The AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Max are Apple's highest-end headphone options, so which should you choose?


Apple just debuted the ‌AirPods Pro 3‌, adding new features like improved active noise cancellation, the U2 chip, and heart rate monitoring. The AirPods Pro 2 were already more advanced than the ‌AirPods Max‌, which have not been meaningfully refreshed since their introduction in 2020, so the ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ take an even bigger leap ahead of their over-ear siblings. Nevertheless, there is still a good case for buying the ‌AirPods Max‌ against the AirPods Pro.

Both the ‌AirPods Max‌ and the AirPods Pro feature active noise cancellation, Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, volume controls, "Hey Siri" commands, and automatic switching. As the two highest-end AirPods options, should you consider purchasing the $249 ‌AirPods Pro 3‌, or do you need the ‌AirPods Max‌, which still sell for $549? Our guide helps to answer the question of how to decide which of these AirPods are best for you.

‌AirPods Pro 3‌ (2025)	‌AirPods Max‌ (2020, 2024)
Plastic design	Aluminum, stainless steel, and silicone design
IP57 dust, sweat, and water resistant earbuds and charging case
Available in White only	Lightning: Available in Silver, Space Gray, Sky Blue, Pink, and Green USB-C: Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Purple, and Orange
In-ear fit	Over-ear fit
Clip-on silicone/foam ear tips (five size options)	Magnetic fabric ear cups
Skin-detect sensors	Optical IR sensors
~10mm custom high-excursion Apple drivers and high dynamic range amplifiers	40mm dynamic Apple drivers and more powerful high dynamic range amplifiers
Dual beamforming microphones and inward-facing microphones	Nine microphones (eight used for Active Noise Cancellation, three used for voice pickup)
H2 chips	H1 chips
Bluetooth 5.3	Bluetooth 5.0
2.4GHz and 5GHz connectivity	2.4GHz connectivity
Lossless audio support with Apple Vision Pro	Lossless audio via USB-C
"Hey ‌Siri‌" and "‌Siri‌" voice commands	"Hey ‌Siri‌" voice commands
Force sensor for media and listening mode controls	Noise control button for listening mode controls
Touch controls for volume adjustment	Digital Crown for media controls and volume adjustment
Transparency and Adaptive Transparency	Transparency
Adaptive Audio
Loud Sound Reduction
Hearing Protection
Hearing Test
Hearing Aid
Automatic Conversation Boost
Conversation Awareness
Live Translation
Heart rate sensing during workouts
Lanyard loop
U2 chip for Precision Finding
Speaker in charging case for Find My
Up to 8 hours of listening time on a single charge	Up to 20 hours of listening time on a single charge
5 minutes in the case provides around 1 hour of listening time	5 minutes of charge time provides around 1.5 hours of listening time
Charge with Apple Watch charger, MagSafe charger, Qi wireless charging mats, and USB-C	Charge via USB-C or Lightning only (depending on model)
‌MagSafe‌ Charging Case	Smart Case to preserve battery charge in ultra-low-power state
$249	$549

While there is some overlap between the AirPods Pro and ‌AirPods Max‌ with features like Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency, the entirely different fit and form factor of the headphones should make it easier for most customers to decide which device they prefer. Some users will even buy and use both.

The ‌AirPods Max‌ offer a wide range of color options and a premium design, making them more of a fashion accessory. They also feature much longer continuous battery life from a single charge. If you dislike the in-ear design of the AirPods Pro, the ‌AirPods Max‌ may also be more comfortable, especially for longer listening sessions.

Owing to its over-ear design and significantly larger drivers, the ‌AirPods Max‌ deliver markedly better audio quality than the AirPods Pro, so if your main priority is audio quality, the ‌AirPods Max‌ will undoubtedly be the best choice. They also support Lossless Audio via USB-C.

On the other hand, the ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ offer a high-level of convenience and portability due to their small size and charging case. The audio quality of the AirPods Pro cannot rival the ‌AirPods Max‌, but features like Adaptive Audio, Loud Sound Reduction, Conversation Boost are ideal for when you're on the go.

Due to their lightweight, in-ear design and sweat and water resistance, the AirPods Pro are perfect for outdoors use and fitness activities. They also now feature heart-rate monitoring during workouts.

The ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ are much more versatile when it comes to charging, with four different ways to charge, compared to the ‌AirPods Max‌'s obligatory USB-C port. Due to their size, weight, less durable design, and limited portability, the ‌AirPods Max‌ are best used at home for high-fidelity, prolonged listening sessions, while the AirPods Pro offer a more balanced experience with a high level of convenience and portability.

It is also worth noting that the AirPods Pro have many more features than the ‌AirPods Max‌, such as "‌‌Siri‌‌" voice commands, Precision Finding, Bluetooth 5.3, wireless lossless audio with the Vision Pro, Live Translation, and Hearing Test.

