has made a splash with the launch of new iPhones. Welcome to a special edition of the Engadget newsletter, where we break down everything Apple announced in the last 24 hours. This year’s standout is undoubtedly the iPhone Air, which is debuting alongside the base iPhone 17 and the more advanced iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. This new addition to Apple's lineup presents a fascinating new take on iOS.
The decision to label this new ultra-slim phone as the iPhone Air is a brave choice, echoing the legacy of the groundbreaking MacBook Air. While it boasts a sleek profile and some notable features, it isn’t as unexpected as some may have hoped. Initial rumors hinted at a port-less design that relied solely on wireless charging and WiFi, but the iPhone Air (not to be confused with the iPhone 17) is an engineering marvel.
Measuring just 5.6mm thick and constructed from spacecraft-grade titanium, the iPhone Air also features Ceramic Shield 2 on both sides, making it more durable than any previous iPhone model. It is powered by the same A19 Pro chip as the iPhone 17 Pro, along with Apple’s N1 chip for wireless connectivity and the new C1X modem, which reportedly offers twice the speed of the previous C1 modem introduced with the iPhone 16e.
However, compromises were made to maintain the phone’s slim profile. The iPhone Air comes equipped with a single 48-megapixel camera, designed to be as versatile as possible. Featuring a large two-micrometer quad-pixel sensor, it excels in low-light conditions and includes an optical quality 2x telephoto lens. Apple claims it’s “the equivalent of four lenses in your pocket,” but some might wonder why the base iPhone 17 doesn't have the same capabilities.
In comparison to competitors like the Samsung S25 Edge, which boasts a 200MP main camera, the iPhone Air might seem less impressive. Concerns over the thin battery are alleviated by Apple’s assurance of “all-day” battery life, thanks to innovative hardware that allows for more battery capacity in smaller designs and software enhancements like Adaptive Power Mode. Additionally, Apple has introduced a new super-slim MagSafe battery pack to further extend battery life.
One intriguing aspect of the iPhone Air is its price point, which matches that of the iPhone X at $999. This pricing strategy could attract early adopters eager to experience the first of a new Apple product line.
Our first impressions from the Apple iPhone 17 event include a hands-on look at the iPhone Air, the sleek precursor to Apple’s anticipated foldable devices. The iPhone 17 Pro showcases significant design upgrades, including a new unibody construction and enhanced camera features that feel more impactful in person.
In addition to the new iPhones, Apple has also unveiled the Apple Watch Series 11 and AirPods Pro 3. The Apple Watch Series 11 boasts improved scratch resistance and 5G connectivity, alongside health monitoring features for high blood pressure. Meanwhile, the AirPods Pro 3 introduce upgraded noise cancellation and health-tracking capabilities, including a heart rate sensor and a live translation feature that works in real-time.
With the launch of the iPhone Air, iPhone 17, and iPhone 17 Pro, along with the Apple Watch Series 11 and AirPods Pro 3, Apple is setting the stage for a new era of innovative technology. These products not only offer enhanced performance and durability but also maintain the aesthetic appeal that Apple is known for. Pre-orders for these products are already open, and fans are eagerly awaiting their chance to experience the latest from Apple.
