What Apple Unveiled At Its September Event
AI-written, human-edited.
Apple's September 2025 event introduced the all-new iPhone Air, refreshed iPhone 17 models, major Apple Watch updates, and new AirPods Pro. As discussed on the latest episode of MacBreak Weekly, Leo Laporte, Andy Ihnatko, Alex Lindsay, and Mikah Sargent discussed Apple's push for innovative hardware design with the iPhone Air and a stronger focus on pro-level video features in the iPhone 17 Pro lineup.
Below, you'll find a clear breakdown of what's genuinely new, what matters for users considering an upgrade, and what these changes signal for the future of Apple devices.
What Is the iPhone Air? Apple's New Thin Smartphone Explained
Apple has launched the iPhone Air—a thinner, lighter variant in the iPhone family. The hosts of MacBreak Weekly explained that this release signals Apple's growing focus on sleek design and portability. The iPhone Air isn't a stripped-down SE model but a premium mid-range offering combining a super-slim profile with a strong feature set.
Key features include:
- A major redesign for thinness, making it notably easier to pocket and hold.
- The A19 Pro chip is like the 17 Pro models but has a slightly pared-down GPU.
- A "plateau" (camera bump) houses the upgraded camera system and Apple's custom modem, balancing photography power with a slim form factor.
- A focus on durability, with enhanced glass and recycled titanium framing.
- Compatibility with new ultra-thin MagSafe battery packs and clear cases designed to show off the thin profile.
Who is it for?
The iPhone Air targets users who value minimal weight and maximum portability, without sacrificing performance. According to the show, Apple is also prepping the ground for future innovations—such as foldable designs—by reimagining what a "flagship" thin phone can be.
iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max: Focus on Video, Genlock, and Creator Features
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max ramp up advanced photography and video features, emphasizing professional-grade options for content creators:
- Improved Genlock and Timecode: These features allow multiple iPhones or even iPhones and cinema cameras to sync precisely, making it possible to record multi-angle video or complex production setups—a nod to filmmakers and advanced shooters.
- ACES Color Pipeline: Support for Hollywood-standard color workflows means Pro video will be easier to integrate with professional editing environments.
- Two-Terabyte Storage Option: This is a first for iPhone, targeting users who need to shoot a lot of high-res video.
- Advanced Cooling and Battery Life: The Pro models use a new aluminum chassis with an integrated vapor chamber and water-based cooling, allowing long video or gaming sessions without throttle or overheating.
Why it matters:
While most will buy the iPhone 17 for the camera improvements and bigger screens, serious mobile creators will benefit from features like Genlock and high storage, making iPhone more competitive with purpose-built cameras.
New Apple Watch and AirPods: Notable but Less Revolutionary
Apple Watch:
Apple updated all three watch lines, including the affordable SE. Noteworthy were a new always-on display, more health monitoring (like sleep apnea and hypertension alerts), and continued focus on life-saving features—stories the team agreed were emotionally compelling but not technical leaps.
AirPods Pro:
Enhanced noise cancellation, better fit (with new tip options), and a heart rate sensor round out the AirPods Pro 3. The much-touted "live translation" feature will roll out to older models via firmware, making it less of a must-upgrade for most users.
What You Need to Know
- iPhone Air is a major new product: thinner, durable, and with flagship performance that doesn't feel like a compromise.
- iPhone 17 Pro caters to content creators with advanced video, high storage, and professional color tools.
- Apple Watch and AirPods updates are evolutionary—nice but mostly incremental.
- Design and durability are front and center: New materials, improved glass, and eco-friendly framing are standard across devices.
- Many rumored features (like glucose tracking on Watch) did not appear.
- Trade-in values and battery life improvements make regular upgrading more practical for some.
The Bottom Line
Apple's Fall 2025 event highlights a shift towards even slimmer, more durable devices—especially with the debut of the iPhone Air—while pushing the iPhone 17 Pro further into professional video territory. For most users, the Air and 17 models offer familiar improvements, but if you're a creator or want a feather-light phone that doesn't cut corners, this year's lineup has genuine appeal. Apple continues to target everyday users and creative professionals, but 2025's update is mostly about refinement rather than jaw-dropping reinvention.
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