Apple Event 2025 live blog: Recapping the questionably ‘awe-dropping’ event

Earlier today, Apple finally unveiled its ultra-thin smartphone, the iPhone Air. The phone features a titanium body and has the same A19 Pro chip as the iPhone 17 Pro models. However, like other thin phones, it’s expected to struggle with battery life. Apple has a fix for that problem: a $99 MagSafe Battery accessory.

However, as you can see in this photo taken at Apple Park by Mashable’s sister site CNET, when you attach the extra battery pack, the iPhone Air doesn’t look quite as thin, does it?

The iPhone Air without its little helper.
Credit: CNET

We’re waiting for our chance to review the iPhone Air and put its battery to the test. In the meantime, we’ve broken down what we know about the iPhone Air battery.

We should also note that we’re not the only ones with questions about the iPhone Air’s battery:

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Reporters from Mashable’s sister site CNET were on the ground at Apple Park today to demo the new iPhone 17. They shared these photos from the crowded demo room, where tech journalists went hands-on with the new iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the ultra-thin iPhone Air.

Side note: Is that Mr. Beast lurking behind Apple CEO Tim Cook?

Tim Cook shows off his new toys.
Credit: CNET

CNET’s Patrick Holland tries the iPhone 17 Pro.
Credit: CNET

CNET’s Abrar Al-Heeti shows off the iPhone Air.
Credit: CNET

The iPhone 17 Pro on display at Apple Park.
Credit: CNET

The iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max on display at Apple Park.
Credit: CNET

Today, the eyes of the tech world were on the iPhone 17, but two of last year’s iPhone 16 models received a price drop at the Apple store. For people who weren’t all that impressed by the new iPhone 17, consider it a consolation prize.

Here are the updated prices for the iPhone 16 line:

• iPhone 16 – $699 (was $799)

• iPhone 16 Plus – $799 (was $899)

• iPhone 16 Pro – $999

• iPhone 16 Pro Max – $1,199

• iPhone 16e – $599

Beyond new phones, Apple used the stage to quietly roll out a fresh wave of accessories designed to complement its thinnest iPhone yet and the rest of the iPhone 17 lineup. These add-ons show Apple trying to balance style, practicality, and a little flair.

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One of the highlights is a new bumper-style clear case for the iPhone Air, which is only a millimeter thick. The idea is to keep the device protected without ruining the appeal of its razor-thin design. For those going Pro, Apple has ditched FineWoven and moved to a new TechWoven case, made with multi-colored yarn for a more refined look and a coating to prevent the stains and wear that plagued last year’s material.

Apple is also leaning into accessories as fashion. The company introduced a crossbody strap that clips into MagSafe-enabled cases, letting you sling your iPhone Air or iPhone 17 Pro across your body. It’s part convenience, part style statement.

To address the iPhone Air’s battery shortcomings, Apple revealed a MagSafe battery pack tailored for the new device. With the pack attached, Apple says users can stretch to around 40 hours of use, critical for a phone built around thinness over battery life.

If you’re ready to upgrade, you’ll have to wait a little bit longer. Pre-orders for the new iPhone 17 lineup will officially open on Friday, Sept. 12 at the Apple store. The phones will start shipping on Sept. 19.

• iPhone 17 (lavender, mist blue, sage, black, white) — starting at $799

• iPhone Air (space black, sky blue, cloud white, light gold) — starting at $999

• iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max (silver, deep blue, cosmic orange) — starting at $1,099 and $1,199

What about today’s other new products?

You can pre-order the new AirPods Pro 3 now, and they’ll be officially released everywhere AirPods are sold on Sept. 19. As of this writing, they’re only available for pre-order at the Apple Store. Finally, the new Apple Watches are also available for pre-order and shipping on Sept. 19.

Apple has always loved to tout its design chops, but this year it went all in on thinness. The new iPhone Air is being billed as the company’s slimmest phone ever, and the numbers back that up. Mashable’s Anna Iovine looked at just how thin the Air is compared to its cousins.

The already-released iPhone 16 measures 0.31 inches thick (about 7.8 mm), and the standard iPhone 17 sticks to the exact same depth. The Pro and Pro Max models bulk up a bit, coming in at 0.34 inches (8.75 mm) thanks to their bigger batteries and upgraded camera hardware.

But the Air makes them all look chunky. At just 0.22 inches (5.64 mm), it’s dramatically thinner than the rest of the lineup. That’s nearly a full millimeter slimmer than the iPhone 16 and 17, and more than three millimeters off the Pro models. Whether you’ll actually feel that difference when sliding it into your pocket is debatable, but on paper, it’s the most aggressive design shift Apple has made in years

One of the sleeper hits of today’s event is the arrival of Center Stage on the iPhone’s selfie camera. Previously limited to iPads and Macs, the feature uses smart panning to keep you perfectly framed — even if you move around.

Apple is also pushing the hardware further. The new “innovative front camera system” enables high-resolution selfies in any orientation (portrait or landscape), and even supports stabilized selfies while moving. The goal: sharp, steady video and photos without having to fuss over angles or holding still.

Mashable’s Anna Iovine notes Apple is calling this the best choice for content creators — and given the push toward video-first platforms, it’s a clear sign Apple wants the iPhone 17 to be your go-to for filming yourself, whether you’re live on TikTok or recording a podcast promo.

Apple’s September event is officially over. We got the full iPhone 17 lineup — from the ultra-thin Air to the powerhouse Pro Max — plus the AirPods Pro 3 and a refreshed Apple Watch family with the Series 11, SE 3, and Ultra 3. Along the way, Apple dropped new accessories, big health features, and its latest push into Apple Intelligence.

But not everything showed up. As we guessed already, Siri did not receive major AI updates, and there was nothing on the rumored HomePod mini 2 or AirTag 2.

Preorders start this Friday, and everything hits shelves on Sept. 19.

Apple is simplifying storage across the board: every iPhone 17 model now starts at 256GB. Pricing kicks off at $799 for the iPhone 17, $999 for the 17 Air, $1,099 for the 17 Pro, and $1,199 for the Pro Max, which also offers a new 2TB storage option.

For budget buyers, older iPhones will get a discount, with the iPhone 16e now at $599. All models will be available to preorder this Friday, with a September 19 release date.

Credit: Mashable Screenshot/Apple

Apple is calling the iPhone 17 Pro its “most advanced iPhone ever,” and the hardware certainly backs that up. It introduces a new thermal management system with a vapor chamber to keep performance steady, and it’s powered by the A19 Pro chip, which Apple says delivers 40 percent better performance than the 16 Pro. Durability upgrades match the rest of the lineup, with Ceramic Shield 2 front and back and a titanium frame.

Camera upgrades are front and center: for the first time, all three rear cameras are 48MP. The telephoto lens now packs a larger sensor, and the front-facing Center Stage camera jumps to 18MP for sharper selfies and video calls.

The Pro is shipping in Cosmic Orange and Deep Blue, but early online reactions are… less than glowing. Some are already dragging the new back camera “plateau” design and the bold color choices. On the practical side, Apple says eSIM-only models will get improved battery life.

Apple knows the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air comes with some battery trade-offs, so it’s rolling out a few new solutions. iOS 26 introduces an Adaptive Power Mode that’s supposed to stretch the phone to “all-day battery life,” though Apple left the actual hour count vague.

To back that up, there’s a new MagSafe battery extender designed specifically for the Air. Apple also showed off fresh accessories, including custom translucent cases, a polycarbonate case option, and a crossbody strap that connects with MagSafe for easy carry.

Apple just unveiled the thinnest iPhone ever: the new iPhone Air. Despite its ultra-slim build, it packs a 6.5-inch display with ProMotion 120Hz, peaks at 3,000 nits brightness, and is wrapped in Ceramic Shield 2 on both front and back plus a titanium frame— which Apple says makes it more durable than any iPhone before. Colors include space black, cloud white, light gold, and sky blue.

Credit: Mashable Screenshot/Apple

Powering the Air is the A19 Pro chip with a 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU, alongside Apple’s new N1 chip for better wireless connectivity—supporting Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and the upgraded C1X modem, which is twice as fast as C1. Apple is calling this the most power-efficient iPhone it has ever made.

On the camera front, the 17 Air carries a 48MP Fusion Camera system, combining multiple lenses into one versatile setup that tries its hardest to keep quality high without the bulk.

Apple’s packing a serious punch into the iPhone 17’s camera system. It features a new 48MP dual fusion setup, a 12MP 2x telephoto, and a 48MP fusion ultrawide camera—a lineup built to handle everything from everyday shots to wide landscapes.

Credit: Mashable Screenshot/Apple

The Center Stage camera on the front of the iPhone debuts. It allows for high-res selfies in any orientation, so you no longer need to rotate the phone just to frame a landscape shot.

Apple also highlighted stabilized selfies while moving, aiming to keep your front-facing photos and videos sharp even on the go.

Apple is showing off major screen upgrades with the new Super Retina XDR display. It now supports ProMotion with a silky 120Hz refresh rate, hits a record-setting 3,000 nits of brightness, and layers in a 7-layer anti-reflective coating plus Ceramic Shield 2 for 3x the scratch resistance. Apple says it’s all about readability in any environment.

Credit: Mashable Screenshot/Apple

Under the hood, the new A19 chip brings a re-engineered display engine, a 16-core neural engine, a 6-core CPU, and a 5-core GPU. Combined with increased memory bandwidth, Apple claims it’s 20 percent faster than the iPhone 16.

Battery life also improves, with 8 extra hours of video playback compared to the last generation. When you need a top-up, the phone can reach 50 percent charge in just 20 minutes. This year’s color options include lavender, mist blue, black, and sage.

Apple’s rugged watch just got its biggest upgrade yet. The Ultra 3 introduces a new wide-angle OLED display that boosts screen area without changing case size — making it the largest display ever on an Apple Watch. It also supports a new 1Hz always-on refresh for better efficiency.

Credit: Mashable Screenshot/Apple

Connectivity gets a major lift with 5G cellular and brand-new satellite support, including Emergency SOS via satellite for off-grid safety. Power has been bumped too: battery life climbs to 42 hours, up from 36 on the last model.

The Ultra 3 comes in black and natural titanium finishes, keeping its adventure-ready build while layering in the most advanced Apple Watch hardware to date.

Apple kept the familiar name for its entry-level wearable — no rebrand after all. The SE 3 comes with the S10 chip (not the S11 many expected), but it’s still getting meaningful upgrades across the board.

The watch now supports gesture controls like double-tap and flick, adds expanded health tracking features, and introduces temperature sensing for the first time. It also supports on-device Siri, making interactions faster and more private.

Battery life remains at 18 hours, but Apple has added fast charging — up to 2x faster than before. That’s a first for the SE line, and it helps bring the model closer to parity with the flagship watches.

Apple opened its smartwatch segment with an emotional montage of people crediting the Watch with saving their lives in medical emergencies — setting the stage for its next chapter in health.

The Series 11 sports a tougher design with durable glass that’s two times more scratch resistant, plus a titanium build in new gold and slate finishes. It’s now 5G-capable for faster connectivity, more power efficient, and delivers 24 hours of battery life. Color options include jet black, silver, rose gold, and space gray.

Credit: Apple

On the health front, this is Apple’s most ambitious Watch yet. Cycle tracking and mental health tracking return, but the headline addition is a new hypertension tracker — designed to spot signs of chronic high blood pressure. Apple admits it won’t catch everything, but it projects over 1 million diagnoses in the first year. The feature is awaiting FDA clearance, but Apple says it will roll out in the U.S. and Europe.

Other upgrades include a sleep score system that monitors your rest. And, of course, watchOS 26 brings fresh watchfaces to round things out.

Apple just unveiled the next-gen AirPods Pro 3, introduced by Kate Bergeron, VP of Hardware Engineering. The presentation even kicked off with a cheeky throwback to Apple’s original dancing iPod ads — this time, spotlighting earbuds instead of wired headphones.

Credit: Mashable Screenshot/Apple

Apple is promising breakthrough audio performance with this generation. The new buds deliver a “breathtaking spatial experience,” pack foam-infused ear tips for better fit and comfort, and supercharged Active Noise Cancellation — twice as strong as AirPods Pro 2 and four times the cancellation power of the original Pros.

They also boast longer battery life, with up to 8 hours of ANC and as much as 10 hours in transparency mode.

In addition, Apple is layering in live translation powered by Apple Intelligence, showing how its AI push is starting to reach across the company’s hardware lineup.

It’s starting everyone, get in here now!

Firefox is jumping on the Apple Intelligence train. As spotted by MacRumors, the iOS 26 version of Firefox is rolling out a new feature called “Shake to Summarize.” Give your iPhone a shake, and the browser will generate a quick AI-powered summary of the webpage you’re on.

The tool taps into Apple’s on-device language models when available, but older devices will fall back to Mozilla’s cloud-based AI. Either way, it’s one of the first big third-party integrations with Apple Intelligence.

We’re less than an hour away from seeing what the latest generation of Apple devices. The Apple Event is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. ET. The wait is nearly over!

According to 9to5Mac, Apple’s upcoming HomePod Mini 2 may be a bigger step forward than expected. The refreshed smart speaker is rumored to include a brand-new chip, support for Apple Intelligence and the revamped Siri, an upgraded ultra-wideband chip, improved audio quality, and even fresh colors like red.

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The report notes that this marks the first major update since the Mini’s 2020 debut, and it arrives ahead of Apple’s long-awaited Siri overhaul next spring. That timing means Apple could position the new mini as “AI-ready,” even if the smarter Siri isn’t here yet.

However, we don’t expect to see the new HomePod debut at today’s Apple event. It’s expected to drop later this year alongside a revamped Apple TV streaming device.

All products featured here are independently selected by our editors and writers. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission.

The 10th Gen Apple iPad is on sale for $349 at Amazon, marked down from the list price of $499. That’s $150 off and matches the lowest price on record at Amazon. Keep in mind you’ll want to go with the pink colorway to score this deal.

With the Apple event just hours away, Bloomberg’s famed Apple prognosticator Mark Gurman lays out what to expect. The company is expected to unveil the new iPhone 17 lineup, including an all-new ultra-thin iPhone. Tech reporters have been calling this the iPhone 17 Air — and it should be Apple’s thinnest phone ever, trading battery and camera power for a slimmer design. On the other end, the iPhone 17 Pro models should deliver the opposite: redesigned cameras, better zoom, and longer battery life.

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Gurman also points to a full refresh of the Apple Watch family, including the Series 11, a beefed-up Ultra 3 with satellite connectivity, and an updated SE aimed at Fitbit and Samsung’s entry-level customers. Finally, new AirPods Pro are expected to add heart-rate tracking, pushing the earbuds further into fitness territory.

But don’t expect Apple to focus heavily on AI today. Gurman notes that the big Siri overhaul is still delayed until next year, so today’s showcase is more about hardware — and maybe pricing drama if Apple decides to hike iPhone costs despite competitors holding steady.

All products featured here are independently selected by our editors and writers. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission.

The Apple AirTag four-pack usually comes with a list price of $99, but they’re on sale right now for $74.99 at Amazon. That’s a saving of over $20 — put it towards something that’s announced during the Apple Event 2025.

As Apple’s big event nears, you might be wondering: What’s the best way to watch this thing?

Well, the answer is easy: There are a couple of streaming options to watch the Apple Event 2025 live, and they’re all pretty much the same. You can tune into the official Apple stream on YouTube, or you can just watch it right here, embedded below.

You can also stream the event directly from Apple’s events website. Mashable’s resident Apple expert Stan Schroeder says he uses Safari for this option, mostly out of tradition. “Also, there are whispers that the stream works better in Safari, though every time I compared them, all the options were pretty much the same,” Schroeder says.

Apple is also streaming the event on its Apple TV app. Simply launch the app at the appointed hour, and there will be an option to stream the Apple Event 2025 live.

While we can’t stream the Apple event directly, Mashable’s Tech Editor will be joining tech editors from our sister sites CNET, Lifehacker, and PCMag for a live pre- and post-show event. You can tune into our live coverage on YouTube.

Credit: Apple

As is customary, Apple has taken its online store down ahead of the big “Awe Dropping” event that kicks off in couple of hours.

The store now features the animated, interactive logo — play with it if you like — and a message that reads, “Be right back. We’re making updates to the Apple Store. Check back soon.”

Later today, the Store will return with a bunch of new gadgets to spend your money on. Almost there, folks.

A report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman may be disappointing for those looking for a big upgrade on their Apple Watch Series 10. Its successor, the Apple Watch Series 11, won’t have any dramatic changes; instead, look for “minor tweaks,” such as a brighter display.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 will, however, get its first significant overhaul since the original Watch Ultra launched in September 2022 (The Ultra 2, which Apple launched in 2023, was a minor upgrade). Gurman claims it will come with satellite connectivity and a slightly bigger display. There’s no word on design changes and other updates, but a larger display on a smartwatch is always a big deal.

Good morning: Today is iPhone day.

Just hours ahead of the event, we have some fresh rumors from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who shared his expectations for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max on X.

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According to Gurman, one of the key features for Apple’s top iPhones will be the new heat management system and vapor chamber – something that should ideally improve performance, especially under heavy load.

Other important features, according to the report, include the external design changes, new orange and blue colors, as well as major camera upgrades, which include a 48-megapixel sensor for all of the rear cameras, and improved optical zoom.

We’ve heard about all of these before, but hearing it from Gurman this close to the event makes the report a tad more believable.

iOS 26 and Liquid Glass bring a new design language and feature set to iPhones.
Credit: Apple / Mashable Photo Composite

With iOS 26, Apple is betting big on its new Liquid Glass design language. According to Mashable’s Christian de Looper, it’s essentially a system-wide facelift: software elements layer and shimmer like real glass, giving apps and widgets a sleeker, more natural look. In his view, it’s not just cosmetic either — controls in apps like Safari and Camera feel more streamlined, putting the essentials front and center without unnecessary clutter.

De Looper notes that the lock screen is where Liquid Glass really shines. Notifications, widgets, and the clock all adopt translucent and colored glass effects, while new spatial scenes add a subtle 3D parallax effect. Combined with a full-screen music mode that puts album art front and center, he argues the lock screen feels fresher and more immersive than it has in years.

Across the wider Apple ecosystem, he says Liquid Glass ties together iOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, and iPadOS 26 more consistently than ever. That said, not everything hits — De Looper singles out Messages as “sloppy,” with floating controls that feel unfinished.

Still, after months in beta, his verdict is that Liquid Glass largely delivers on Apple’s promise of making its software prettier and more cohesive. During the Apple Event 2025 tomorrow, we expect to learn the official iOS 26 release date.

All products featured here are independently selected by our editors and writers. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission.

If you’re itching to grab some Apple gear before the big event, a few standout deals are live right now. The 15-inch MacBook Air with M4 chip, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD is down to $1,199 — a solid $200 off its usual price. (The 256GB version is only $1,084.)

Tablet fans can score the 11-inch iPad Pro (M4, 512GB) for $1,049, a $150 discount that makes Apple’s powerhouse slate just a little easier on the wallet.

And if you’re looking to refresh your earbuds, AirPods Pro 2 are under $200 at Amazon, marked down to $199. That’s $50 in savings, and it’s likely one of the best prices you’ll see before Apple unveils the rumored AirPods Pro 3.

The iPhone 17 is expected to give its camera system a serious makeover. The old “camera bump” is rumored to stretch across the back of the phone as a full-width camera island, housing all three lenses in a sleeker but bolder design.

On the Pro models, Apple is said to be completing its megapixel overhaul: the telephoto lens will reportedly get a 48MP upgrade and jump from 5x to 8x optical zoom. Meanwhile, the front-facing TrueDepth camera could finally double from 12MP to 24MP, a big leap for selfies and FaceTime calls.

And Apple isn’t stopping at hardware. Rumors point to official multi-camera video recording coming to the native Camera app, along with a new “Pro Camera” app that would hand users more professional-level controls — potentially rivaling popular third-party apps like Halide or Filmic Pro.

According to 9to5Mac, Apple is preparing to debut a new iPhone 17 accessory called the Crossbody Strap. Case leaks suggest iPhone 17 cases will include lanyard holes, letting the strap snap on via magnets instead of the usual loops and hooks.

Now, we have our first potential look at the new Apple Crossbody Strap, via leaker Sonny Dickson (via 9to5Mac):

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The strap may even work with the redesigned AirPods Pro 3 case, but full details like length remain unknown. Still, the magnetic system promises easier attachment and removal — and hints at Apple leaning further into the iPhone as a dedicated camera tool.

Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 are shaping up to be more than just a refresh. Rumors point to a redesign with a smaller case, upgraded H3 chip, and improved noise cancellation — all aimed at keeping them competitive with the best buds out there.

The biggest buzz, though, is around health tracking. Word is Apple’s adding heart rate and even temperature monitoring right into the earbuds, making workouts more data-rich than ever (if you’re into that sort of thing). Toss in whispers of live translation down the line, and these could be the most ambitious AirPods yet.

Finally, over the weekend, famed Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted that Apple AirPods 4 will arrive in 2026, significantly sooner than expected.

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The short answer? Nope. The long answer: Apple still isn’t ready to roll out its revamped, smarter, AI-powered Siri. Expect plenty of “Apple Intelligence” talk on stage, but the one AI upgrade Apple teased a year ago is apparently still not ready for primetime — at least according to the rumor mill.

Would it shock the tech world if Apple pulled a fast one and dropped the new Siri tomorrow? Absolutely. Is it impossible? Never say never.

Bad pun aside, tomorrow’s event could bring not one, not two, but three fresh additions to Apple’s watch lineup.

We’re expecting the Apple Watch Series 11 (naturally), a new Apple Watch Ultra 3 (its first refresh since 2022), and the updated Apple Watch SE. All three are rumored to run on the new S11 chip, though don’t count on any jaw-dropping performance leaps.

What really matters: bigger displays, energy-efficient screens to stretch battery life, and — at long last — 5G. One more wrinkle? The SE may also get a rebrand as Apple simplifies its naming scheme.

Apple’s got a new phone in the lineup this year — and it’s going to be thin.

The rumored (and soon-to-be-announced) iPhone 17 Air is set to become the company’s slimmest device yet, measuring just 5.5mm thick and weighing in at about 145 grams. But that diet has a cost: Apple has reportedly cut the camera array from three lenses down to a single shooter, and the battery is noticeably smaller, so don’t expect marathon screen time.

All that minimalist engineering can be yours for $899 (we think) — the exact same price as the iPhone 16 Plus, which the 17 Air is expected to replace going forward.

Credit: Zain bin Awais / Mashable Photo Composite

The big iPhone 17 reveal is about 24 hours away, and on the eve of the event, two major leaks are lighting up the tech world.

First, a Korean mobile carrier has allegedly leaked the full specs of the iPhone 17 lineup. On X (via Apple Insider), leaker @Jukanlosreve shared an image with the full specs of the various iPhone 17 models compared to the Samsung S25 Edge. The original X post has since been deleted, but the leaked specs include a Pro model with 8K video support, the A19 Pro chip, and 12GB of RAM.

Previously, the well-known Chinese leaker Setsuna Digital revealed on Weibo (courtesy of GSMArena) that the iPhone 17 Pro Max will have a 5,000mAh battery, which would be a first in the iPhone 17 lineup. Last year’s iPhone 16 Pro Max had a 4,685mAh battery.

Of course, these leaks aren’t official news. For that, we’ll have to wait for the official livestream on Tuesday.

Mashable reporters have been covering the Apple Event 2025 from all angles. Catch up on some of the most critical news and leaks from the past two weeks: