As expected, Apple overhauled its hardware lineup today, with new iPhones, Apple Watches, and a long-awaited update to the AirPods Pro. Some are already available to order, while Apple will take your money for its higher-end devices starting on Friday. If you didn’t have time to tune into this morning’s event, here’s everything you missed from Cupertino.
iPhone Air
(Credit: Eric Zeman/PCMag)
The rumors are true. Apple swaps the Plus variant of its iPhone for the iPhone Air, which Apple claims is “impossibly thin.” But despite reports that the slimmer frame would mean a lesser chip and degraded battery life, the iPhone Air runs the new A19 Pro chip, as well as the Apple-built N1 Wi-Fi chip, and updated C1X modem. Battery life is on par with the 16 Plus at 27 hours of video playback, Apple says. (In our tests, the 16 Plus ran for 21 hours and 51 minutes.) There is only one camera on the back; Apple explains that away by insisting it “works like multiple advanced cameras in one.” We’ll have to test that. The iPhone Air starts at $999 for 256GB model; preorder it starting Friday ahead of a Sept. 19 launch.
iPhone 17 Lineup
(Credit: Zain Awais/PCMag/Apple)
Apple isn’t abandoning its numbered iPhone scheme, nor is it aligning its smartphones with its operating systems and releasing an iPhone 26. The iPhone 17 lineup features one fewer phone than usual, with just the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max. But they all feature the usual upgrades–chips, displays, cameras, etc. Of note on the Pro lineup is the return of an aluminum frame (farewell, titanium) and promises of much better battery life (39 hours of video playback, Apple says). Technically, the 17 Pro models are $100 more than the 16 Pros, but that’s because Apple dropped the 128GB version. Your smallest option is now 256GB, which still starts at $1,099. If you have $2,000 to spend, you can get a 2TB iPhone Pro Max. Both Pros come in a new “cosmic orange” color. Everything’s up for preorder on Friday.
Apple’s Latest Operating Systems Launch on Sept. 15
(Credit: Apple)
If you’re not ready for an iPhone upgrade, the easiest way to refresh your Apple smartphone is to download the latest version of iOS. The new iPhones come pre-loaded with iOS 26, but everyone else can get it on Sept. 15. It works on every phone from the iPhone 11 and up. Also on tap for Monday: iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, and visionOS 26.
Extended Satellite Support for iPhone 14 and 15
(Credit: PCMag/Michael Kan)
Apple is once again giving iPhone 14 and 15 users another free year of satellite connectivity. This lets people send SOS messages in an emergency or texts while in cellular dead zones. It’s not as full-featured as SpaceX’s cellular Starlink service from T-Mobile, but you can’t beat free. And Apple’s partner Globalstar is building out its capabilities, so expect satellite features to improve over time. (Apple added satellite service to the Ultra 3 as part of its smartwatch announcements, too.)
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3 New Apple Watches
Apple Watch Ultra 3 (Credit: Zain Awais/PCMag/Apple)
Speaking of smartwatches, all the Apple Watches got an upgrade this week. After the SE and Ultra were ignored last year, they’re back in action in 2025 with the Apple Watch SE 3 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 (plus the Series 11). Apple covers all budgets with these wearables. The Watch SE 3, available to preorder now for $249, gets some previously premium perks, including an always-on display and fast charging. The Series 11 slides in the middle, starting at $399, while the Ultra 3 is at the high end at $799. They both get hypertension alerts, while all three get a new Sleep Score feature. Preorder them now; all three launch on Sept. 19.
AirPods Pro 3 With Live Translation
(Credit: Zain Awais/PCMag/Apple)
It’s been three years since the second-gen AirPods Pro were introduced, so this upgrade is long overdue. If the live translation feature Apple demoed at its event today works as promised, it might be worth the wait. But we’ll have to put it to the test with someone who speaks French, German, Portuguese, or Spanish. Fitness buffs who don’t have an Apple Watch, meanwhile, can use the AirPods Pro 3 to monitor their heart rate and workouts via the iPhone. Apple also says these earbuds will be less likely to fall out of your ears. Preorder them now for $249.
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RIP iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max
iPhone 16 Pro and16 Pro Max (Credit: Eric Zeman)
With the launch of the 17 Pro series, Apple is no longer selling the iPhone 16 Pro phones on its website, though you can get them through carrier and retail partners while supplies last. The base-level iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are still available, and they’re now $100 cheaper than their iPhone 17 counterparts. The iPhone 16 starts at $699, and the 16 Plus is $799. The iPhone 16e is still around, too, but doesn’t get a price cut.
About Chloe Albanesius
Executive Editor for News
