Apple Debuts Slim iPhone Air and Upgraded iPhone 17

• Apple introduces the ultra-thin iPhone Air and the iPhone 17 with improved AI, camera, and display features, alongside updates to AirPods and Apple Watch.

iPhone Air Leads with Design and Durability

Apple has unveiled the iPhone Air, a new addition to its smartphone lineup, emphasizing a thinner profile and enhanced durability. The device features a high-density battery and a redesigned internal structure, making it the most compact iPhone to date. Built with titanium and protected by Ceramic Shield 2, the Air aims to balance portability with resilience. Its 6.5-inch display supports ProMotion and reaches up to 3,000 nits of brightness, offering improved visibility in varied lighting conditions.

Powered by the A19 Pro chip, the Air delivers performance gains in processing and on-device AI tasks. Apple claims the device can handle demanding applications while maintaining all-day battery life. The camera system includes a 48MP Fusion lens and an 18MP Center Stage front camera, optimized for both portrait and landscape selfies. With no physical ports, the Air adopts an eSIM-only design and supports wireless charging via MagSafe accessories.

iPhone 17 Focuses on AI and Imaging

The iPhone 17, Apple’s latest flagship model, introduces several upgrades including a brighter, more scratch-resistant screen. It runs on the new A19 chip, built using 3-nanometer technology, which enhances energy efficiency and supports advanced AI features. A redesigned front-facing camera with a square sensor improves horizontal selfies and video calls. The rear camera setup includes a 48MP wide lens and a 12MP telephoto lens, continuing Apple’s focus on mobile photography.

Apple has not increased the base price of the iPhone 17, which starts at $799 for the 256GB version. The device supports iOS 26 and integrates Apple Intelligence features, though major updates to Siri are postponed until next year. Analysts expect further AI partnerships, especially following Apple’s collaboration with OpenAI. The iPhone 17 is scheduled for release on September 19, with pre-orders beginning September 12.

Accessory Updates and Market Strategy

Alongside its smartphones, Apple introduced the AirPods Pro 3, which now support live language translation. If both users wear the new earbuds, conversations can be translated in near real time, a feature aimed at enhancing global communication. The AirPods retain their $249 price tag and will be available starting September 19. Apple also revealed a new blood pressure monitoring feature for its latest Apple Watch, pending regulatory approval.

The watch is expected to notify up to one million users about potential hypertension and will be available in 150 countries. Pricing remains unchanged across models: $249 for the SE, $399 for Series 11, and $799 for the Ultra. Apple’s launch event comes amid global trade tensions, with the company estimating over $1 billion in tariff-related costs this quarter. Analysts are watching whether Apple will adjust pricing strategies, possibly keeping base models steady while increasing costs for higher storage variants.