AirPods frequently see hefty discounts on Amazon and other third-party retailers, so stepping up to the Max version may be more worth it if you can take advantage of one of those deals. Both sets of AirPods often see solid discounts, so it is always worth seeking the best price using our Deals roundup.
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On this episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss the latest leaks about the next-generation iPad Pro, MacBook Pro, Studio Display, and Vision Pro.


Earlier this week, an apparent unboxing video of an updated ‌iPad Pro‌ with the M5 chip was shared online. The same YouTube account leaked the 14-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ with the M4 chip before it was announced by Apple last year. The new ‌iPad Pro‌ does not have any noticeable external design changes compared to the current models with the M4 chip, with the chip being the only difference.

Meanwhile, documents leaked from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reveal the next-generation ‌iPad Pro‌, ‌MacBook Pro‌, and Vision Pro are imminent. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman also recently detailed Apple's plan to release two new external monitors either later this year or in early 2026.

Gurman this week revealed that Apple has stopped work on a cheaper, lighter version of the $3,499 Vision Pro. There were rumors that Apple was developing a a much lighter, more affordable "Vision Air" for launch in 2027, but Apple is now apparently transitioning engineers from that project to its smart glasses project to compete with Meta. Last year, The Information reported that suspended its work on the true second-generation Vision Pro. This means that the only new Vision product in the pipeline is the impending refresh of the existing product to upgrade to the M5 chip.

We discuss the wave of product leaks and our expectations for the new releases, as well as the implications of Apple seemingly halting work on new Vision headsets. The MacRumors Show has its own YouTube channel, so make sure you're subscribed to keep up with new episodes and clips.



You can also listen to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or your preferred podcasts app. You can also copy our RSS feed directly into your podcast player.



If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up to hear our discussion about first impressions of the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro.

Subscribe to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ for new episodes every week, where we discuss some of the topical news breaking here on MacRumors, often joined by interesting guests such as Kayci Lacob, Kevin Nether, John Gruber, Mark Gurman, Jon Prosser, Luke Miani, Matthew Cassinelli, Brian Tong, Quinn Nelson, Jared Nelson, Eli Hodapp, Mike Bell, Sara Dietschy, iJustine, Jon Rettinger, Andru Edwards, Arnold Kim, Ben Sullins, Marcus Kane, Christopher Lawley, Frank McShan, David Lewis, Tyler Stalman, Sam Kohl, Federico Viticci, Thomas Frank, Jonathan Morrison, Ross Young, Ian Zelbo, and Rene Ritchie.

‌The MacRumors Show‌ is on X @MacRumorsShow, so be sure to give us a follow to keep up with the podcast. You can also head over to The MacRumors Show forum thread to engage with us directly. Remember to rate and review the podcast, and let us know what subjects and guests you would like to see in the future.
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The first reviews of the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max have now been published by selected media outlets and YouTube channels, offering a closer look at the device ahead of Friday's launch.


The iPhone 17 Pro models feature one of the biggest design changes to the device in years, moving to an aluminum unibody frame and a full-width rear camera plateau. New color options include Silver, Deep Blue, and Cosmic Orange.

A completely new front-facing camera features an 18-megapixel square sensor, facilitating automatic rotation and Center Stage. There is also a 48-megapixel telephoto camera for the first time, enabling 4x and 8x optical zoom.

The A19 Pro chip enables better performance with Neural Accelerators. A vapor chamber cooling system is built-in for even better heat dissipation.

Other new features include noticeably longer battery life, an improved anti-reflective coating, Ceramic Shield 2, a brighter display, Genlock support, and more.

The two key advantages the Pro models have over the ultra-thin iPhone Air include roughly 20% to 40% longer battery life, and a Telephoto rear camera with 4x and 8x optical zoom. The devices also have an Ultra Wide camera, if you use it.

The iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max can be pre-ordered now. Below, we have rounded up some of the reviews.

Tom's Guide on the iPhone 17 Pro's battery life:

This results in a longer battery life for the iPhone 17 Pro according to our battery drain test, reaching a time of 15 hours and 32 minutes. That's a marked improvement over the iPhone 16 Pro’s average run of 14 hours and 7 minutes.

I'm also seeing solid all-day battery life with my real world use. Most of my time on the phone has been spent surfing the web, taking tons of photos with all its cameras, watching videos on YouTube, and getting in a few sessions with Diablo Immortal and Age of Origins throughout my day. I've made a point to not top off its battery during the day, only to find it at about 20% battery life by the end of the night.

CNET took a closer look at the new Telephoto camera:

I thought I'd notice the difference between 4x and 5x, but unless I had the phones side-by-side, I was unaware. The 17 Pro Max's telephoto images are brighter and have better details and resolution than ones from the 16 Pro, which is likely the result of the larger sensor.

And similar to the wizardry Apple uses to make 2x photos look good, the telephoto camera is able to achieve 8x images. Telephoto images at 4x taken under good lighting (like a nice sunny day) can stand toe-to-toe with images from the main camera. But when I took telephoto images in less than ideal lighting, the 4x images held up OK, whereas the 8x images had more noise and softness.

WIRED praised the improved thermals:

I played one of the most demanding games on the iPhone right now—Assassin's Creed Mirage—and performance was significantly smoother than when I played it on the iPhone 16 Pro last year. The iPhone 17 Pro still got hot, but the heat was spread out over the entire back of the phone, so it didn't feel as uncomfortable to hold while gaming (unlike the iPhone 17 and Air). I maxed out the graphical settings, and the frames per second were noticeably more stable, and I rarely saw stutters at all.

Engadget said the A19 Pro's Neural Accelerators make a meaningful difference to AI tasks:

I do want to commend Apple for the improved performance in Image Playground and Genmoji. It used to take ages for AI-generated pictures or emoji to appear (especially those based on a picture of someone in my photo album), but on the iPhone 17 Pro I was able to get several options in succession before things slowed down. Pictures where I opted to use ChatGPT’s more realistic styles took a lot longer, but by and large I saw a marked improvement in speed here. Those neural accelerators in the A19 Pro’s six-core GPU are certainly pulling their weight.

Videos

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The new Apple Watch lineup is now available to pre-order. With more feature parity than ever before across the models, understanding the differences is more important ever before.


All three of the new Apple Watches feature the S10 chip, always-on displays, sleep score, and media playback, but there are still some significant differences between the two devices.

The Apple Watch SE is designed to be a low-cost option that still offers many of the Apple Watch features that have made the device so popular over the years, while the Apple Watch Series 11 offers a more feature-rich experience with additional health monitoring capabilities. The Apple Watch Ultra focuses on withstanding extreme environments, a high level of durability, extended battery life, and additional features to aid activities like diving and exploration.

With as little as $50 between the 46mm titanium Apple Watch Series 11 and the Apple Watch Ultra 3, some prospective customers will be weighing up whether it is worth spending a little extra to get the 49mm Ultra model. While there is a $400 difference between the GPS-only 42mm aluminum Apple Watch Series 11 and the Apple Watch Ultra, the high-end model offers a set of features to address specific challenges, so it may even be worth it for some of these buyers.

This guide outlines all of the differences between the ‌Apple Watch SE‌ 3, Apple Watch Series 11, and Apple Watch Ultra 3 to help you decide which is best for you.

Sizes and Weights

	‌Apple Watch SE‌ 3	Apple Watch Series 11	Apple Watch Ultra 3
Height	44mm (44mm case) 40mm (40mm case)	46mm (46mm case) 42mm (42mm case)	49mm
Width	38mm (44mm case) 34mm (40mm case)	39mm (46mm case) 36mm (42mm case)	44mm
Depth	10.7mm	9.7mm	12mm
Weight	32.9g (GPS, 44mm) 33.0g (GPS + Cellular, 44mm) 26.3g (GPS, 40mm) 26.4g (GPS + Cellular, 40mm)	37.8g (aluminum, GPS, 46mm) 36.9g (aluminum, GPS + Cellular, 46mm) 43.1g (titanium, 46mm) 30.3g (aluminum, GPS, 42mm) 29.7g (aluminum, GPS + Cellular, 42mm) 34.6g (titanium, 42mm)	61.6g (natural titanium) 61.8g (black titanium)

Designs

‌Apple Watch SE‌ 3	Apple Watch Series 11	Apple Watch Ultra 3
40mm or 44mm case size	42mm or 46mm case size	49mm case size
Anodized aluminum case	Anodized or polished aluminum and polished titanium casing options	Blasted titanium case
Curved display	Curved display with refractive edge	Flat display
		80% recycled steel in the speaker and Taptic Engine
	Apple Watch Hermès edition available	Apple Watch Hermès edition available
Available in Starlight and Midnight	Aluminum: Available in Rose Gold, Space Gray, and polished Jet Black	Titanium: Available in Natural, Gold, and Slate

Durability

‌Apple Watch SE‌ 3	Apple Watch Series 11	Apple Watch Ultra 3
Design based on Apple Watch Series 4	Design based on Apple Watch Series 10, including a thinner casing, more rounded edges, and a wider aspect ratio	Same design as previous Apple Watch Ultra models
Front crystal curves at edges onto shaped casing	Front crystal curves at edges onto shaped casing	Corrosion resistant case with raised edges to protect the flat sapphire front crystal
Nylon composite and sapphire crystal back	Metal and sapphire crystal back	Ceramic and sapphire crystal back
Water resistant up to 50m	Water resistant up to 50m	Water resistant up to 100m
		EN13319 certification
	Certified IP6X dust resistance	Certified IP6X dust resistance
		Tested to MIL-STD 810H

