Awe Dropping Highlights: iPhone, AirPods Pro 3, Apple Watch and iOS 26 Unveiled
Apple’s 2025 fall event, titled Awe Dropping, was streamed live from Apple Park on 10 September. The showcase delivered a broad lineup of new hardware, including the latest iPhone models, AirPods, Apple Watch, and more.
iPhone Launches
iPhone Air
Apple has introduced the iPhone Air, its thinnest iPhone to date at just 5.6 mm thick and weighing only 165 g. The design uses a titanium frame paired with the new Ceramic Shield 2 glass, striking a balance between lightness and durability.
The device features a 6.5-inch ProMotion display capable of refresh rates up to 120 Hz and a peak brightness of 3 000 nits, making it one of the brightest smartphone screens Apple has produced. It is powered by the A19 Pro processor along with the C1x modem, delivering improved performance and energy efficiency. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread support through Apple’s new N1 networking chip.
Battery performance has been optimised despite the slim form factor. Apple states the iPhone Air can reach up to 27 hours of video playback, extended to as much as 40 hours when paired with the optional MagSafe battery accessory.
The camera system includes a 48 MP dual-fusion main sensor, a 12 MP telephoto lens, and an 18 MP front-facing camera. Features such as Center Stage and dual-camera recording are integrated, aimed at both professional and casual users.
The iPhone Air runs iOS 26 and is available in four finishes, black, white, beige, and light blue. It comes with a minimum of 256 GB storage with pricing starting at $1,799.
iPhone 17
Apple also unveiled the iPhone 17, positioned as the standard model in the new lineup. It features a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a peak brightness of 2 500 nits and support for HDR10 and Dolby Vision. Powered by the A19 chip, the device delivers improved efficiency and faster neural processing compared with its predecessor.
The iPhone 17 introduces an updated dual-camera system with a 48 MP wide lens and a 12 MP ultra-wide, while the front camera has been upgraded to 16 MP and is optimised for low-light performance. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Apple’s new satellite-based Emergency SOS+ service, expanding safety coverage for users in remote areas.
Running iOS 26, the iPhone 17 is offered in five colours, midnight, starlight, red, blue, and green. Storage starts at 128 GB, with pricing beginning at $ 1,399. Pre-orders open on 12 September, with availability from 19 September.
iPhone 17 Pro & iPhone 17 Pro Max
The iPhone 17 Pro represents the flagship of the 2025 iPhone lineup, designed with a titanium and recycled aluminium frame that combines strength with reduced weight. It features a 6.7-inch ProMotion display with refresh rates up to 120 Hz and peak brightness reaching 3 500 nits, the brightest display Apple has ever shipped. The screen supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, offering sharper contrast and colour accuracy for both content creators and everyday users.
Powering the device is the new A19 Pro processor with an advanced 3 nm architecture, paired with the latest Neural Engine optimised for machine learning tasks. This setup delivers performance gains in graphics, AI-driven photography, and energy efficiency. The Pro model debuts Apple’s “quad-fusion” camera array, headlined by a 48 MP main sensor, a 48 MP ultra-wide lens, a 12 MP telephoto with 10x optical zoom, and a new 20 MP front-facing TrueDepth camera. Exclusive features include Spatial Video recording in 8K and enhanced ProRAW editing tools.
Battery life reaches up to 32 hours of video playback, with support for MagSafe fast charging and the new Smart Battery Case Pro accessory. Connectivity expands to Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Apple’s upgraded Ultra Wideband 2 chip for precision device tracking.
The iPhone 17 Pro runs iOS 26 and comes in four finishes: graphite, silver, gold, and deep blue. Storage options start at 256 GB, and pricing in Australia begins at $1,999.
AirPods Pro 3
Apple has launched the AirPods Pro 3, refining its premium wireless earbuds with a lighter design and improved comfort. The new model introduces Adaptive Audio 2, combining noise cancellation and transparency more seamlessly, automatically adjusting to environments in real time. A redesigned H3 chip powers spatial audio with head tracking, lossless playback over Apple Vision Pro, and lower-latency connections across devices.
Battery performance has been extended to offer up to 8 hours of listening time on a single charge, with a total of 36 hours using the updated MagSafe USB-C charging case. The case itself features Precision Finding via Ultra Wideband 2, making it easier to locate if misplaced. AirPods Pro 3 are also IP57 resistant and now integrate with iOS 26 for customisable listening profiles, tailored to individual hearing preferences.
New Apple Watch Models
Apple Watch Ultra 3
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 continues Apple’s tradition of rugged, adventure-ready wearables. It adds 5G cellular connectivity and satellite messaging for communication even beyond the grid. Battery life climbs to an impressive 42 hours, ensuring lasting performance on long expeditions. A redesigned display stretches closer to the edges for enhanced visibility, while new health capabilities include alerts for chronic high blood pressure and a sleep score feature for monitoring rest quality.
Apple Watch SE 3
Reinvigorated at the entry level, the Apple Watch SE 3 gains Apple’s latest S10 processor and introduces an always-on display. Users can interact through intuitive double tap and wrist-flick gestures. Enhanced health tracking now includes sleep-apnoea detection, retrospective ovulation estimates, and the ability to play music or podcasts directly from the speaker. It also adds 5G connectivity and doubles the charging speed, with an up to 18-hour battery capacity.
Apple Watch Series 11
The Apple Watch Series 11 elevates the standard with advanced health tools. It gains blood pressure monitoring, designed to alert users to potential hypertension, while continuing support for other metrics through watchOS 26. Minor design and performance enhancements over the Series 10 include refined build quality and a slimmer profile.
iOS 26. A New Look & Smarter Features
Apple revealed iOS 26 earlier in June, and it’s arriving on 15 September 2025 across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Vision Pro. The highlight is the Liquid Glass design, offering translucent, glass-like interface elements that adapt dynamically to user context. Core apps including Phone, Messages, Photos, Safari, and Music receive aesthetic and functional updates. Apple Intelligence powers features like live translation across apps such as FaceTime and Phone, alongside enhancements to Wallet, Apple Music, a new Games app, and redesigned messages tools including polls and custom backgrounds.
Older devices such as the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR do not support the update, marking the final wave of compatibility, aligned with Apple’s previously stated seven-year support window. Read more about compatibility here.
In Summary
This Apple event delivered major innovations from device design to health, AR, and software. The iPhone Air redefines thinness and portability, while the 17 Pro series expands power and photography. The AirPods Pro 3 push AirPods into health-and-ML territory, and the updated watch models cater to users across fitness to extreme use cases. iOS 26 sets a new visual and functional direction for Apple’s ecosystem.
You can also rewatch the Apple event on Apple’s website.
