The first set of reviews are out for the new 6.3-inch base iPhone 17 model ahead of the full ‌iPhone 17‌ lineup launching on Friday.


As noted in our buyer's guide, the ‌iPhone 17‌ features Apple's biggest display upgrade to a non-Pro model in years, with a larger 6.3-inch display (up from 6.1 inches) and a 120Hz ProMotion display for refresh rates up to 120Hz. There are also some major camera improvements, faster performance, and big battery life gains. So what do these enhancements mean for users in real terms?

According to The Verge's Jacob Kastrenakes, the new display is a game changer:

In size, resolution, and specs, the iPhone 17's display is the same as what you’ll find on this year's Pro. And the most notable thing about the change is that the iPhone 17 finally has an always-on display. The feature works exactly the same as it does on the Pro phones, too. When you set the iPhone 17 down, the screen dims, showing a faint version of your wallpaper, widgets, clock, and notifications.

Being able to quickly glance at your phone for information is extremely handy and instantly makes the device a whole lot more useful.

TechRadar's Jacob Krol also had only positive things to say about the new 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display, calling it "the star of the show."

Yes, the iPhone 17's 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display now supports ProMotion, meaning it delivers a buttery-smooth experience for scrolling, swiping, gaming, streaming, and even general navigation, as it will adjust on the fly from 1Hz all the way up to 120Hz depending on what you're doing. The iPhone 16, 15, and 14 before it were all locked at 60Hz, which wasn't a big deal if you weren’t coming from a 120Hz device, but this is a really nice upgrade.

The iPhone 17's display story is really about the sum of its parts. ProMotion, Always-On, and a slightly larger screen make for a great experience, and there's a serious amount of value to be found through this display alone. Oh, and it's also coated in Ceramic Shield 2, which makes it three times as scratch-resistant as the screen on the iPhone 16 – that's a win, especially if you're prone to dropping your iPhone.

The ‌iPhone 17‌ features two rear cameras consisting of a 48-megapixel Wide camera and a 48-megapixel Ultra Wide – an upgrade over the 12-megapixel Ultra Wide lens on the iPhone 16.

CNET's Abrar Al-Heeti particularly welcomed the camera upgrades and noted how the new features allow the ‌iPhone 17‌ to punch above the iPhone Air:

It's interesting to have more photo-taking flexibility on a less expensive iPhone model, since the iPhone Air can't take 0.5x photos or Cinematic mode videos. It's another way this baseline device makes a case for itself. Like the iPhone Air, the iPhone 17 takes 12-megapixel 2x telephoto images, which maintain a solid level of detail as you punch in. Photos default to 24 megapixels, but you can switch to 48 megapixels to capture a bit more detail.

The ‌iPhone 17‌ features 8GB of RAM – the least of all new iPhones – and Apple's base A19 processor, including a six-core CPU, a five-core GPU, and Apple's Neural Engine. The GPU cores also each have their own Neural Accelerator, which Apple says boosts the chip's ability to process AI calculations.

PC Mag's Eric Zeman put the phone through its paces and came away impressed:

I ran the phone through the typical battery of benchmark tests to see how it fares against the competition. Surprisingly, it runs a bit faster than the iPhone Air, which becomes much hotter than the 17 under load. Meanwhile, the Pro iPhones are about 10% faster, which isn't as big a difference as I expected.

The iPhone 17 buries the Pixel 10's Tensor G5 processor in testing, though Google tells us it designs its chips to run AI calculations, not perform well on benchmarks. The iPhone 17's A19 also bested the Galaxy S25's Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip in CPU performance, though it fell behind in GPU calculations.

Ultimately, the iPhone 17 and its combination of memory and A19 power are more than enough to handle all your apps, daily tasks, and Apple Intelligence requests. In my tests, the phone had no trouble generating AI images, conjuring up new Genmoji, and powering Apple Photos' editing tools.

Apple claims that the ‌iPhone 17‌ offers an additional 8 hours of video playback compared to the ‌iPhone 16‌. But how does that translate to real world gains? Tom's Guide's John Velasco reported a subtle improvement in his tests:

Our battery drain test reveals an improvement, albeit a small one. It reaches a time of 12 hours and 47 minutes, an improvement of 34 minutes over the iPhone 16. That might not sound like a whole lot, but it's worth remembering that the iPhone 17 has a larger 6.3-inch display this time.

I can affirm that I'm getting all-day battery life with a full charge. Roughly speaking, I'm seeing 15% battery life right before bed time. Most of my time was spent on checking emails, watching a few videos on my break at work, and looking through all of my social feeds. It's undoubtedly nowhere as close to offering the endurance I’ve been having with my iPhone 16 Pro Max for just about the last year, but most people will suffice getting through a work day.

I'm excited to report that Apple also upgrades the iPhone 17's charging speeds, with its 35W wired charging getting its battery to 39% in 15 minutes — and then to 71% in 30 minutes. That's a marked improvement over the iPhone 16, but Apple didn't stop there as it also adds 25W Qi 2.2 charging support.

Like the ‌iPhone Air‌ and iPhone 17 Pro models, the base ‌iPhone 17‌ can be pre-ordered now, starting at $799.

Videos

This article, "iPhone 17 Reviews: Choosing the Base Model 'No Longer Means Missing Out'" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

iOS 26's new Liquid Glass interface has been criticized for making some content illegible in certain circumstances, and now the UI design is reportedly causing another unusual visual problem for some users.


Liquid Glass adds subtle glowing effects to the corners of app icons, creating a dynamic glass-like appearance with depth and parallax effects. However, as noted by Gizmodo, this design choice can produce an optical illusion that makes icons appear tilted. Users impacted by the phenomenon report feeling disoriented, with some experiencing dizziness from the perceived slanting effect.

The issue has gained attention on Reddit, with one post receiving over 3,000 upvotes. "The frame glow effect makes apps look tilted, and it's really distracting," complained one user, while another said the update made them "feel drunk."

"All of iOS 26 is an optical nightmare," added another user. "It's horrible."

The tilting effect is most pronounced when icons are set to "Dark," "Clear," or "Tinted" modes against dark or black backgrounds, while colorful wallpapers seem to help mask the illusion by drawing attention away from the refractive corners.

Apple's transparency reducing options and the "Reduce Motion" setting (Settings ➝ Accessibility ➝ Motion ➝ Reduce Motion) don't seem to help minimise the illusion, with reports indicating most users fail to see a difference. Hopefully, Apple adds a dedicated control in a future update to adjust the icon effect that's causing the issue.