Displays

‌Apple Watch SE‌ 3	Apple Watch Series 11	Apple Watch Ultra 3
Up to 1,000 nits brightness	Up to 2,000 nits brightness	Up to 3,000 nits brightness
2 nits minimum brightness	1 nit minimum brightness	1 nit minimum brightness
OLED	Wide-angle OLED (up to 40% brighter when viewed at an angle)	Wide-angle OLED (up to 40% brighter when viewed at an angle)
LTPO	LTPO3 for faster refresh rate in always-on mode	LTPO3 for faster refresh rate in always-on mode

Health Features

‌Apple Watch SE‌ 3	Apple Watch Series 11	Apple Watch Ultra 3
Second-generation optical heart sensor	Third-generation optical heart sensor	Third-generation optical heart sensor
	Hypertension notifications	Hypertension notifications
	Electrical heart sensor	Electrical heart sensor
	ECG app	ECG app
	Blood Oxygen app	Blood Oxygen app

Battery Life and Charging

‌Apple Watch SE‌ 3	Apple Watch Series 11	Apple Watch Ultra 3
Up to 18-hour battery life	Up to 24-hour battery life	Up to 42-hour battery life
Up to 32 hours in Low Power Mode	Up to 38 hours in Low Power Mode	Up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode
Charge 0–80% in about 45 minutes; 15 minutes for up to 8 hours	Charge 0–80% in about 30 minutes; 15 minutes for up to 8 hours	Charge 0–80% in about 45 minutes; 15 minutes for up to 12 hours

Other Differences

‌Apple Watch SE‌ 3	Apple Watch Series 11	Apple Watch Ultra 3
		Customizable Action button
		Night Mode for low-visibility conditions
		Exclusive Wayfinder and Modular Ultra faces
Swim	Swim, snorkel	Swim, snorkel, scuba, high-speed water sports
	Depth gauge to 6m	Depth gauge to 40m
	Water temperature sensor	Water temperature sensor
	Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip	Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip
Find iPhone	Precision Finding for ‌iPhone‌	Precision Finding for ‌iPhone‌
GPS (L1)	GPS (L1)	Precision dual-frequency GPS (L1 and L5)
Always-on altimeter	Always-on altimeter	Always-on altimeter with expanded operating range from –500m to 9000m
		Satellite connectivity
		Emergency SOS via satellite
Single microphone with voice isolation	Single microphone with voice isolation	Three-microphone array with beamforming and wind noise mitigation
Single speaker	Single speaker	Dual speakers
		86-decibel Siren to attract attention

Prices

	‌Apple Watch SE‌ 3	Apple Watch Series 11 (Aluminum)	Apple Watch Series 11 (Titanium)	Apple Watch Ultra 3
GPS	$249 (40mm) $279 (44mm)	$399 (42mm) $429 (46mm)
GPS + Cellular	$299 (40mm) $329 (44mm)	$499 (42mm) $529 (46mm)	$699 (42mm) $749 (46mm)	$799

Which One Should You Choose?

SE 3 vs. Series 11

The Apple Watch Series 11 is a minor improvement over the previous Series 10 model, offering a 5G connectivity and longer battery life. Yet compared to the ‌Apple Watch SE‌ 3, the Apple Watch Series 11 is a noticeably more feature-rich device with advanced capabilities.

With its larger display, additional health monitoring features, and range of colors and finishes, the Apple Watch Series 11 will be the model of choice for those who want more out of their smartwatch. If you feel that the added health monitoring features or longer battery life would be particularly beneficial to you, or simply like a specific casing and color combination not available with the ‌Apple Watch SE‌ 3, the Apple Watch Series 11 will be the best model for you.

If you are on a budget and are not particularly attracted to the additional features of the Series 11, the ‌Apple Watch SE‌ 3 is still a compelling option. As it shares many key features with the Apple Watch Series 11, many customers will be happy choosing the more inexpensive model, unless you particularly value features such as the larger display or advanced health monitoring and can justify the added cost.

The ‌Apple Watch SE‌ 3 is an ideal device for kids and senior citizens who do not have an ‌iPhone‌ thanks to Family Setup, but it is also the go-to model for most customers who are new to the Apple Watch and those who are upgrading from an older device due to its competitive pricing and generous feature set, allowing users to get a balanced Apple Watch experience at a low price.

Series 11 vs. Ultra 3

The Apple Watch Ultra offers specific capabilities to address the requirements of those who need their Apple Watch to provide assistance in challenging environments. If you need a more durable Apple Watch with features like a brighter display, louder speakers, a more reliable GPS, better water resistance, and more, the Apple Watch Ultra is undoubtedly the best choice. The Apple Watch Ultra is clearly better equipped to handle tasks like hiking, diving, and navigation.

The Apple Watch Ultra is also biggest and most feature-rich Apple Watch option available, not to mention that it offers the first true redesign of the device since its introduction in 2015. For technology enthusiasts, Apple Watch Ultra represents a way to get a new Apple Watch experience with top specifications in several key areas. Features like longer battery life, a brighter display, and the Action button are also highly accessible, and will be beneficial to all users. As such, some customers may still be inclined to choose the Apple Watch Ultra 3 over the Apple Watch Series 11, even if they do not need it for use in challenging environments.

As the largest Apple Watch model to date, the size of the Apple Watch Ultra will not be for everyone. If you already prefer the 41mm or 42mm Apple Watch casing size, the Apple Watch Ultra may be far too large for you. If in doubt, it may be worth heading to an Apple Store and trying on the Apple Watch Ultra in person to get to grips with the size and determine if it is too big and bulky for you.

Similarly, the Apple Watch Ultra's look may not appeal to some buyers. If you prefer the idea of a polished finish and are looking for a more fashion-focused smartwatch that pairs well with premium bands, the more aggressive, rugged design of the Apple Watch Ultra may not be for you.

If the Apple Watch Ultra is out of your price range but you still want to use your Apple Watch in challenging environments, it is worth bearing in mind that the Series 11 still offers a durable design with a strong front crystal, water resistance, and many of the Apple Watch Ultra's software features like waypoint marking.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 has a lot to offer, especially for the subset of users who can take advantage of all of its capabilities, so it is certainly worth considering when purchasing a new model, but the Apple Watch Series 11 is still a compelling all-around option that comes in at a lower price point with a subtler design.
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Apple's four new iPhones launch later this month, with more differences between the latest models than ever before.


Instead of the familiar split between standard and Pro models, Apple has introduced the new iPhone Air, expanded the feature gap between tiers, and refined each model to serve a clearer audience. The result is a four-device family that ranges from the affordable and practical iPhone 17 to the feature-packed iPhone 17 Pro Max, with distinct trade-offs in size, materials, camera hardware, and battery life along the way. All models share Apple's latest A19 chip platform, meaning performance is fairly consistent across the board, but their designs, display sizes, and camera features are more specialized than ever before.

This guide offers a detailed look at every difference—dimensions, design, cameras, battery life, and pricing—so you can make an informed choice. Whether you prioritize design, photography, or battery life, this year's iPhones are no longer one-size-fits-all devices, and understanding the lineup is key to choosing the best model for you and your budget.

Sizes and Weights

	‌iPhone 17‌	‌iPhone‌ Air	‌iPhone 17 Pro‌	‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max
Height	5.89 inches (149.6 mm)	6.15 inches (156.2 mm)	5.91 inches (150.0 mm)	6.43 inches (163.4 mm)
Width	2.81 inches (71.5 mm)	2.94 inches (74.7 mm)	2.83 inches (71.9 mm)	3.07 inches (78.0 mm)
Depth	0.31 inches (7.95 mm)	0.22 inches (5.64 mm)	0.34 inches (8.75 mm)	0.34 inches (8.75 mm)
Weight	6.24 ounces (177 grams)	5.82 ounces (165 grams)	7.27 ounces (206 grams)	8.22 ounces (233 grams)

Designs

‌iPhone 17‌	‌iPhone‌ Air	‌iPhone 17 Pro‌	‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max
Anodized aluminum frame	Polished titanium frame	Anodized aluminum unibody	Anodized aluminum unibody
	Camera plateau	Camera plateau	Camera plateau
Ceramic Shield front	Ceramic Shield front and back	Ceramic Shield front and back	Ceramic Shield front and back
6.3-inch display	6.5-inch display	6.3-inch display	6.9-inch display
Available in White, Black, Mist Blue, Sage, and Lavender	Available in Cloud White, Space Black, Sky Blue, and Light Gold	Available in Silver, Deep Blue, and Cosmic Orange	Available in Silver, Deep Blue, and Cosmic Orange

Battery Life and Charging

‌iPhone 17‌	‌iPhone‌ Air	‌iPhone 17 Pro‌	‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max
3,692 mAh battery	3,149 mAh battery	4,252 mAh battery	5,088 mAh battery
Up to 30-hour battery life	Up to 27-hour battery life	Up to 33-hour battery life	Up to 39-hour battery life
MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W	‌MagSafe‌ wireless charging up to 20W	‌MagSafe‌ wireless charging up to 25W	‌MagSafe‌ wireless charging up to 25W
Up to 50% charge in 20 minutes with 40W adapter or higher	Up to 50% charge in 30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher, or 30W adapter or higher paired with ‌MagSafe‌ Charger	Up to 50% charge in 20 minutes with 40W adapter or higher	Up to 50% charge in 20 minutes with 40W adapter or higher

Camera Hardware

‌iPhone 17‌	‌iPhone‌ Air	‌iPhone 17 Pro‌	‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max
Dual rear cameras	Single rear camera	Triple rear cameras	Triple rear cameras
48-megapixel ultra wide camera		48-megapixel ultra wide camera	48-megapixel ultra wide camera
		48-megapixel telephoto camera	48-megapixel telephoto camera
0.5x, 1x, and 2x optical zoom options	1x and 2x optical zoom options	0.5x, 1x, 2x, 4x, and 8x optical zoom options	0.5x, 1x, 2x, 4x, and 8x optical zoom options
		LiDAR Scanner	LiDAR Scanner
True Tone flash	True Tone flash	Adaptive True Tone flash	Adaptive True Tone flash

Camera Features

‌iPhone 17‌	‌iPhone‌ Air	‌iPhone 17 Pro‌	‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max
Macro photography		Macro photography	Macro photography
Spatial photos		Spatial photos	Spatial photos
		ProRAW	ProRAW
Cinematic mode		Cinematic mode	Cinematic mode
		ProRes video recording	ProRes video recording
		ProRes RAW	ProRes RAW
		Academy Color Encoding System	Academy Color Encoding System
		Apple Log 2 video recording	Apple Log 2 video recording
		Genlock support	Genlock support
Macro video recording, including slo‑mo and time‑lapse		Macro video recording, including slo‑mo and time‑lapse	Macro video recording, including slo‑mo and time‑lapse
Slo‑mo video support up to 1080p at 240 fps	Slo‑mo video support up to 1080p at 240 fps	Slo‑mo video support for 1080p up to 240 fps and 4K Dolby Vision up to 120 fps	Slo‑mo video support for 1080p up to 240 fps and 4K Dolby Vision up to 120 fps

Other Differences

‌iPhone 17‌	‌iPhone‌ Air	‌iPhone 17 Pro‌	‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max
A19 chip	A19 Pro chip	A19 Pro chip	A19 Pro chip
5-core GPU	5-core GPU	6-core GPU	6-core GPU
8GB memory	12GB memory	12GB memory	12GB memory
Stereo speakers	Mono speaker	Stereo speakers	Stereo speakers
		Studio-quality four-mic array	Studio-quality four-mic array
USB-C (USB 2)	USB-C (USB 2)	USB-C (USB 3 for up to 20x faster transfers)	USB-C (USB 3 for up to 20x faster transfers)
256GB or 512GB storage	256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage	256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage	256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB storage

Pricing

	256GB	512GB	1TB	2TB
‌iPhone 17‌	$799	$999
‌iPhone‌ Air	$999	$1,199	$1,399
‌iPhone 17 Pro‌	$1,099	$1,299	$1,499
‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max	$1,199	$1,399	$1,599	$1,999

Which One Should You Choose?

Apple's latest ‌iPhone‌ lineup is more segmented than ever, with clear distinctions in size, design, and hardware to suit different needs. All four models share the same core performance, so your choice comes down to priorities like design, camera versatility, and price.

• iPhone 17: Best for those who need a good, practical all-round ‌iPhone‌ at an affordable price.


• iPhone Air: Best for those who want the thinnest and lightest ‌iPhone‌ in a groundbreaking new premium design with a medium-sized display, but are willing to accept noticeable compromises on camera features, battery life, charging speed, and speakers.


• iPhone 17 Pro: Best for those who want the versatile new 48-megapixel telephoto camera and a large range of additional camera features and hardware in a smaller package, along with better mics and faster USB speeds.


• iPhone 17 Pro Max: Best for "pro" users who need the rich feature set of the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌, but with the largest possible display, battery life, and storage.

The ‌iPhone 17‌ should be the default option for most users, with the ability to move up to the Air as a design-led option, the Pro as a creator-focused device, and the Pro Max delivering everything in the largest format.

Pre-orders of the new ‌iPhone‌ lineup open on Friday, September 12, with launch on Friday, September 19.

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Apple is preparing to launch two versions of the AirPods Pro 3 over 2025 and 2026, according to a Weibo leaker.


Yesterday, supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that Apple is planning to debut the ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ this year. They could arrive as soon as this week at Apple's "Awe dropping" event.

Crucially, Kuo added that Apple is planning to introduce a successor to this year's AirPods Pro in 2026. This would be somewhat unusual since Apple normally waits around three years to make major changes to the AirPods' hardware. ‌AirPods Pro‌ 2 debuted at the iPhone 14 event in September 2022, and they were updated with a USB-C charging case and a few other tweaks in September 2023. Otherwise, Apple has waited about three years to update all of its AirPods models.

Kuo said that the 2026 ‌AirPods Pro‌ will feature a "more significant" hardware upgrade in the form at least one tiny infrared camera. He previously said AirPods with infrared cameras could recognize hand gestures and provide an enhanced spatial audio experience with Apple's Vision Pro headset.

Now, the Chinese leaker known as "Instant Digital" has corroborated the rumor with some additional details and clarifications. Rather than being a new generation, the 2026 ‌AirPods Pro‌ will be a high-end variant of the ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ introduced this year, suggesting that both models will ultimately be on sale alongside each other. It is worth noting that Apple offers two version of the AirPods 4 at $129 and $179 price points.

As Kuo first said, Instant Digital similarly believes that the key differentiator will be an infrared camera for gesture controls. In fact, Apple may remove the high-end model's pressure-sensors and go all-in on gesture controls. The cost for customers is expected to exceed the current ‌AirPods Pro‌'s full retail price of $249.

All signs point towards Apple unveiling the ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ during its iPhone 17 event on Tuesday, September 9. The ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ will likely have the same heart rate monitoring feature that Apple first introduced on the Powerbeats Pro 2 earlier this year, along with a smaller charging case, improved sound and active noise cancellation, and more.








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Following the announcement of Apple's upcoming "Awe dropping" event, on this week's episode of The MacRumors Show we talk through all of the new accessories rumored to debut alongside the iPhone 17 lineup.


We take a closer look at Apple's invite for "Awe dropping;" the design could hint at the ‌iPhone 17‌'s new thermal system with vapor chamber cooling and a more heat-conductive aluminum chassis. The orange and blue also likely hints at the purported orange color option for the iPhone 17 Pro and the blue color finish for the iPhone 17 Air.

New "Liquid Silicone" cases are rumored to debut alongside the ‌iPhone 17‌, as well as more premium "TechWoven" cases. TechWoven is expected to take the place of Apple's previous FineWoven and leather cases, but with improved durability. The ‌iPhone 17 Air‌ could also get a Smart Battery and an iPhone 4-style bumper case. All of the new cases are expected to feature support for a "Crossbody Strap," a new magnetic lanyard accessory.

Meanwhile, the long-awaited AirPods Pro 3 could arrive at the event. The new model is expected to feature heart-rate monitoring, improved active noise cancellation, tweaked earbuds, and a slightly smaller charging case with a hidden capacitive pairing button. The ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ may also offer reverse wireless charging for AirPods.

The MacRumors Show has its own YouTube channel, so make sure you're subscribed to keep up with new episodes and clips.



You can also listen to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or your preferred podcasts app. You can also copy our RSS feed directly into your podcast player.



If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up to hear our discussion about what to expect from the Apple Watch SE 3, Series 11, and Ultra 3, and whether it's worth holding off on an upgrade until next year.

Subscribe to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ for new episodes every week, where we discuss some of the topical news breaking here on MacRumors, often joined by interesting guests such as Kevin Nether, John Gruber, Mark Gurman, Jon Prosser, Luke Miani, Matthew Cassinelli, Brian Tong, Quinn Nelson, Jared Nelson, Eli Hodapp, Mike Bell, Sara Dietschy, iJustine, Jon Rettinger, Andru Edwards, Arnold Kim, Ben Sullins, Marcus Kane, Christopher Lawley, Frank McShan, David Lewis, Tyler Stalman, Sam Kohl, Federico Viticci, Thomas Frank, Jonathan Morrison, Ross Young, Ian Zelbo, and Rene Ritchie.

‌The MacRumors Show‌ is on X @MacRumorsShow, so be sure to give us a follow to keep up with the podcast. You can also head over to The MacRumors Show forum thread to engage with us directly. Remember to rate and review the podcast, and let us know what subjects and guests you would like to see in the future.
This article, "The MacRumors Show: iPhone 17's 'Awe Dropping' Accessories" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple's cases for the iPhone 17 lineup will be accompanied by a new Crossbody Strap accessory with a unique magnetic design, according to the leaker known as "Majin Bu."


Apple's Crossbody Strap reportedly features an unusual magnetic design; it likely has a "flexible metal core" that makes it magnetic along its entire length. At the ends, "rings polarized oppositely to the strap close the system." The design eliminates the need for conventional hooks or loops.

Samples of the Crossbody Strap are apparently made from a woven nylon material similar to the Apple Watch's Sport Loop bands. Apple may also introduce a silicone variant.


Production is said to have already begun ahead of immediate availability alongside the ‌iPhone 17‌ lineup. While it is designed primarily for Apple's ‌iPhone 17‌ cases, the strap may also be compatible with the AirPods Pro 3.
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Colombia's competition authority has opened a formal antitrust investigation into Apple, alleging that the company has abused its dominant position in the distribution of apps and purchases on iOS and iPadOS.


The Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC) announced the probe yesterday (via MobileTime), stating that its Delegation for the Protection of Competition had reached a preliminary conclusion that Apple may have engaged in exclusionary practices that restrict free competition in the Colombian market.

The SIC case is focused on two primary concerns. First, the agency alleges that Apple contractually prevents developers from creating or operating alternative app stores on iPhones and iPads, ensuring that all software distribution takes place exclusively through the App Store. This restriction, regulators say, is designed to exclude potential competitors and preserve Apple's market dominance. The SIC noted that such clauses may amount to an abuse of a dominant position under Colombian law.

The second issue involves Apple's handling of in-app purchases. The SIC said developers are compelled to use Apple's proprietary In-App Purchase system, which applies commissions of 15% to 30% on each transaction. Apple also allegedly prohibits developers from informing users of cheaper alternatives outside the app, a practice known as anti-steering. In its announcement, the agency said these restrictions may result in "unjustified excessive costs" for Colombian consumers and create "artificial barriers" that deter new developers from entering the market.

The investigation will now proceed with evidence collection and analysis of Apple's conduct in Colombia. If the SIC determines that Apple has violated antitrust rules, the company could face sanctions of up to 10% of its turnover in the country, in addition to possible orders to amend its practices.

The Colombian probe reflects the growing international scrutiny of Apple's ‌App Store‌. Earlier this year, the European Commission fined Apple €500 million under the Digital Markets Act for preventing developers from directing consumers to alternative payment methods. In the United States, a federal court recently found Apple in contempt of a previous antitrust ruling and prohibited the company from collecting commission on certain web-based purchases. Regulators in Brazil, Japan, and South Korea have also pressed the company on similar issues.
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On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we talk through what to expect from the Apple Watch SE 3, Series 11, and Ultra 3, and whether it's worth holding off on an upgrade until next year.


The third-generation ‌Apple Watch SE‌ is rumored to feature a larger display (perhaps like the Apple Watch Series 7), the S11 chip, and potentially a plastic casing. It could also available at a slightly lower price point.

The Apple Watch Series 11 will likely feature the S11 chip, 5G RedCap connectivity on cellular models, a "Sleep Score" feature, and potentially hypertension detection. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is rumored to also get all of these new features, as well as a slightly larger wide-angle OLED display with a faster refresh rate, and satellite connectivity.

Earlier this week, internal Apple code revealed that the 2026 Apple Watch lineup is poised to get some major enhancements. The new devices will feature Touch ID for biometric authentication, a redesigned chip based on newer CPU technology for improved performance, a revamped design with a new rear sensor array, and more.

The MacRumors Show has its own YouTube channel, so make sure you're subscribed to keep up with new episodes and clips.



You can also listen to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or your preferred podcasts app. You can also copy our RSS feed directly into your podcast player.



If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up to hear our discussion about Apple's plan to focus on the smart home with a host of new devices and improvements to Siri.

Subscribe to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ for new episodes every week, where we discuss some of the topical news breaking here on MacRumors, often joined by interesting guests such as Kevin Nether, John Gruber, Mark Gurman, Jon Prosser, Luke Miani, Matthew Cassinelli, Brian Tong, Quinn Nelson, Jared Nelson, Eli Hodapp, Mike Bell, Sara Dietschy, iJustine, Jon Rettinger, Andru Edwards, Arnold Kim, Ben Sullins, Marcus Kane, Christopher Lawley, Frank McShan, David Lewis, Tyler Stalman, Sam Kohl, Federico Viticci, Thomas Frank, Jonathan Morrison, Ross Young, Ian Zelbo, and Rene Ritchie.

‌The MacRumors Show‌ is on X @MacRumorsShow, so be sure to give us a follow to keep up with the podcast. You can also head over to The MacRumors Show forum thread to engage with us directly. Remember to rate and review the podcast, and let us know what subjects and guests you would like to see in the future.
This article, "The MacRumors Show: Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 or Wait for Next Year?" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple has released "F1: The Movie" for digital purchase and rental through the TV app, marking the start of the film's premium video-on-demand window while it continues to perform strongly in theaters.


The film premiered worldwide on June 27 and has now surpassed $600 million at the global box office. This makes F1 Apple's most financially successful movie to date, with the release also returning to IMAX theaters due to its popularity.

Apple has now made the film available to rent for $20 or to purchase for $25 in the Store section of the TV app on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. It includes approximately 45 minutes of bonus features through iTunes Extras.

The same pricing and availability apply through other services such as Amazon Prime Video. It is not yet available to stream on ‌Apple TV‌+.

This period is known in the film industry as the premium video-on-demand (PVOD) window, and represents a higher-priced digital release that precedes availability through subscription streaming. The pricing is in line with other major studio releases in recent years.

Apple is expected to lower the cost once the film transitions from PVOD to standard digital distribution, when it will be available to rent or buy at the usual lower tier. This will likely coincide with its debut on ‌Apple TV‌+, where it will be available to stream at no additional charge to subscribers.

Based on the previous Apple theatrical-first films such as "Killers of the Flower Moon" and "Napoleon," the PVOD window typically lasts one to two months, suggesting that F1 will likely come to ‌Apple TV‌+ in October or November 2025.
This article, "Apple's 'F1: The Movie' Now Available to Buy or Rent" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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