Are you suffering from the Liquid Glass optical illusion? Let us know in the comments.
This article, "iOS 26 Liquid Glass Design Makes App Icons Look Crooked, Report Users" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Apple in October 2024 overhauled its 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, adding M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips, Thunderbolt 5 ports on higher-end models, display changes, and more. That's quite a lot of updates in one go, but if you think this means a further major refresh for the ‌MacBook Pro‌ is now several years away, think again.


Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has said he expects only a small performance boost for the next ‌MacBook Pro‌ refresh when new models with M5 chips arrive likely early next year, while the "true overhaul" for the laptop will come further down the line – either in late 2026 or early 2027. So if you are planning to skip the M5 ‌MacBook Pro‌, or you're just plain curious about what's two generations away, here are the biggest changes rumored to be coming to Apple's premium laptop line.


OLED Display

Goodbye, mini-LED

Several rumors have indicated that Apple is developing MacBook Pro models with OLED displays. Research firm Omdia in May 2024 claimed Apple is "highly likely" to introduce new MacBook Pros featuring OLED displays next year, while display analyst Ross Young in September 2024 said that Apple's supply chain is expected to have sufficient notebook-optimized OLED display production capacity in 2026 to bring the technology to MacBook Pro. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has said he expects the MacBook Pro to gain an OLED display "between the end of 2026 and early 2027." Compared to current MacBook Pro models that use mini-LED screens, the benefits of OLED technology would include increased brightness, higher contrast ratio with deeper blacks, improved power efficiency for longer battery life, and more.

Thinner, Lighter Laptop

Major Redesign

The switch to OLED displays could allow future MacBook Pro models to have a thinner design, and rumors suggest that is indeed what Apple intends. When the M4 iPad Pro was unveiled in May 2024, Apple touted it as the company's thinnest product ever. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman subsequently called the iPad Pro the "beginning of a new class of Apple devices," and said Apple was working to make the MacBook Pro thinner over the "next couple of years." Apple is reportedly focusing on delivering the thinnest possible device without compromising on battery life or major new features.

Notably, the MacBook Pro got thicker and heavier with its most recent redesign in 2021. A major highlight was the reintroduction of several ports that were removed in previous iterations in favor of chassis thinness. How Apple will make its redesigned MacBook Pro thinner without removing the functionality it reintroduced fairly recently is the big question.

Punch-Hole Camera

No More Notch

If you are fed up of the notch intruding on your Mac display, here's some good news. Apple plans to remove the notch from the redesigned MacBook Pro, according to a roadmap shared by research firm Omdia. The roadmap indicates that redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models will have a hole-punch camera at the top of the display, rather than the notch we've become accustomed to. A MacBook Pro without a notch would offer additional visible pixels on the screen, creating a more uninterrupted and cohesive display design.

Such a move would mirror Apple's iPhone evolution, since the iPhone's notch became the current Dynamic Island starting with the iPhone 14 Pro models in 2022. It's unclear whether the MacBook Pro would include Dynamic Island functionality or simply adopt the visual design, but the change would at least address long-standing user complaints about the notch, which physically ingresses into the macOS menu bar.

5G Modem

Cellular Connectivity

Earlier this year, Apple introduced the C1, its custom-built 5G modem chip which debuted in the entry-level iPhone 16e. More recently, Apple debuted the ‌iPhone Air‌ equipped with a new C1X chip, which is up to 2x faster than the C1. According to Apple, the C1X is the most power-efficient modem in an iPhone. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is considering bringing cellular connectivity to the Mac lineup for the first time. The company is said to be "investigating" the possibility of adding a second-generation C2 modem chip to a future Mac as soon as 2026, teasing the potential for a cellular MacBook Pro in the same year. The C1 and C1X modem chips are limited to sub-6GHz 5G speeds, but the second-generation version will support faster mmWave technology, according to Gurman.

M6 Series Chip

2nm Process

Before the MacBook Pro's major redesign, Apple plans to update the lineup with M5 series chips, likely in early 2026. The chips will be manufactured with TSMC's third-generation 3nm process, known as N3P, resulting in typical year-over-year performance and power efficiency improvements compared to the M4 series of chips. However, Apple's redesigned MacBook Pro models are expected to boast M6 chips, which could adopt a completely new packaging process.

According to one rumor, Apple's A20 chip in next year's iPhone 18 models will switch from the previous InFo (Integrated Fan-Out) packaging to WMCM (Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module) packaging. WMCM integrates multiple chips within the same package, allowing for the development of more complex chipsets. Components such as the CPU, GPUs, DRAM, and Neural Engine would therefore be more tightly integrated. While we don't know for sure, this could see Apple develop the M6 using the 2nm process while taking advantage of WMCM packaging to make even more powerful versions of its custom processor.

Touch Screen Display

On-Cell Touch Technology

Apple's first OLED MacBook Pro will feature a touch screen display, according to the latest from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The analyst says the panel will use on-cell touch technology. On-cell touch technology integrates the touch sensors directly into the display panel's top layer (the "cell") rather than requiring a separate, dedicated touch layer. Kuo says that the shift "appears to reflect Apple's long-term observation of iPad user behavior, indicating that in certain scenarios, touch controls can enhance both productivity and the overall user experience." The analyst says the OLED-equipped MacBook Pro with touch screen is set to enter mass production next year.
This article, "Apple's Rumored MacBook Pro Redesign: 6 New Features Anticipated" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Apple's first OLED MacBook Pro, set to enter mass production next year, will feature a touch screen display, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.


In his latest post on X (Twitter), Kuo writes that Apple's much-rumored OLED MacBook Pro will incorporate a touch panel using on-cell touch technology. On-cell touch technology integrates the touch sensors directly into the display panel's top layer (the "cell") rather than requiring a separate, dedicated touch layer.

Kuo says that the shift "appears to reflect Apple's long-term observation of iPad user behavior, indicating that in certain scenarios, touch controls can enhance both productivity and the overall user experience."

Unsurprisingly, the analyst believes that the recently rumored low-cost MacBook, slated for mass production in the fourth quarter of this year, will not feature a touch panel, though specifications for a second-generation model could include touch support. Kuo anticipates the second-gen affordable MacBook model to arrive in 2027.

According to a recent report by Korea's The Elec, Samsung will supply the displays for Apple's first OLED MacBook Pro. What's less certain right now is the chip architecture that Apple will adopt for its OLED models.

It was previously rumored that MacBook Pro models with M5 chips would launch in late 2025. In July, however, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that Apple was "considering" pushing back the release of the next MacBook Pro models with the M5 series of chips until early 2026.

Gurman has since said he expects the MacBook Pro to gain an OLED display "between the end of 2026 and early 2027."

That would mean Apple updating the MacBook Pro line twice in the same year. However, there is precedent for such a scenario. Apple released models with M2 Pro and M2 Max chips in January 2023, followed by models with M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chips in October 2023. So we could get the M5 generation in January 2026, followed by the OLED panel-equipped M6 generation in October 2026.

Either way, the OLED MacBook Pro models are expected to feature more significant changes, including a thinner design and a smaller notch. Apparently we can now add touch screen support to that list, too.
This article, "Kuo: OLED MacBook Pro to Feature Touch Screen Display" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Apple made the visionOS 26 release candidate available to Vision Pro developers on Tuesday, and one of the more interesting additions in this version is a new Jupiter environment.


Apple previewed the Jupiter environment for WWDC attendees in June, but this is the first time that Vision Pro owners have been able to try it out for themselves in the comfort of their own home.

In visionOS 26, the Morning Light environment has made way for Jupiter, which needs to be downloaded first to experience it.

Jupiter is the fastest rotating planet in our solar system, with a day that is only 10 hours long, and Apple gives you a taste of it thanks to a new "Explore Jupiter" option that makes this Environment more interactive than others.

Your actual perspective in the environment is from one of Jupiter's inner moons called Amalthea, and you can speed up time to watch the sunlight break across Jupiter as enormous storms swirl across its surface.

A new interface lets you select from the times of day to see how lighting and moon alignments shift over time. Options include Dawn, Sunrise, Afternoon, Sunset, and Night. There's also a slider that you can use to cycle through the time of day.

However, if you just sit and watch the scene at normal pace, you can actually see Jupiter's Great Red Spot – the largest and longest-lasting storm in our solar system – ever-so-gradually swirling in the distance. It's pretty spectacular.

In case you were wondering how realistic the planet is portrayed, the imagery Apple has used is from NASA, so it's as authentic as one can hope for. It's an interesting new take on the Environment concept, and one that Apple is likely to explore further in future updates.

visionOS 26 is scheduled to be released to the public on Monday, September 15.
This article, "visionOS 26 RC Features New Jupiter Environment for Vision Pro" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

When Apple previewed watchOS 26 in June at WWDC, the company didn't reveal any new watch faces, but now we know Apple was just holding them back to show off with the new Apple Watch models that it unveiled on Tuesday.


During its "Awe dropping" event, Apple also dropped the release candidate of watchOS 26. As it turns out, there are four new watch faces included in the upcoming update, some of which you may have already seen adorning the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3.

According to Apple's release notes, they are as follows:

• Exactograph is a modern re-imagination of a traditional regulator watch which separates out hours, minutes, and seconds for more precise timekeeping


• Flow uses Liquid Glass numerals that refract a fluid orb of color that responds to your wrist movements


• Waypoint acts as a live compass that shows where you are in relation to saved locations in Maps or points of interest (Available on Apple Watch Ultra)


• Hermès Faubourg Party features animated shorts that appear based on the time of day or your movements, with a series of characters (Available on Apple Watch Hermès)

These faces are coming to older models too. Waypoint is exclusive to Apple Watch Ultra models, adding to the two existing Ultra faces called Wayfinder and Modular Ultra.

Meanwhile, Hermès Faubourg Party – as the name suggests – is limited to Hermès models.

That leaves Exactograph and Flow, both of which will be available to all Apple Watch models that support watchOS 26. As a reminder, the existing Photos face has also been enhanced by a new design with Liquid Glass, elevating numerals so more of your photos are visible. Apple says the watch faces can be explored more easily thanks to a redesigned watch face gallery, where faces are grouped into collections.

watchOS 26 will roll out to all users on Monday, September 15.
This article, "watchOS 26 Adds Four New Apple Watch Faces" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Apple announced third-generation AirPods Pro on Tuesday at its "Awe dropping" event, and the company has discontinued AirPods Pro 2 to make room for them in its new-look lineup.


Here's how Apple's AirPods offering looks like now:

• AirPods 4 – $129


• AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancelation – $179


• AirPods Pro 3 – $249


• AirPods Max – $549

AirPods Pro 3 have the same $249 price tag as the previous generation model, so users will be getting several new features and enhancements for the same outlay.

These include up to 2x better Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), up to 8 hours of listening time with ANC on a single charge, a new design, built-in heart rate sensing, foam-infused ear tips, Live Translation, and more.

Apple has started accepting pre-orders for AirPods Pro 3. The new devices will be delivered to customers starting on Friday, September 19. Will you be getting a pair? Let us know in the comments.
This article, "Apple's New-Look AirPods Lineup After AirPods Pro 2 Discontinued" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Apple has added a "groundbreaking" new memory security feature to its new iPhone 17 lineup called Memory Integrity Enforcement (MIE), which the company describes as "the most significant upgrade to memory safety in the history of consumer operating systems."


The new security feature targets spyware tools like Pegasus that exploit vulnerabilities to hack targeted devices. According to Apple, MIE provides comprehensive, always-on memory-safety protection covering the kernel and over 70 userland processes, built on the Enhanced Memory Tagging Extension (EMTE).

The new feature is supported by the new A19 and A19 Pro chips found across the iPhone 17 lineup as well as the iPhone Air. Apple says it has also added memory safety improvements for older hardware that doesn't support the new memory tagging features. In addition, Apple is making EMTE available to all Apple developers in Xcode as part of the new Enhanced Security feature that the company released earlier this year during WWDC.

The approach includes mitigation for Spectre V1 attacks that Apple claims works with "virtually zero CPU cost," addressing performance concerns that have plagued similar security features in the past. Apple says these changes make "mercenary spyware" significantly more expensive to develop, and present a major challenge to the surveillance industry.

Based on our evaluations pitting Memory Integrity Enforcement against exceptionally sophisticated mercenary spyware attacks from the last three years, we believe MIE will make exploit chains significantly more expensive and difficult to develop and maintain, disrupt many of the most effective exploitation techniques from the last 25 years, and completely redefine the landscape of memory safety for Apple products.

For in-depth information about the new MIE security feature, readers should refer to Apple's Security Research blog.
This article, "iPhone 17 Introduces 'Groundbreaking' New Memory Security Feature" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Spotify has officially rolled out lossless audio streaming to Premium subscribers after years of delays. The feature, which was first promised in 2021, is gradually becoming available in 50 markets including the US, UK, Australia, and Germany.


Thankfully, Spotify includes lossless streaming at no additional cost for existing Premium members. That's particularly good news, since early rumors suggested Spotify would offer lossless as a higher-priced tier. Not so.

This probably has something to do with the fact that in the intervening years Apple decided to include lossless audio as part of its regular Apple Music subscription at no additional cost. Shortly after, Amazon Music, which previously charged extra for its HD tier, matched the move.

Spotify Premium users will receive in-app notifications when the feature becomes available and can enable it through the media quality settings. A lossless indicator also appears in the Now Playing bar when streaming high-quality audio. Spotify says nearly every song on the streaming service will be available in lossless, with a clearly labelled 'Lossless' symbol.

The service supports 24-bit/44.1 kHz FLAC files, though this falls short of Apple Music, Tidal, and Qobuz, which offer up to 24-bit/192 kHz. The lossless quality being played also appears in the Connect Picker for compatible hardware, which includes devices from Sony, Bose, Samsung, and Sennheiser at launch, with Sonos and Amazon integration expected next month.

Spotify says the lossless rollout will continue over the next two months across all supported regions. First reports that Spotify was working on a lossless audio version of its streaming service appeared almost eight years ago, when the company started testing the option with a small group of users.
This article, "Spotify Premium Users Get Lossless Streaming After Years of Delays" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Apple has announced Final Cut Camera 2.0, adding ProRes RAW recording and genlock sync support for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. The free app update makes Apple's high-end iPhone 17 models the first smartphones that can shoot ProRes RAW.


ProRes RAW captures unprocessed data straight from the camera sensor, giving editors more flexibility when color grading and adjusting footage later. The format also takes up less storage space than other RAW video formats while maintaining quality.

The 2.0 update adds open gate recording, which uses the full camera sensor to capture more of the scene than standard 4K. The extra footage makes it easier to crop, stabilize, or change aspect ratios without losing image quality.

Meanwhile, Genlock support lets multiple iPhone 17 Pro devices record in perfect sync with each other and with professional cameras. The feature eliminates the need to manually align footage frame-by-frame during editing. Blackmagic Design's Camera ProDock already works with the new genlock feature.

The app now also supports manual controls for the redesigned front camera on all iPhone 17 models. The square sensor is larger than before and can shoot horizontal or vertical video without rotating the phone.

Additional new features for Final Cut Camera 2.0 mentioned by Apple include:

• Support for Apple Log 2, giving users the ability to record in an even wider color gamut in ProRes or HEVC with iPhone 17 Pro. Users can apply the Log 2 LUT in Final Cut Pro for iPad and Mac to view and edit their footage with the vibrancy of the original scene.


• The ability to enable Timecode with options like Time of Day, Record Run, or external timecode for precise identification of footage during post-production.


• Support for video capture using the new 200 mm Telephoto camera using ProRes up to 4K60 fps on iPhone 17 Pro for even more framing options.

Elsewhere, Final Cut Pro 11.2 and Final Cut Pro for iPad 2.3 will add tools specifically for editing iPhone ProRes RAW footage, including exposure and color temperature controls.

Final Cut Camera 2.0 will be available later this month as a free download or update on the App Store. Final Cut Camera 2.0 requires iPhone Xs or later running iOS 18.6 or later, with some features requiring iOS 26 or iPhone 17 Pro.
This article, "Apple's Final Cut Camera 2.0 to Support ProRes RAW and Genlock" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Apple is expanding its Repair Assistant calibration software to Mac computers with the upcoming macOS Tahoe 26 release, following its rollout to iPhone and iPad last year.


On iPhone, the tool helps calibrate replacement parts including back glass, battery, display, TrueDepth camera, and rear camera components. On Mac, Repair Assistant will enable Touch ID and Lid Angle sensors to be reused after Display or Logic Board repairs on select models. Touch ID sensors will use Activation Lock for protection.

macOS Tahoe and Apple silicon are required by the utility. Users can access Repair Assistant through System Settings ➝ General ➝ About, where a "Parts & Service" section appears after recognized repairs.

Apple plans to make genuine Mac parts available to independent repair professionals through MobileSentrix and Mobileparts.shop later this year. The update supports the company's Self Service Repair program by allowing previously replaced, uncalibrated parts to meet Apple's reliability standards.

Apple says macOS Tahoe will officially launch on September 15.
This article, "Apple 'Repair Assistant' Mac Tool Coming to macOS Tahoe" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Apple's biggest week of the year has arrived, and all eyes are on Cupertino. With the iPhone 17 expected to headline Apple's "Awe dropping" event on September 9 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, the rumor mill has been running at full speed, pointing to the most ambitious shake-up of the lineup in recent years.


From an all-new ultra-thin "Air" model to camera and display upgrades across the board, this cheat sheet collects everything you need to know about Apple's next-generation iPhones – broken down by model for quick reference.

iPhone 17 Rumors by Model

iPhone 17 (regular model)

• Larger 6.3-inch display size, up from 6.1 inches on the iPhone 16.


• 120Hz ProMotion display with always-on capability.


• 24MP front-facing camera with improved six-element lens.


• New A19 processor


• Qi2 25W Wireless MagSafe Charging


• New colors: black, white, steel gray, light blue, green, and purple.

iPhone 17 Air

• Ultra-thin design (5.5 mm) with a 6.6-inch ProMotion display.


• Lightweight titanium-aluminum frame (145 grams).


• Runway-style rear camera bar with single 48MP lens.


• A19 chip and Apple C1 modem.


• 12GB RAM.


• 3,000 mAh battery capacity.


• Action Button and Camera Control button.


• 24MP front-facing camera.


• Qi2 25W Wireless MagSafe Charging


• Exclusive colors: black, white, light gold, and light blue.

iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max

• Redesigned rear with horizontal camera bar and half-aluminum/half-glass back.


• New display with increased maximum brightness.


• Apple-designed Wi-Fi 7 chip for faster connectivity.


• 48MP telephoto lens with 8× optical zoom capability.


• 8K video recording feature.


• 12GB of RAM.


• Larger battery in Pro Max (5,088 mAh) with slightly thicker design.


• Base storage starting at 256GB.


• Qi2 25W Wireless MagSafe Charging


• Two new colors: Dark Blue and Orange, plus standard Pro finishes.

iPhone 17 Pricing Expectations

Apple will maintain its entry-level pricing for the standard iPhone 17 this year, but the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are set to get price hikes, albeit with a minimum storage boost for the iPhone 17 Pro model, according to TrendForce.


The market research company expects the regular iPhone 17 model to have the same $799 starting price and 128GB base storage as last year's iPhone 16, while both the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will come with 256GB base storage options and increases of $50-$100 per comparable capacity. The full iPhone 17 lineup pricing could break down like so:

Model	128GB	256GB	512GB	1TB
iPhone 17	$799	$899	$1,099	—
iPhone 17 Air	—	$1,099	$1,299	$1,499
iPhone 17 Pro	—	$1,199	$1,399	$1,599
iPhone 17 Pro Max	—	$1,299	$1,499	$1,699

J.P. Morgan has also offered price estimates for the iPhone 17 series that put the iPhone 17 Pro starting price at $1,099, or $100 lower than TrendForce's prediction.

When Can I Pre-order iPhone 17?

If Apple follows the traditional pattern, iPhone 17 pre-orders will begin later in Apple's event week on Friday, September 12 at 5 a.m. Pacific Time / 8 a.m. Eastern Time.

When Does iPhone 17 Launch?

iPhone 17 models will likely reach pre-order customers the following Friday, September 19, which is when retail stores will also stock the new devices.

• iPhone 17 Event Is This Week – 20 Biggest Rumored Upgrades


• iPhone 17 Pro: 5 Reasons Not to Upgrade This Year


• How to Watch Apple's iPhone 17 Event on September 9

MacRumors Coverage

Both the MacRumors site and our X (Twitter) account are excellent ways to discuss the new announcements with other Apple enthusiasts as Apple unveils its new products. Later in the day and throughout the week, we'll also have much more in-depth coverage of all of Apple's announcements, so make sure to stay tuned.
This article, "Apple Event Week: iPhone 17 Cheat Sheet" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Several recent rumors have pointed to an all-new official Apple accessory arriving with the iPhone 17 lineup, and it looks like samples of the product have leaked ahead of Apple’s “Awe dropping” event on Tuesday.


Apple will offer a crossbody strap designed to work with the company's upcoming TechWoven cases for iPhone 17, and leaker Sonny Dickson has shared images of one of the straps in a vibrant orange color. The crossbody strap will reportedly have a flexible metal core and use magnetic attachment points, allowing users to easily connect and disconnect the accessory as needed.

Based on previous leaks, new TechWoven cases – replacing Apple's discontinued FineWoven line – will feature small attachment holes in the bottom corners specifically for looping through Apple's new strap. The accessory also apparently features a unique design that makes it magnetic along its entire length.

The latest leak tallies with earlier rumors from Majin Bu and fellow leaker DuanRui, who have shared CAD drawings and case clones showing similar attachment points on official iPhone 17 cases.

It won't be the first time Apple has leaned into wearable accessories for its products. The AirPods Pro 2 charging case includes a lanyard cutout, and the fifth-generation iPod touch featured built-in attachment hardware for similar purposes.


Apple is expected to release the iPhone 17 Pro models in a new orange color, so the strap we see here could also be alluding to it. Stay tuned for in-depth coverage of Apple's announcements this week.
This article, "Apple's New iPhone 17 Accessory Leaked in Vibrant Orange Color" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Apple is hosting an online streaming event for the public and press on Tuesday, September 9, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. The company is expected to announce its new iPhone 17 lineup alongside new Apple Watch models, and potentially other products during the event, dubbed "Awe Dropping." Here's how you can watch it and when, wherever you are in the world.


There are multiple ways to watch the September 9 event, with details listed below. We've also included a useful guide on when the event will take place in your particular time zone.

Apple Events Website

With the Apple Events website, you can watch the event live on a Mac, iPhone, ‌iPad‌, PC, or any other device with a web browser. The Apple Events website works in Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and other main browsers.


Just navigate to www.apple.com/apple-events/ using a web browser at the appropriate time to watch. You can visit the site now to add an event reminder to your calendar.

YouTube

Apple also plans to stream the event live on YouTube, which is perhaps the easiest and most efficient way to watch because the YouTube live stream can be viewed on every platform where YouTube is available, which is pretty much all platforms, from smartphones and tablets to consoles and smart TVs.


Apple has posted a placeholder for the September 9 event on YouTube, and you can visit it now to set an event reminder.

Apple TV App

Apple used to have a dedicated Apple Events app on the Apple TV, but ahead of WWDC 2020, it was folded into the Apple TV app. On event day, there will be a prominent ‌Apple TV‌ app section dedicated to the live stream, which can be watched on any device where the ‌Apple TV‌ app is available.


This includes the ‌Apple TV‌, iPhones, iPads, and Macs, as well as select smart TVs, streaming devices, and gaming consoles. If you have an ‌Apple TV‌, the ‌Apple TV‌ app is one of the best ways to watch the event live. Apple hasn't updated the ‌Apple TV‌ app with the new event as of yet, but it should be added soon.

• 20 Reasons to Wait for the iPhone 17


• Five Things to Expect From Apple's 'Awe Dropping' September 9 Event

When to Watch the Apple Event

Apple's event will take place at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, like most Apple events. Event times in other time zones are listed below.

• Honolulu, Hawaii — 7:00 a.m. HAST


• Anchorage, Alaska — 9:00 a.m. AKDT


• Cupertino, California — 10:00 a.m. PDT


• Phoenix, Arizona — 10:00 a.m. MST


• Vancouver, Canada — 10:00 a.m. PDT


• Denver, Colorado — 11:00 a.m. MDT


• Dallas, Texas — 12:00 noon CDT


• New York, New York — 1:00 p.m. EDT


• Toronto, Canada — 1:00 p.m. EDT


• Halifax, Canada — 2:00 p.m. ADT


• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — 2:00 p.m. BRT


• London, United Kingdom — 6:00 p.m. BST


• Berlin, Germany — 7:00 p.m. CEST


• Paris, France — 7:00 p.m. CEST


• Cape Town, South Africa — 7:00 p.m. SAST


• Helsinki, Finland — 8:00 p.m. EEST


• Istanbul, Turkey — 8:00 p.m. TRT


• Dubai, United Arab Emirates — 9:00 p.m. GST


• Delhi, India — 10:30 p.m. IST


• Jakarta, Indonesia — 12:00 a.m. WIB next day


• Shanghai, China — 1:00 a.m. CST next day


• Singapore — 1:00 a.m. SGT next day


• Perth, Australia — 1:00 a.m. AWST next day


• Hong Kong — 1:00 a.m. HKT next day


• Seoul, South Korea — 2:00 a.m. KST next day


• Tokyo, Japan — 2:00 a.m. JST next day


• Adelaide, Australia — 2:30 a.m. ACST next day


• Sydney, Australia — 3:00 a.m. AEST next day


• Auckland, New Zealand — 5:00 a.m. NZST next day

MacRumors Coverage

If you're not able to watch or just want to follow along with us as we watch the event unfold, visit MacRumors.com for our liveblog or follow us on Twitter at MacRumorsLive for our live tweet coverage.

Both the MacRumors site and our X (Twitter) account are excellent ways to discuss the new announcements with other Apple enthusiasts as Apple unveils its new products. Later in the day and throughout the week, we'll also have much more in-depth coverage of all of Apple's announcements, so make sure to stay tuned.
This article, "How to Watch iPhone 17 Event on September 9: 'Awe Dropping'" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Apple will unveil its new iPhone 17 lineup on September 9 in a range of new colors. Below, we've collated all the rumored colors for the regular iPhone 17, the all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌, and the larger ‌iPhone 17‌ Pro Max.

iPhone 17 Models

Last year, Apple chose soft, pastel-inspired finishes for its iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models. They are available in ultramarine, teal, pink, white, and black. The yellow that the iPhone 15 comes in is notably missing, having been replaced by the darker blue hue of the ultramarine. Together, the iPhone 16 colors appear more saturated and vivid – pink and ultramarine especially show a bolder, more confident hue compared to the pastel washes of the iPhone 15.

Six Colors

For the regular iPhone 17, Apple is rumored to be offering the following colors.
Black and White remain as classic color options, complemented by four new options, including a Steel Gray twist on Space Gray:

• Black


• White


• Steel Gray


• Green


• Purple


• Light Blue

These colors came from an "internal document" obtained by Macworld. Many have also been rumored by leakers "Majin Bu" and Sonny Dickson.

iPhone 17 Air

With the 2025 iPhone launch, Apple will introduce an ultra thin "iPhone 17 Air," marking the first notable redesign to the iPhone's form factor in several years. The device will replace the Plus model in Apple's iPhone 17 lineup. iPhone 17 Air is just a placeholder name, and we don't know what Apple will call the new device, but multiple rumors have confirmed Apple's work on a super thin iPhone.

Four Colors

Apple plans to offer the iPhone 17 Air in four colors, including black, silver, light gold, and light blue, according to leaker Majin Bu. Macworld has also independently corroborated the four colors.

• Black


• White


• Light Blue


• Light Gold

It's not clear if light gold will be Apple's actual marketing name for this color, but light blue is thought to be a re-emergence of Sky Blue, the same color that debuted on the latest M4 MacBook Air models Apple released in March.

The new lighter blue color option for the device was first mentioned by Weibo leaker "Fixed Focus Digital," who suggests that this blue shade will be central to Apple's marketing for the new device. Described as significantly lighter than any previous blue Apple has released, the color may appear almost white in low-light conditions. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has also independently confirmed the light blue color.


The finish is said to echo Apple's past use of lighter tones, particularly the iPhone 13 Pro's "Sierra Blue." That color marked a shift toward more subtle, pastel-like shades – metallic and icy, it shifted between blue and light gray depending on the lighting. Apple continued this trend with the softer, pastel finishes introduced in the iPhone 15 lineup.

Majin Bu has said that it "looks even more stunning than the much-loved Sierra Blue of the iPhone 13 Pro, with a brightness and refinement that make it irresistible."



The Sky Blue finish on the MacBook Air is not very saturated, and the color's appearance can vary based on lighting conditions. Apple describes it as "a beautiful, metallic light blue that creates a dynamic gradient when light reflects off of its surface."

iPhone 17 Pro Models

Apple has stuck with muted colors for its recent iPhone "Pro" models made from titanium. For the iPhone 16 Pro, Apple offered a new Desert Titanium color. The iPhone 16 Pro also comes in Natural Titanium, White Titanium, and Black Titanium.



This year, however, iPhone 17 Pro models are rumored to have an aluminum frame instead of titanium. The back of the devices will also reportedly have a new "part-aluminum, part-glass" design. This could potentially usher in all-new color choices for Apple's high-end iPhone 17 models. And so far, we have heard rumors of at least two.

Five Colors

Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 Pro models will have a new copper-like orange color option, according to accessory specialist and occasional leaker Sonny Dickson. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has also independently confirmed the new color.

Dickson has shared images of alleged lens covers for the rear cameras on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models, with five color labels. Macworld has independently corroborated the colors:

• Black


• White


• Gray


• Dark Blue


• Orange

Apple is seemingly sticking with some familiar finishes for the iPhone 16 Pro lineup: the black, gray, and silver colors probably match the current Black Titanium, Natural Titanium, and White Titanium options. However, a dark blue lens cover hints at the possible return of Blue Titanium, last seen with the iPhone 15 Pro.

The standout though is the orange lens cover, which may signal the debut of a completely new copper-like finish – an option Apple has never offered on any iPhone before.

• iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

What do you think of the color options in this year's iPhone 17 series? Let us know in the comments.
This article, "iPhone 17 Colors: Every Rumored Option for the Full Lineup" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Apple and Samsung have reportedly issued cease-and-desist notices to Xiaomi in India for an ad campaign that directly compares the rivals' devices to Xiaomi's products. The two companies have threatened the Chinese vendor with legal action, calling the ads "disparaging."


Ads have appeared in local print media and on social media that take pot shots at the competitors' premium offerings. One full-page print ad published in April wished readers a "Happy April Fools' Day" if they believed the iPhone 16 Pro Max's cameras could match those on Xiaomi's recently launched 15 Ultra.

In March, another print ad described the triple lens array on the iPhone 16 Pro Max as "cute" and questioned whether it was "really the best," while touting the Ultra's higher camera specifications and more affordable price. Xiaomi has launched similar ad campaigns against Samsung.

Apple and Samsung contend that the tone of Xiaomi's promotions went beyond fair competition, and portrayed the global market leaders in a negative light. Comparative advertising in India is not prohibited provided they are fact-based and fair, but lawyers can legitimately get involved if the tone and language is perceived as mocking.


Samsung's promotional jabs at Apple have recently taken a more understated approach. Its ads typically don't call out iPhones outright, and instead spotlight features where Samsung believes it has the edge.

The tech giants' responses to this particular ad campaign indicate just how fiercely contested India's smartphone sector has become. As the country's two leading high-end vendors, both brands obviously see their reputation and market share as vital in one of the world's fastest-growing and most lucrative markets, and intend to defend them using all the legal tools at their disposal.
This article, "Apple and Samsung Push Back Against Xiaomi's Bold India Ads" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

LEGO has an "Ideas" website that allows fans to submit mockups and suggestions for future LEGO sets, and one fan has designed a faithful recreation of Apple's iconic 1998 iMac G3 in translucent Bondi Blue.


Designer terauma's 700-piece concept stays true to the original setup, including the distinctive all-in-one computer, "hockey puck" mouse, and matching keyboard, all connected with the appropriately translucent cables that defined the era's aesthetic.

The design incorporates the classic clear elements throughout and includes internal details like a cathode ray tube and even a circuit board representation.


Since launching on May 17, the proposal has gathered nearly 4,500 votes. If the LEGO ‌iMac G3 gets 10,000 "supporters" or votes on the LEGO ideas site, LEGO will review it and will consider it for an official retail set.

It's unclear if Apple would approve such a set, and it's unknown if it will pass LEGO's review. LEGO evaluates submissions based on existing products, products already in development, brand fit, expected demand, licensing possibilities, build quality, and more.


The submission follows other Apple-themed LEGO concepts, including last year's Apple Store design that successfully reached the review threshold. If you're into LEGO, maybe consider giving it your vote!
This article, "Check Out This LEGO Classic Bondi Blue iMac G3" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

The UK government's secret demand for Apple to create backdoor access to encrypted user data was far broader than previously known, reports the Financial Times. British officials didn't just want to break Apple's Advanced Data Protection feature, but sought to tap a swathe of standard iCloud services used by millions worldwide.


New court filings published on Wednesday by the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPC) show the Home Office's technical capability notice (TCN) "is not limited to" Apple's Advanced Data Protection feature, reports the FT. The order also included requirements for Apple to "provide and maintain a capability to disclose categories of data stored within a cloud-based backup service," suggesting the UK wanted access to backed-up messages and passwords.

Perhaps most significantly, the court document states that "the obligations included in the TCN are not limited to the UK or users of the service in the UK; they apply globally in respect of the relevant data categories of all iCloud users."

The revelation comes after Trump administration officials claimed last week that the UK had agreed to drop its encryption demands following pressure from the U.S. director of national intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and vice president JD Vance. However, the new filing suggests the Home Office has yet to formally modify or rescind its global data access demands.

Apple withdrew its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature from UK customers in February after receiving the secret government order, but the court documents imply this was only the tip of the iceberg. ADP provides end-to-end encryption for additional iCloud categories like Photos, Notes, and device backups, while standard iCloud already encrypts data in transit and at rest but allows Apple to access it with proper legal requests.

The case is arguably the most significant encryption battle since Apple's 2016 fight with the FBI over unlocking the San Bernardino shooter's iPhone. Apple has consistently maintained that creating backdoors would compromise security for all users and inevitably be exploited by malicious actors.

The IPC will hear Apple's legal challenge in open court early next year, although the UK government refuses to confirm or deny the existence of the Home Office order. The court has agreed to proceed based on "assumed facts" to avoid participants violating the Official Secrets Act.

One person familiar with the case told FT they were "still very concerned this is still going on," despite public statements from U.S. officials about the UK backing down.
This article, "UK Still Demanding Global Access to iCloud User Data, Filings Suggest" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Apple's annual fall event takes place on Tuesday, September 9, when it is expected to unveil the new iPhone 17 lineup, an Apple Watch Series 11, a third-generation Apple Watch Ultra, and potentially AirPods Pro 3. It may also make some additional new products available, but there are a handful of rumored upcoming devices that we don't expect to make an appearance this month.


To help set expectations ahead of Apple's "Awe Dropping" event, we've compiled a list of products that Apple is unlikely to announce in September, but rather later on in the year or in 2026 and beyond.

M5-Powered Macs

Apple is developing new Macs powered by the company's next-generation M5 chip, which is expected to feature an enhanced ARM architecture manufactured using TSMC's advanced 3-nanometer process technology.


The last time Apple refreshed the MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and iMac was late October 2024, when the machines received M4 chips. The previous year, Apple dropped the M3 Macbook Pro in October. Does that mean we will see new Macs arriving later in 2025?

It's unlikely. Rumors suggest Apple won't refresh any Macs with updated M5 chips this year. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, updated MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models are now planned for the first half of 2026. Apple is also expected to refresh the iMac and Mac mini with M5 series chips – but again, not until sometime next year.

New iPad Air and iPad 12

Apple in March 2025 updated the iPad Air with two seventh-generation models, adding updated M3 chips to the lineup. It released an 11th-generation mainstream iPad with an A16 chip the same month. Given Apple's recent trend of updating the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air models annually, don't expect Apple to drop a surprise refresh in September. Indeed, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says updated iPad Airs and new low-end iPads aren't going to be ready until next year.

New Studio Display

Apple is working on a new version of the Studio Display with the same 27-inch screen size. According to display analyst Ross Young, it could be upgraded to mini-LED technology instead of LCD, which would bring improved contrast and HDR, increased brightness, and better color accuracy.

Apple's next-generation Studio Display will contain an "A19 Pro" chip, based on Apple code reviewed by MacRumors. The A19 Pro is almost certain to debut in the iPhone 17 Pro and ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max next month. Apple is said to be planning to unveil the new Studio Display in early 2026 alongside new M5 Macs, according to Gurman.

iPhone 17e

Introduced in February 2025, the iPhone 16e is the next-generation version of the iPhone SE, and it is the most affordable iPhone that Apple sells at the current time, starting at $599.

Apple plans to continue with the "e" iPhone line, and there is an iPhone 17e in development for launch in the first half of 2026, reports Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The next-generation iPhone 17e could feature a new industrial design, an updated Dynamic Island, and a faster A19 chip. While the current iPhone 16e has a notch at the top of the display, the iPhone 17e could transition to the Dynamic Island.

AirPods Max 2

Apple introduced the AirPods Max in December 2020, so it's been nearly five years since the original launched. Last year, Apple updated the headphones with USB-C charging to comply with EU regulations, as well as some new color options, but no other meaningful improvements were made.

AirPods Max fans hoping for a second-generation version of Apple's over-ear headphones shouldn't hold their breath, though. Gurman recently said they were stuck in a commercial limbo – "too popular for Apple to stop selling them, and not popular enough for the company to invest a ton of time and money into creating a new version." Earlier this year, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said AirPods Max 2 could enter mass production in 2027.

"HomePad" – HomePod With a Screen

Apple is rumored to be working on a smart home hub that has been nicknamed the "HomePad." The device is expected to have a square iPad-like screen that can be attached to a HomePod-like speaker base, or it can be mounted on a wall.

• How to Watch iPhone 17 Event on September 9: 'Awe Dropping'

Siri integration is expected, with ‌Siri‌ able to answer questions similar to how the ‌HomePod‌ works. In fact, after originally aiming for a release earlier this year, Apple has reportedly delayed the launch of the home hub due to the issues that it has had developing the Apple Intelligence version of ‌Siri‌. Bloomberg now reports that the device will be introduced early next year.

Possibly, Maybe

In addition to the iPhone 17 series, new Apple Watch models and AirPods Pro 3, Apple is expected to prepare other products for release this year. Still, the company is unlikely to draw too much attention away from its flagship smartphones, and may choose to save the following products for a separate event or launch them via press release in October or November:

• M5 iPad Pro


• Next-Gen Apple TV 4K


• HomePod mini 2


• M5 Apple Vision Pro

What are you looking forward to most from Apple this year? Let us know in the comments.
This article, "What Not to Expect at Apple's 'Awe Dropping' September 9 Event" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Despite being over two years old, Apple's AirPods Pro 2 still dominate the premium wireless‑earbud space, thanks to a potent mix of top‑tier audio, class‑leading noise cancellation, and Apple's habit of delivering major new features through software updates. Rumors suggest AirPods Pro 3 could arrive as soon as September 2025 alongside the iPhone 17 lineup, giving prospective AirPods buyers a dilemma: snap up the proven AirPods Pro 2 at today's prices, or hold off for the next‑generation model that could raise the bar once again?


Apart from their sonic strengths, the enduring popularity of AirPods Pro 2 owes much to Apple's ongoing feature rollouts. iOS 17 (2023) introduced Adaptive Audio, mute controls, and faster device switching. iOS 18 (2024) followed up with head‑gesture Siri commands, Voice Isolation, finer Adaptive Audio sliders, and a Personalized Spatial Audio mode for gamers. Apple then used iOS 18.1 and iOS 18.2 to add FDA‑authorized hearing‑aid functionality in supported regions, letting ‌AirPods Pro‌ 2 double as over‑the‑counter hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss.

2025 AirPods Pro: What the Rumors Say

Design and Case Tweaks

Every credible report agrees that AirPods Pro 3 will inherit today's software feature set, but hardware refinements are also expected. Multiple supply‑chain sources point to a refreshed look for both the buds and the case, with rumors of a slimmer form factor, a concealed status LED, and a front‑facing capacitive pairing button – an approach taken for Apple's fourth‑generation AirPods.

Audio Processor and ANC Upgrades

Under the hood, Apple is said to be testing a faster audio chip that drives "much better" Active Noise Cancellation than the already‑impressive ‌AirPods Pro‌ 2 manage. That bump will be crucial if Apple hopes to stay ahead of rivals like Sony's WF‑1000XM5 and Bose's QuietComfort Ultra.

Health Sensors: Heart‑Rate Monitoring

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is adding in‑ear heart‑rate tracking to ‌AirPods Pro‌ 3. The company's recent Powerbeats Pro 2 already capture heart data during workouts but cannot stream music to gym equipment simultaneously. Apple will need to nail seamless audio playback alongside biometric reporting if ‌AirPods Pro‌ 3 are to satisfy fitness‑focused users, but Apple Watch owners are unlikely to be enthused by heart rate monitoring, given they already have the feature on their wrist.

In‑Ear Temperature Detection

Apple is also researching ear‑canal temperature sensing, which – if it ships – could offer faster, more reliable body‑temperature readings than the skin‑temperature estimates produced by Apple Watch Series 8 and later. Whether the sensor will be production‑ready in time for a 2025 release remains unclear.

On‑Device Live Translation

One rumor claims ‌AirPods Pro‌ 3 will partner with the iPhone's Translate app to deliver real‑time conversation translation directly through the earbuds. Imagine an English speaker hearing an instant English rendition of a Spanish counterpart's words (and vice versa) without fumbling with handheld devices. Implementation details are still thin, but the idea fits in with Apple's broader AI push.

iOS 26 Feature Updates

Apple's upcoming iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe updates will add several new features to AirPods via a firmware update, including the auto-pausing audio when you fall asleep, the ability to use AirPods as a camera remote, an option to keep audio in your AirPods when your ‌iPhone‌ connected to other playback devices (like car stereos), and improved call quality.

Looking Ahead

Longer‑term, analyst Ming‑Chi Kuo believes Apple is prototyping AirPods with infrared cameras to enhance spatial‑audio experiences, while Gurman has heard of small cameras being explored for AI‑driven features. The infrared cameras could potentially enable "in-air gesture control" as well, allowing for device interaction with hand movements. Both projects are said to be high priority inside Apple, but neither is likely to debut before 2026.

AirPods 4 Hints

The fourth‑generation AirPods offer useful clues to Apple's design cues for ‌AirPods Pro 3‌. Apple has replaced the rear setup button with a hidden capacitive sensor under the status light on the case front, and the LED itself now disappears when inactive. These stealth touches make for Apple's smallest and lightest charging case yet, and it is hard to imagine the company not extending them to the Pro line.

Release Date

While there are widespread expectations for a 2025 launch, there have been some conflicting reports more recently. Analyst Jeff Pu of GF Securities Hong Kong suggests Apple may not launch the ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ until 2026, while fellow analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has also hinted at potential delays.

That said, evidence continues to mount for a 2025 release, including recent Apple beta software updates that leaked code hinting at ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ happening soon. ‌iOS 26‌ code includes a specific mention of "‌AirPods Pro 3‌" by name hidden in audio interface elements.

Fortunately, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who initially reported on the 2025 timeline, said in his Power On newsletter over the weekend that Apple plans to ship new ‌AirPods Pro‌ models in the fall.

Historically, Apple has launched significant AirPods updates alongside new iPhones, so an early September event, likely shared with the upcoming ‌iPhone‌ 17 series, remains the most plausible window. Apple is expected to hold its annual ‌iPhone‌ announcement event during the week of September 8, 2025, with September 9 or 10 emerging as the most likely dates. According to internal information from German mobile phone providers, the ‌iPhone 17‌ event is scheduled for Tuesday, September 9.

Summing Up

With AirPods Pro 3 potentially arriving soon, should you wait or pick up an existing model? AirPods 4 put Active Noise Cancellation within reach at $179, while AirPods Pro 2 continue to satisfy with top‑tier sound, proven ANC, and hearing‑aid mode. But if heart‑rate tracking, live translation, and even better ANC sound appealing, AirPods Pro 3 promise the biggest leap since the original Pros, and hopefully without raising the $249 price tag.
This article, "AirPods Pro 3 Coming This Fall – Here's What We Know" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums