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Macworld
In just three days, Apple will hold a press event to announce its latest round of new products. We’ve seen the artwork, we’ve read the tagline (“Awe Dropping”), and we can be pretty sure the iPhone 17 will make an appearance. But everything else is shrouded in mystery.
Until now. Yes, that’s right. Once again, Macworld sent a team of hard-bitten journalists to rummage through the bins at Apple Park, and once again, they hit pay dirt: the full presentation script, storyboards, rehearsal tapes, props, costumes, one of those old-timey movie clapperboards, and several half-eaten sandwiches. We’ve eaten the sandwiches and used the rest to painstakingly construct a minute-by-minute simulation of the iPhone 17 launch event, which you can enjoy below.
Just to be 100 percent clear, this isn’t real. Our “script” is based on detailed analysis of credible leaks and rumors, with a few (hopefully obvious) jokes mixed in. Please don’t send in any more angry emails.
Introductory guff
09:58 a.m.: We’re live! The pre-stream is up and running. If you’re thinking the music sounds familiar, it’s “Platitude Queen” by Onion Terror. Which of course was used earlier this year in the opening credits of Apple TV+’s gritty remake of “Keeping Up Appearances.” What a triumphant performance that was from Margot Robbie.
10:00: The stream proper begins. Cut to a darkened city street. A young woman is jogging from streetlight to streetlight, glancing periodically at the workout stats on her Apple Watch Ultra. (Is that a bigger watch, or a small actress?) “You can do this!” the watch says, surprisingly. “Just one mile to go. Vitals steady. Plenty of energy left. You’re on track to beat your personal best!”
10:02: A middle-aged man on a graffitied subway train taps his AirPods. “Adjusting audio,” it says. “Blocking out the annoying guy next to you.” Now he’s in a restaurant. “Translating from Cantonese,” the headphones report, and he begins to order.
10:04: An elderly woman takes out her iPhone–which is in a case, so it’s hard to get a clear view of the design–and summons Siri. “Has there ever been a boy born who can swim faster than a shark?” she asks. “Still no,” Siri replies wearily.
10:06: And now the camera is flying through the clouds above Apple Park. It swoops down, and there, standing in front of the familiar rainbow sculpture, is Apple CEO Tim Cook. “Good morning!” he says. “We’ve got a fantastic show for you today.”
10:07: “Apple products make the world a better place,” Cook trills. “They play a vital role at work and in our free time. They help us to improve our health and stay in touch with loved ones. They put the world’s knowledge at our fingertips. And they deliver sustainable shareholder value by hitting high-margin KPIs going forward.”
10:09: Today’s event is going to focus on three areas, Cook says: iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. “To talk us through the exciting changes coming to iPhone, it’s over to Kaiann.”
Foundry
iPhone 17
10.10: Kaiann Drance, Apple’s VP of iPhone product marketing, has got the big gig once again, after presenting the iPhone 16 last year. She’s standing next to a colossal iPhone box and looks alarmingly enthusiastic.
10:11: “Thanks Tim, great to be here,” she says. “I’m super-excited to talk about iPhone! After last year’s thrilling iPhone 16 launch we sat down and asked ourselves one question: what’s the absolute minimum we could change and still have people upgrade their phones, thereby maintaining a sustainable long-term revenue stream?”
10:12: “And today I’m proud to reveal the answer to that question! Please welcome iPhone 17: Another Year Has Passed™.”
10:13: Time for a marketing video! And we’re seeing the new iPhone in all its glory. Which largely fits with the leaked images we’ve been bombarded with for the past three months: there’s a handsome new purple finish (here we go again; Apple tried purple on the iPhone 12 and 14, then gave up on the color for a while), the blue model is much paler, and pink has vanished altogether (boo!). But the essence of the design appears the same: the two rear camera lenses, for example, remain in the same vertical alignment as on the iPhone 16.
10:14: “iPhone 17 is our best ever iPhone,” Drance says smugly. “We took everything you loved about iPhone 16 and made it fractionally better. Our brand-new A19 processor delivers market-leading performance on even the most demanding apps, while an upgraded 24MP front-facing camera ensures the sharpest selfies you’ve ever seen.”
10:16: “And as for the screen… goodness me, what a transformation! For the first time ever on a non-Pro iPhone, we’re offering an always-on display, but that’s not all. All of this month’s new iPhones have LTPO screens with a stunning 120Hz rate and our popular ProMotion feature, so you can look forward to buttery-smooth animation while maintaining our usual exceptional battery life.”
10:18: Pre-orders for the iPhone 17 are open now, and it will ship on September 19. Prices start at $799 for the 128GB model, which is the same as the entry-level iPhone 16 last year. Evidently Apple managed to shrug off the effects of the tariffs, at least for now. That’s good news.
10:19: “That’s iPhone 17. We think you’re going to love it.”
iPhone 17 Pro (and 17 Pro Max)
10.20: Drance is sticking around, and we’re heading straight into the iPhone 17 Pro. No mention so far of the rumored iPhone 17 Air, but it’s a bit of a giveaway that the iPhone 17 was only shown in a single screen size. Presumably the Air will be announced later?
10:21: “Apple’s Pro series of iPhones are the industry standard for premium smartphone design,” Drance says. “In fact, they make even our standard iPhones look like disgusting trash. Needless to say, talking about the pathetic iPhone 17 just now was a real ordeal for me. So I’m excited to announce iPhone 17 Pro.”
10:23: We’re seeing the new handsets now. Most obviously, the rear camera module has been heavily redesigned: it’s now a broad bar that covers almost the full width of the phone’s back surface. (The camera lenses themselves, conversely, look the same.) And here too we’re seeing new color options, with the Pro models available in a startling new orange and a far more somber dark blue as well as the usual black, white, and gray. And… is that a smaller Dynamic Island?
10:25: We’re talking performance. Is the 17 Pro getting a bump from 8GB to 12GB of RAM, as rumoured? Apple tends to be cagey about such things. “iPhone 17 Pro is so powerful you’ll literally faint when you see it,” says Drance, unhelpfully. “The A19 Pro chip is faster than a peregrine falcon, which is the fastest animal on earth.”
10:26: “Many people think it’s the cheetah,” she adds. “But it’s not.”
10:27: Camera performance should see a significant improvement. Aside from getting the same 24MP selfie camera as the iPhone 17, the 17 Pro’s telephoto lens has been bumped to a whopping 48MP, up from the 12MP lens on the 16 Pro. That means superior zoom performance, Drance says the Pro models now have a 7x optical zoom before the digital version kicks in.
10:29: Here’s an interesting change: the iPhone 17 Pro gets a mechanical aperture, which means you can customize the amount of light allowed through. “This means an unprecedented level of control over the depth of field,” Drance boasts. We don’t know how this will work in practice, but on the Huawei Mate 50 Pro, you can choose from 10 steps between f/1.4 and f/4.0 or, as most of us will inevitably do, just leave the camera in auto mode.
10:31: “The iPhone 17 Pro has an industry-leading battery and will last you for a scarcely conceivable single day of usage before needing a charge. And charging is now faster than ever, thanks to a huge upgrade to MagSafe.” It’s been bumped from a maximum 25W to 50W, although this will depend on having a compatible charging puck (and power adapter) as well as the iPhone 17 Pro. You may just find a bottleneck in a different part of your charging setup.
10:33: We’re rattling through the iPhone 17 Pro’s other upgrades now. The screen has a new anti-glare finish (ahead of the event, we heard this was also going to be scratch-resistant, but perhaps Apple wants to avoid any references to its phones getting damaged). And there’s a new Apple-designed Wi-Fi/Bluetooth chip, which Drance says will improve power efficiency.
10:35: “That’s iPhone 17 Pro: Anything Else Is Repulsive™. We think you’re going to love it.” It comes out on September 19 and starts at… oh wow, it’s $1,199 for the cheapest 17 Pro, a crazy $200 bump on last year’s model! Granted, you get twice as much storage (the 128GB model has been phased out), but still. The 17 Pro Max starts at $1,299, which is $100 more than the equivalent 16 Pro Max last year. This is a lot to take in.
New Apple Watches
10:36: Tim Cook is back. “Thanks Kaiann! We’re excited for you all to try out the new iPhone 17 range, which we expect to deliver profitable synergy in key market verticals and boost our customer retention analytics. Now on to Apple Watch, and for the last time, it’s over to Jeff.”
10:37: Wow, it’s Jeff Williams! Williams stepped down as Apple COO at the end of July, but he remains with the company until his retirement later this year. Clearly Cook persuaded him to do one last keynote before heading out the door. The man seems emotional: he’s taken off his shoes and one of his socks.
10:38: “Thanks Tim,” he says, visibly moved. “You know, customers come up to me, big customers, tall customers, tears running down their customer faces, and they say, Jeff, the Apple Watch Series 10 is the greatest smartwatch in the world! How can you possibly top that?! And I say, we’re looking into that very strongly.”
10:39: “So today, we’re proud to announce Apple Watch Series 11.”
10:40: Video time! And the new watch looks… exactly the same as the Series 10 f
Macworld
The massive IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin is the CES of Europe and is attended by even more people than the iconic Las Vegas event. Macworld walked the 27 halls for you to find the most interesting new Apple-related products, breezily ignoring Windows PCs and Nintendo Switch accessories.
The new Qi 2.2 (or Qi2 25W as some are calling it) wireless charging technology was the star of the show at IFA when it comes to charging accessories. The new wireless charging tech takes speeds from the humdrum 7.5W and once-exciting 15W to a wired-charging-like 25W. It means you could charge an iPhone 16 to 50 percent in around 25 minutes (under ideal conditions). And it has to be an iPhone 16 or an upcoming iPhone 17 (running at least iOS 26) to get the benefit of the full 25W. Older iPhones can still use the new chargers, but at the old 15W charging pace.
Simon Jary
Aukey MagFusion Ark
Aukey is calling its MagFusion Ark the “world’s first modular true wireless charger,” and it’s certainly got our attention. It looks like a set of speakers but consists of a long base with with three detachable 25W spheres, for a total of six charging points.
It is “truly wireless” because MagFusion Ark integrates both Rx (receiving power) and Tx (transmitting power). When docked, the spheres wirelessly recharge from the base while simultaneously charging devices placed on them. When detached, they transform into portable 6700mAh power banks.
MagFusion Ark will be available in Q1 2026. The flagship three-sphere base will be joined by one-device and two-device base options.
Simon Jary
Anker Prime Triple Display Docking Station
This 14-in-1 USB-C triple-display dock has a whopping 14 ports, including 140W upstream USB-C, three USB-C, three USB-A, dual HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, audio, and SD/TF slots. Compatible with DisplayLink software, the dock supports three displays (8K/4K/4K) on even the M1 and M2 MacBooks.
It has a smart display of its own that shows real-time USB-C charging power, data transfer status, display signal, and temperature. It should cost $300 when it launches.
Simon Jary
ESR Shift iPad Keyboard and Case
ESR also had a busy IFA, with iPhone 17 versions of its popular cases, plus a raft of Qi2 25W chargers. iPads weren’t overlooked, with a couple of new cases and keyboards that caught our eye, including the flagship Shift Keyboard and Case. The keyboard has a fully responsive MacBook-like trackpad that can be detached from the case to allow for more ergonomic positioning (within 10 feet).
It can be set up in three modes: 0-165-degree landscape, 70-degree portrait, and 20-degree for drawing.
Simon Jary
Satechi OnTheGo range
A more affordable iPad keyboard was shown by Satechi. Its Onthego Bluetooth keyboard is significantly less expensive than Apple’s or other solutions. Up to three devices—not just iPads but iPhones, too—can be paired via Bluetooth. It’s available in black and Sand colors that match the new OnTheGo Mac mice that join Satechi’s popular M1 Bluetooth mice.
Satechi also showed off a wide range of products that work with Apple’s Find My app, including the usual luggage tags and key fobs but also passport covers and glasses case.
Simon Jary
Ugreen MagFlow Magnetic Power Bank
Ugreen’s MagFlow Magnetic Power Bank (available in 10000mAh and 20000mAh models) was one of the first Qi2 2.2-certified 25W products (starting at $89.99 / £79.99 / €89,99). It can power an iPhone 16 Pro Max to 50 percent in around 30 minutes, a speed that was previously reserved for less convenient cabled charging. Both models also include a handy built-in 30W USB-C cable that doubles as a carry strap.
Ugreen’s MagFlow family includes desktop chargers and a range of nifty foldable travel chargers, all rated at 25W for the iPhone 16 and 17.
Simon Jary
iVanky FusionDock Max 2
iVanky’s FusionDock Max stood out from the crowd with its dual Thunderbolt 4 chipsets, allowing for an unmatched number of Thunderbolt and other high-end ports. At IFA the company showed off its new 23-port FusionDock Max 2, which it claims is the only Thunderbolt 5 dock that enables native (not requiring any further software) triple-display on MacBook, with next-gen 120 Gbps transfer speeds, 140W fast charging, 2.5GbE, and 23 high-performance ports.
With dual-chip power—Thunderbolt 5 controller and a DP‑Alt chip—MacBooks with an M-series Max processor could run three displays (2x 6K at 60Hz and 1x 4K at 60Hz) via two upstream connections to the dock.
Simon Jary
Baseus PicoGo AF21 3-in-125W Wireless Charger
The Baseus PicoGo AF21 3-in-1 Wireless Charger also uses super-speedy Qi2 25W and unfolds Transformer-like from a tiny package into a clever multi-device charger for iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. It looks quite different from other foldable 3-in-1 chargers and creates a solid but pocketable charging station.
Baseus showed off a full range of 25W PicoGo chargers and magnetic power banks, plus an exciting new Inspire family of headphones and earbuds.
Simon Jary
Alogic Clarity 6K 32-inch Touch Monitor
Alogic unveiled a large new range of monitors, but maybe most exciting is the Clarity 6K Touch, which is the world’s first 6K touchscreen for Mac (or Windows, for that matter). Joining the company’s 27-inch Clarity 5K Touch, the new display boasts a larger 32-inch screen. Resolution of this Retina-quality display is an impressive 6016 x 3384 pixels, with 99 percent Adobe RGB/DCI-P3 colour accuracy and Avg. Delta E <1.
10-point multitouch with full MPP 2.0 stylus compatibility creates something like a 32-inch iPad. It ships with Alogic’s innovative Fold Stand that can shift between upright mode and flat drafting-table mode. The Clarity 6K will be available from mid-October for $1,999.99/£1,599.99/€1,899.99.
Simon Jary
Alogic Omni Fold Stand
I said that Alogic used IFA to unveil a bunch of new products, and its new Omni Fold Stand includes an integrated docking groove that fits the M4 Mac mini. It is an option for the new 145W Aspekt UHD 4K Docking Monitor that’s available in either touch and non-touch variants with anti-glare and gloss surface finish. Combined, the Aspekt monitor and Omni Stand effectively create an iMac-like 32-inch all-in-one. The Omni Fold monitor stands will be available from November 2025 for $329.99/£249.99/€299.99.
Simon Jary
Belkin Stage PowerGrip 10K Power Bank
Belkin released several tables worth of new products at IFA, including the Stage PowerGrip, a DSLR-style ergonomic grip for iPhone photography, that doubles up as a high-capacity 10000mAh power bank so you can keep taking pictures all day without the iPhone’s battery running flat. It also features a built-in retractable USB-C cable. It uses Bluetooth pairing to enable the shutter button on the top of the grip to let you take pictures via the iOS camera app.
The company also showed off its many new IFA-announced 25W charging products, including the Belkin UltraCharge Pro 3-in-1 Magnetic Charging Dock exclusively reviewed by Macworld.
Macworld
Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, expected to be anounced on Tuesday, could feature a more efficient display, improved thermal efficiency, and a larger battery. This is according to a report by a leaker who goes by Setsuna Digital on China-based Weibo. This leaker has made several reports in the past that have been accurate.
Setsuna Digital states that the iPhone 17 Pro will have a higher peak brightness and be able to maintain a higher brightness level for a longer period of time. Another recent report stated that the iPhone 17 Pro could use an anti-reflective coating on the cover glass and thus drastically reduce reflections, which would also deliver a better viewing experience.
Setsuna Digital also reports that the iPhone 17 Pro will offer a more stable gaming experience with fewer frame drops under constant load due to the A19 Pro chip. Also, both models will be equipped with larger batteries, with the 17 Pro Max’s battery exceeding the 5,000mAh mark, the highest battery capacity of any iPhone.
Apple will unveil the iPhone 17 lineup at its Awe Dropping event on Tuesday at 10 a.m. PT. Catch up on the latest reports about the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Mac, and iPhone 17 Air.
@macworld.com Ready for Apple to drop the awe. From the latest episode of the Macworld Podcast.#iphone #apple #appleevent ♬ original sound – Macworld – Macworld
Macworld
At a glanceExpert's Rating
Pros
Easy to set up
Works seamlessly
Supports split screen
Tiny and practical
Cons
Occasional crashes while driving
Can only be used directly by one user
Configuration access via IP interface instead of app
Operating instructions in English or Chinese only
Not compatible with BMW or Tesla cars
Our Verdict
The CarlinKit Mini Ultra does what it is supposed to do–most of the time. When it works, it works well.
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Best Prices Today: Mini Ultra Carplay Wireless Adapter fürs iPhone
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The CarlinKit Mini Ultra is an adapter for cars with USB-A ports that do not have support for wireless CarPlay. The company promises a plug-and-play setup, where you plug the Mini Ultra into your car, and you can then connect your iPhone to it so you can use CarPlay. It works, but not without a few issues.
After plugging the Mini Ultra into your car’s USB-A port, you connect to it by finding it in the iPhone’s Bluetooth settings. After the initial setup, your iPhone will connect to the Mini Ultra automatically and immediately. You also need to use Wi-Fi, which makes the Mini Drive’s performance faster. An adapter from USB-C to USB-A is also included.
Whenever I had to remove the Mini Ultra to use the USB port for something else, and then plug the Mini Ultra in again, I ran into transmission problems between my iPhone and the Mini Ultra. Sometimes the problems were resolved quickly, other times I had to wait a little until the connection stabilized. In the majority of cases, however, I was immediately online with CarPlay shortly after starting the car.
During a short journey, I had two connection interruptions, which I was able to rectify quickly by unplugging the adapter from the USB port and plugging it back in immediately.
When the Mini Ultra works, it works perfectly. The responsiveness–the speed with which CarPlay reacts–is very good. I noticed that the Mini Ultra creates a good amount of heat, however.
You can’t connect two different iPhones with this adapter, though that’s a fundamental limitation of the Bluetooth implementation. If you decide to use the Mini Ultra with another iPhone, CarlinKit states that Bluetooth and Wi-Fi need to be turned off on the iPhone that you aren’t using.
The manufacturer explicitly points out that its adapter is not compatible with either BMW or Tesla cars. The adapter also works with Android Auto.
Should you buy the CarlinKit Mini Ultra?
It does what it is supposed to do–most of the time. It has some shortcomings, and I had occasional disconnections between the adapter and mobile phone. You can probably find a more reliable adapter from another company.
Macworld
Introducing kids to screens in a healthy way can be tough, especially when most apps are loud, fast, or packed with ads. Pok Pok is a calmer, more thoughtful option built specifically for young kids to explore and learn at their own pace, and it’s on sale now. A lifetime subscription for 10 devices is now only $47.99 (reg. $250), but this sale ends soon.
Pok Pok is a Montessori-inspired app for kids ages 2 to 8. Instead of levels or winning, it focuses on open-ended digital play that encourages creativity, curiosity, and hands-on problem-solving. The activities are simple, intuitive, and support early learning in areas like STEM, numbers, language, and spatial reasoning. It’s ad-free, easy to use offline, and there are no in-app purchases.
Each digital toy in Pok Pok is designed to grow with your child. From exploring space and dinosaurs to tinkering with shapes or making music, the experience is meant to be relaxing and rewarding. The visuals are hand-drawn, the music is gentle, and everything is designed to avoid overstimulation. There’s no pressure to win or finish, just the freedom to explore and learn.
You can use one account across up to 10 devices, and new toys and seasonal content are added regularly. Kids can navigate the app on their own, but it also works well as a co-play experience, especially for younger users just starting out.
Use code DROP20 by September 7 at 11:59 p.m. PT to get a Pok Pok Lifetime Subscription for $47.99.
Pok Pok: Lifetime SubscriptionSee Deal
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Macworld
If a full weekend is too long to wait, you can get a good look at the new iPhone 17 rear design thanks to a series of renders by popular case maker dbrand.
Granted, these images are almost certainly generated from rumors and leaks, but dbrand is confident enough to put them on its website and begin selling cases and grips based on the design. The irreverent company event put a cheeky, “Sorry, Tim,” on its homepage.
Screenshot
Foundry
There’s nothing new or particularly noteworthy about the images, but they give a clear look at what the new iPhones are expected to look like, from the iPhone 17 Air’s camera bar to the iPhone 17 Pro’s unibody aluminum design. The images are all presented in a black colorway and illustrate several expected design changes, including the larger camera array, MagSafe cutout, and repositioned Apple logo on the iPhone 17 Pro.
As rumored, the standard iPhone 17 looks very similar to the iPhone 16, with a vertical camera array in the top left corner and a centered Apple logo. Apple is expected to keep the pricing for that phone at the same $799, while the other models get possibly large price hikes.
Apple will unveil the iPhone 17 lineup at its Awe Dropping event on Tuesday at 10 a.m. PT.
Macworld
The second Tuesday of September is usually when Apple takes the wraps off its latest iPhone models, and this year is no exception. On September 9 at 10 am Pacific Time, Apple will stream a special event where we expect it to unveil the new iPhone 17 line, new Apple Watches, AirPods Pro 3, and maybe a few other things. For details, read: What to expect at Apple’s Awe Dropping iPhone 17 event.
How to watch the ‘Awe Dropping’ event
Apple streams its event on YouTube (embedded below), on Apple.com, and in the TV app on all supported devices.
What time is the ‘Awe Dropping’ event?
The event starts at 10 a.m. PDT on September 9, 2025. The event will probably last about one to two hours. Here’s what that translates to around the world:
U.S.: 10 a.m. (PDT); 11 a.m. (MDT), noon (CDT), 1 p.m. (EDT)
Canada: 10 a.m. (PDT); 11 a.m. (MDT), noon (CDT), 1 p.m. EDT, 2 p.m. (ADT)
U.K.: 6 p.m. (BST)
Europe: 7 p.m. (CEST)
India: 10.30 p.m. (IST)
Singapore and China: September 10 at 1 a.m. (CST)
Japan: September 10 at 2 a.m. (JST)
Australia: September 10 at 1 a.m. (AWST); 2.30 a.m. (ACST); 3 a.m. (AEST)
New Zealand: September 10 at 5 a.m. (NZST)
Apple’s Awe Dropping event is set for September 9, 2025. Want to know what to expect? We’re anticipating new hardware releases including the iPhone 17 (running iOS 26), Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3 and SE 3rd-gen (running watchOS 26), and potentially new AirPods. Find out how, when, and where to watch the Apple September Event, and keep tuned to our Event Guide for all the latest coverage. If you just can’t wait, here’s our satirical take on the Apple September Event keynote script – and don’t miss the Macworld Podcast iPhone event preview.
Macworld
Oh, how we love the Mac mini. But you know what we love even more? A ridiculously good deal on a Mac mini! And B&H Photo has a great deal on an M4 Pro Mac mini with 64GB of RAM and an 8TB SSD for $3,199. That’s the same price as the same Mac mini with a 4TB SSD, so it’s like you’re getting another 4TB SSD for free!
Like we said, we love the Mac mini. In our 4-star review, we were “impressed by its compact stature, quiet operation, and excellent performance.” It packs a lot of computing power in a very small package. Granted, most people will buy the $599 model with an M4 chip and 16GB of RAM, but if you want a fully maxed out machine, this deal will save you a ton of dough.
The Mac mini on sale by B&H Photo has a 12-core M4 Pro CPU with a 16-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine, along with 64GB of RAM. The computer features two front USB-C ports, and the back is equipped with three Thunderbolt 5 ports, HDMI, and Ethernet. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are built in. And don’t forget about the headphone jack. It has all the ports you need for your display and other devices.
The $1,200 savings on this particular model is a fantastic deal, so don’t miss out on this Mac mini!
Save big on an 8TB M4 Pro Mac miniBuy Now at B&H
Macworld
Apple has planted its own flag in the streaming wars with Apple TV+, its in-house streaming service that focuses almost entirely on original programming rather than an extensive library of existing TV shows or movies.
This guide lists all the Apple TV+ content you can watch today, divided into episodic shows or series and movies. There’s also a ton of new content in the works for Apple’s $12.99-a-month service. If you want to know what’s on the way, check out our list of upcoming Apple TV+ shows and movies.
Updated September 5, 2025: Spike Lee’s latest film, Highest 2 Lowest, is now streaming.
Mentioned IN THIS story
Apple TV 4K (2022, 3. Gen.) 128GB WiFi + Ethernet
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Apple TV+ latest releases
Highest 2 LowestReleased: September 5, 2025
KPoppedReleased: August 29, 2025
Shape Island (season 2)Released: August 29, 2025
Invasion (season 3)Released: August 22, 2025
Snoopy Presents: A Summer MusicalReleased: August 15, 2025
Platonic (season 2)Released: August 6, 2025
How to get Apple TV+
If you want to start watching Apple TV Plus here’s how.
You can subscribe to Apple TV+ on Apple’s website here, or via the Apple TV app on your device. It costs $12.99/£9.99 a month, which you can cancel at any time (Read: How to cancel and Apple subscription). You can also opt for a one-year subscription for $99/£89, which essentially gives you two months free each year.
Apple also offers various trials so that you can try out Apple TV+ before you subscribe. Take a look at our article explaining all the ways you can watch Apple TV for free, and the best Apple TV+ deals you can get.
Students can get Apple TV+ for free with an already subsidized Apple Music subscription.
Best shows on Apple TV+
There’s far too much content on Apple TV+ to sift through it all yourself. If you’re looking for something to watch and don’t know where to start, here are a few of the Macworld staff’s favorite shows, series, and movies.
Bad Sisters
Synopsis: A dark comedy about a group of Irish sisters who find themselves at the center of a life insurance investigation after John Paul–the abusive husband to one of the sisters–dies unexpectedly.
Number of seasons: 2
Release date: August 19, 2022
Black Bird
Synopsis: A gripping miniseries about a convicted con artist who works for the FBI to try to get a serial killer’s confession before he is released from prison. Based on the true story of James Keene and Larry Hall.
Number of seasons: 1
Release date: July 8, 2022
For All Mankind
Synopsis: What if the U.S.S.R. put a man on the moon before the U.S.? How would the ensuing space race change history throughout the decades? That’s the high concept behind this gripping big-budget sci-fi series.
Number of seasons: 4
Release date: November 1, 2019
Mythic Quest
Synopsis: A lighthearted workplace comedy about a game development studio and the big egos and personal conflicts that happen within. It’s goofy good fun but sometimes quite touching.
Number of seasons: 4
Release date: February 7, 2020
Severance
Synopsis: A combination of dystopian sci-fi drama and workplace comedy about a company where employees are “severed”–when at work, they can’t remember their outside lives, and vice-versa.
Number of seasons: 2
Release date: February 18, 2022
Shrinking
Synopsis: A surprisingly quick-witted comedy about a therapist who has trouble dealing with the death of his wife and his eccentric patients.
Number of seasons: 2
Release date: January 27, 2023
Slow Horses
Synopsis: Gary Oldman turns in a great performance as the cranky leader of a band of misfit spies.
Number of seasons: 4
Release date: April 1, 2022
Ted Lasso
Synopsis: Apple’s fish-out-of-water comedy/drama about a midwestern college football coach who heads to England to coach Premiere League soccer is a breakout hit for good reason.
Number of seasons: 3
Release date: August 14, 2020
The Morning Show
Synopsis: Big star power and a fantastic performance by Jenniffer Aniston highlight this fast-paced drama that goes behind the scenes of a fictional morning news program.
Number of seasons: 3
Release date: November 1, 2019
Apple TV+ shows and series
These are all the episodic series you can currently watch on Apple TV+, including both recurring and limited series. This list is in alphabetical order.
TitlePremiereSeasons / Episodes1971: The Year That Music Changed EverythingMay 21, 20218 episodesAcapulcoOctober 8, 20214 seasons, 40 episodesAmazing StoriesMarch 6, 20201 season, 5 episodesAmber BrownJuly 29, 20221 season, 10 episodesBad MonkeyAugust 14, 20241 season, 10 episodesBad SistersAugust 19, 20222 seasons, 20 episodesBE@RBRICKMarch 21, 20251 season, 13 episodesBecoming YouNovember 13, 20201 season, 6 episodesBeforeOctober 25, 202410 episodesBest Foot ForwardJuly 22, 20221 season, 10 episodesBig BeastsApril 21, 20231 season, 10 episodesBlack BirdJuly 8, 20226 episodesBoom! Boom! The World vs Boris BeckerApril 7, 20232 episodesCallsMarch 19, 20211 season, 9 episodesCamp SnoopyJune 14, 202410 episodesCarêmeApril 30, 20251 season, 8 episodesCarpool KaraokeAugust 8, 20175 seasons, 75 episodesCentral ParkMay 29, 20203 seasons, 39 episodesChief of WarAugust 1, 20259 episodesCircuit BreakersNovember 11, 20221 season, 7 episodesCity on FireMay 12, 20231 season, 8 episodesConstellationFebruary 21, 20241 season, 8 episodesCowboy CartelAugust 2, 20244 episodesCriminal RecordJanuary 10, 20241 season, 8 episodesCurses!October 27, 20232 seasons, 20 episodesDark MatterMay 8, 20241 season, 9 episodesDear EdwardFebruary 3, 20231 season, 10 episodesDear…June 5, 20202 seasons, 20 episodesDefending JacobApril 24, 20208 episodesDickinsonNovember 1, 20193 seasons, 30 episodesDisclaimerOctober 11, 20247 episodesDope ThiefMarch 14, 20258 episodesDoug UnplugsNovember 13, 20202 seasons, 26 episodesDr. BrainNovember 3, 20211 season, 6 episodesDrops of GodApril 21, 20231 season, 8 episodesDuck & GooseJuly 8, 20222 seasons, 17 episodesEarth at Night in ColorDecember 4, 20202 seasons, 12 episodesEarthsoundsFebruary 23, 20241 season, 12 episodesEcho 3November 23, 20221 season, 10 episodesEl DeafoJanuary 7, 20223 episodesEva the OwletMarch 31, 20232 seasons, 17 episodesExtrapolationsMarch 17, 20231 season, 8 episodesFive Days at MemorialAugust 12, 20228 episodesFor All MankindNovember 1, 20194 seasons, 40 episodesFoundationSeptember 24, 20213 seasons, 30 episodesFraggle Rock: Back to the RockJanuary 21, 20222 seasons, 27 episodesFraggle Rock: Rock On!April 21, 20201 season, 6 episodesFrog and ToadApril 28, 20232 seasons, 18 episodesGet Rolling with OtisOctober 8, 20212 seasons, 18 episodesGhostwriterNovember 1, 20193 seasons, 39 episodesGovernment CheeseApril 16, 20251 season, 10 episodesGreatness CodeJuly 10, 20202 seasons, 13 episodesGutsySeptember 9, 20221 season, 8 episodesHarriet the SpyNovember 19, 20212 seasons, 20 episodesHello Tomorrow!February 17, 20231 season, 10 episodesHello, Jack! The Kindness ShowNovember 5, 20212 seasons, 16 episodesHelpstersNovember 1, 20193 seasons, 40 episodesHelpsters Help YouApril 24, 20206 episodesHigh DesertMay 17, 20231 season, 8 episodesHijackJune 28, 20237 episodesHollywood Con QueenMay 8, 20243 episodesHomeApril 17, 20202 season, 19 episodesHome Before DarkApril 3, 20202 seasons, 20 episodesInterrupting ChickenNovember 18, 20222 seasons, 17 episodesInvasionOctober 22, 20213 seasons, 30 episodesJaneApril 14, 20233 seasons, 20 episodesJohn Lennon: Murder Without A TrialDecember 6, 20233 episodesK-Pop IdolsAugust 30, 20246 episodesKPoppedAugust 29, 20251 season, 8 episodesLa MaisonSeptember 20, 20241 season, 10 episodesLady in the LakeJuly 19, 20247 episodesLand of WomenJune 26, 20241 season, 6 episodesLessons in ChemistryOctober 13, 20238 episodesLiaisonFebruary 24, 20231 season, 6 episodesLife by EllaSeptember 2, 20221 season, 10 episodesLincoln’s DilemmaFebruary 18, 20224 episodesLisey’s StoryJune 4, 20218 episodesLittle AmericaJanuary 17, 20202 seasons, 16 episodesLittle VoiceJuly 10, 20201 season, 9 episodesLong Way UpSeptember 18, 202011 episodesLong Way HomeMay 9, 202510 episodesLootJune 24, 20222 seasons, 20 episodesLosing AliceJanuary 22, 20211 season, 8 episodesLove You to DeathFebruary 7, 20251 season, 7 episodesLovely Little FarmJune 10, 20222 seasons, 14 episodesMake or BreakApril 29, 20222 seasons, 15 episodesManhuntMarch 15, 20247 episodesMasters of the AirJanuary 26, 20249 episodesMeJuly 12, 20241 seasons, 10 episodesMessi Meets AmericaOctober 11, 20236 episodesMessi’s World Cup: Rise of a LegendFebruary 21, 20244 episodesMidnight FamilySeptember 25, 20241 season, 10 episodesMonarch: Legacy of MonstersNovember 17, 20231 season, 10 episodesMonster FactoryMarch 17, 20236 episodesMr. CormanAugust 6, 20211 season, 10 episodesMurderbotMay 16, 20251 season, 10 episodesMy Kind of CountryMarch 24, 20231 season, 8 episodesMythic QuestFebruary 7, 20204 seasons, 40 episodesNot a BoxJune 13, 20251 season, 8 episodesNow and ThenMay 20, 20221 season, 8 episodesOmnivoreJuly 19, 20241 season, 8 episodesOne-of-a-Kind MarcieAugust 18, 202339 min.Onside: Major League SoccerFebruary 21, 20258 episodesOprah Talks COVID-19March 21, 20201 season, 13 episodesOprah’s Book ClubNovember 1, 20191 season, 14 episodesPachinkoMarch 25, 20222 seasons, 16 episodesPalm RoyaleMarch 20, 202410 episodesPhysicalJune 18, 20213 seasons, 30 episodesPinecone & PonyApril 8, 20222 seasons, 16 episodesPlatonicMay 24, 20232 seasons, 20 episodesPrehistoric PlanetMay 23, 20222 season, 10 episodesPresumed InnocentJune
Macworld
Gaming subscription services are all the rage now, but Apple Arcade isn’t a little different from the likes of PlayStation Plus, EA Play, or Xbox Game Pass. If you’ve got questions about it, we’ve got plenty of answers.
Updated September 5, 2025: Only two new games were added to Apple Arcade this month. We have Jeopardy! Daily and My Talking Tom Friends+.
What is Apple Arcade?
Apple Arcade is a gaming subscription service for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and AppleTV that features several hundred games. The games are a mix of genres and styles, and include original games you’ll only find on the service and others that can be found on the regular App Store or even other platforms. Apple Arcade isn’t a streaming service like Xbox Live Cloud Gaming or GeForce NOW. Games must be downloaded onto your device in order to be played.
What do I need to run it?
Apple Arcade was made available as part of iOS 13, iPad OS 13, tvOS 13, and macOS Catalina or later. Some of the more visually-intensive games may only run well on newer hardware, though, and some Mac games require macOS 11 (Big Sur).
How much does Apple Arcade cost?
Apple Arcade costs $6.99/£6.99 per month, and you’ll also get a one-month free trial or you can get three months free if you purchase a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV or Mac. To claim your free trial click here.
You can get Apple Arcade for less than $6.99 a month if you subscribe for a year upfront. A year of Apple Arcade is $49.99/£49.99 (so $4.16 a month). If you’re currently on the $6.99 month-to-month plan and want to switch to the annual plan and save some money, you can do so on your iPhone or iPad. Open the App Store app, then tap your account icon in the upper right. Tap Subscriptions, then tap the entry for Apple Arcade. Here, you can switch to the annual plan.
Apple Arcade is also included in the Apple One subscription bundles, which range from $20 a month to $38 a month and include access to Apple Music and Apple TV and iCloud storage. There is also a month free trial of Apple One. To claim the trial, or sign up for Apple One, click here.
How do I sign up for Apple Arcade?
There isn’t an Apple Arcade app—it’s built into the App Store. On your iPhone, iPad, or Mac open the App Store and look for the Apple Arcade tab at the bottom of the screen (or in the left column on macOS). A sign-up screen with a Try It Free button will appear. After the trial you’ll be charged either the monthly or annual fee, depending on your selection. When subscribing, you’ll need to enter your Apple ID password or use Touch ID or Face ID to sign in, and you’ll have to confirm your subscription purchase a few times.
Once you’re done with the sign up, the Arcade section of the App Store shows what games are available to you. To access a game, tap on it in the App Store, then tap the Get button. When the game is done installing on your device, the Get button turns into a Play button, and you can tap it to launch the game. The game app icon will also appear on your device’s Home page.
On the Apple TV, there actually is an Arcade app. Open that to see the sign-up offer. You’ll also find an Arcade tab within the App Store.
Does my subscription include family sharing?
Yes. One $6.99 per month subscription can be shared between up to six people (including you).
How do I cancel Apple Arcade?
First off, keep in mind that if you cancel Apple Arcade (either before your free trial is up or after subscribing), you won’t be able to keep playing the games unless you re-subscribe. If you’re okay with that, you can use the same process you use to cancel any other subscription service. Here’s the easiest way to do it on the iPhone and iPad:
Open the App Store app and tap on your profile photo in the upper right.
In the screen that pops up, press Subscriptions near the top of the page.
You’ll then see a list of active subscriptions, and Apple Arcade should be listed there. Tap it.
You’ll either see Cancel Free Trial or Cancel Subscription toward the middle of the page that appears. Tap whatever option is available, then Confirm Cancellation.
And here’s how to cancel Apple Arcade on the Mac:
Open the App Store app and then press the icon with your profile photo in the lower left.
The Account window will appear, and you should then click View Information at the top of the window. Enter your password when/if prompted.
When your Account Information appears, scroll down to the Manage section and click the Manage link to the right of Subscriptions.
When the list of your active subscriptions appears, click Edit to the right of Apple Arcade.
Toward the middle of the page that appears, you’ll see a button that says either Cancel Free Trial or Cancel Subscription. Click it, then click Confirm Cancellation and Confirm.
Do Apple Arcade games have in-app purchases?
No. In Apple’s words, “since every game includes access to the full experience, including all game features, content, and future updates, no additional purchases will be required.” Even games that have in-app purchases on the App Store won’t have any in Apple Arcade.
Do Apple Arcade games have ads?
Also no. On a related note, Apple says Apple Arcade has no ad tracking.
Is Apple Arcade a game streaming service like GeForce NOW or Xbox Game Streaming?
No. All Apple Arcade are downloaded.
Are there demos for Apple Arcade games?
No, and they’re not really necessary. Like App Store apps, games download quickly and can easily be removed if you don’t want to keep it anymore.
Apple partly envisions Apple Arcade as a way of letting players try out games with more freedom than the App Store currently allows (which is basically none). In Apple’s words, “rather than pay upfront for each game, a subscription to Apple Arcade will give players the opportunity to try any game in the service without risk.”
The service has a free trial, though, as we’ve seen with other Apple subscription services.
Am I able to keep playing Apple Arcade games if I cancel my subscription?
No. As with most subscription services, you only have access while you’re a subscriber.
Can I use controllers with Apple Arcade games?
Yes. In additional to traditional MFi (Made for iOS) controllers, you can pair some specific Bluetooth controllers for either PlayStation or Xbox with either your iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV. Since many Apple Arcade games are playable on Mac and Apple TV (where controller support is more common), many games will support them. Some games, especially those that are also available in the broader App Store and only for iPhone or iPad, have no controller support.
Recently Apple relaxed the requirements for MFi controller certification, which may have grown out of the Apple Arcade negotiations.
How often are new games released?
Games are typically released on the first Friday of each month. There are some rare exceptions.
What games have been released so far?
There are over 200 games available for Apple Arcade, and the list grows all the time.
TitlePublisherRelease DateA Fold ApartLightning Rod Games04/17/20A Monster’s ExpeditionDraknek Limited09/10/20A Slight Change of Sawblades+Yong Kian Chin05/02/24Agent InterceptProdigy Design09/19/19Air TwisterYS Net Inc.06/24/22Alba: A Wildlife Adventureustwo12/11/20All of YouAlike Studio11/06/20Alto’s Odyssey: The Lost CityTeam Alto / Snowman07/16/21Alto’s Adventure—RemasteredTeam Alto / Snowman03/25/22Arkanoid vs Space Invaders+TAITO Corporation11/07/24Amazing BombermanKonami08/05/22Angry Birds BounceRovio09/03/25Angry Birds ReloadedRovio07/16/21Asphalt 8: Airborne+Gameloft08/27/21Assemble With Careustwo09/19/19ATONE: Heart of the Elder TreeWildboy Studios09/19/19Badland PartyHypeHype Oy05/06/22Balatro+Playstack09/26/24Baldo: The Guardian OwlsNaps Team08/27/21Ballistic BaseballGameloft10/18/19Barbie Color Creations+StoryToys Limited12/05/24Battleheart Legacy+Mika Mobile11/04/22BattleSky Brigade: HarpoonerBattleBrew Productions09/19/19BEAST: Bio Exo Arena Suit TeamOh BiBi02/01/24Beyond a Steel SkyRevolution Software06/26/20Beyond BlueE-Line Media04/17/20Big Time SportsFrosty Pop Games09/19/19Blackjack by MobilityWare+MobilityWare01/05/24Bleak SwordDevolver Digital09/19/19Bloons TD Battles 2+Ninja Kiwi03/07/24Boggle: Arcade EditionZynga12/05/24Bold Moves+Red Games Co.06/09/23Bridge Constructor+Headup GmbH02/04/22Butter RoyaleMighty Bear Games01/24/20Card of DarknessPendleton Ward09/19/19CardpocalypseVersus Evil09/19/19Castle CrumbleOrbital Knight02/03/23Castlevania: Grimoire of SoulsKonami09/17/21Cat Quest IIThe Gentlebros.09/19/19Charrua SoccerBatovi Games02/07/20Chess Universe+Tilting Point05/04/23ChuChu Rocket! UniverseSega09/19/19Cityscapes: Sim BuilderPlaystack05/04/23Clap Hanz GolfClaphanz04/02/21Clue: The Classic Mystery Game+Marmalade Game Studio03/24/23Construction Simulator 2+Astragon Entertainment04/15/22Cooking Mama: Cuisine!Office Create Corp.06/17/22CornsweeperRobert Morrison01/05/24Cozy GroveSpry Fox03/18/21Crashlands+Butterscotch Shenanigans, Inc.01/14/21Crayola AdventuresRed Games Co.03/07/24Crayola Create and Play+Red Games Co.10/29/21Crayola Scribble Scrubbie+Red Games Co.09/03/25Crazy Eights: Card Games+MobilityWare03/06/25CreaksAmanita Design07/10/20Cricket Through the AgesDevolver Digital09/19/19Crossword Jam+PlaySimple Games10/20/23Crossy Road+Hipster Whale10/08/21Crossy Road CastleHipster Whale02/28/20Cut the Rope 3SeptoLab UK10/13/23Cut the Rope RemasteredPaladin Studios04/02/21Cypher 007Tilting Point09/29/23Dandara: Trials of Fear+Raw Fury12/03/21Dead End JobHeadup GmbH, Ant Workshop09/19/19Dead Cells+Playdigious12/02/22Dear ReaderLocal No. 1209/19/19DecoherenceEfecto Estudios10/11/19Delicious — Miracle of Life+GameHouse11/24/23Detonation RacingElectric Square07/30/21Dicey Dungeons+Distractionware05/02/24DiscoloredShifty Eye Games & Jason Godbey11/08/19D
Macworld
It all started on January 9, 2007, when a visionary walked on stage to showcase his company’s latest invention. Some critics published unforgiving headlines at the time, and takeoff was far from guaranteed. Today, the device has become by far the most influential of its category, with many users considering it the gold standard. This success can be traced back to a series of transformations the iPhone has undergone over the past two decades.
After launching the iOS App Store in 2008, Apple continued to meaningfully elevate the iPhone experience. Each year, it debuted significant hardware and software changes, enticing users to switch or upgrade. iPhones were introduced at WWDC through 2010, when Steve Jobs introduced the iPhone 4. It was to be Jobs’ last time headlining an iPhone event.
From 2011, iPhones began to be introduced in the fall, starting with Tim Cook’s introduction of the iPhone 4s. Naturally, some features, enhancements, and announcements stood out more than others. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit the 10 most iconic iPhone event moments of the Tim Cook era.
Apple
MagSafe (iPhone 12)
Arguably, MagSafe is the most recent impactful iPhone introduction. Launched in 2020, the feature ported the fan-favorite Mac charging technology to iPhone 12 models. Notably, it addressed Qi wireless charging’s most irritating flaw. Thanks to the embedded magnets, the charging coils now align perfectly, sparing users from needing to precisely position their iPhones on the mat.
MagSafe also doubles as a universal base for accessories, letting users attach all sorts of add-ons to their iPhones’ backs. You’ve got wallets, grips, power banks, kickstands, and much more. The impact of MagSafe has transcended the Apple ecosystem, with newer Android phones now adopting the comparable Qi2 standard to unlock similar perks.
Pro camera system (iPhone 11)
A year earlier, Apple announced its first Pro-branded iPhone, featuring high-end specs for power users. The most distinguishing factor of the iPhone 11 Pro was (and continues to be) the triple-rear-lens setup, which unlocks advanced photography and videography tools. While it didn’t support RAW photography and LOG video recording like newer models do, 2019’s iPhone 11 Pro marked the beginning of a new chapter for Apple’s mobile camera. We’ve reached a point where Pro iPhones are now being used to shoot entire Apple keynotes.
Face ID (iPhone X)
In 2017, Apple celebrated its smartphone’s tenth anniversary with the iPhone X. The device boasted a complete exterior overhaul, featuring an edge-to-edge OLED panel and a stainless steel frame. Notably, it retired Touch ID in favor of the more convenient and secure Face ID scanner. The TrueDepth camera powering Face ID then expanded to iPad Pro, and MacBooks could adopt it down the road. Gone are the days of trying to type in passwords when our fingers are too moist for the fingerprint sensor to recognize them.
Apple
Moment of ‘courage’ (iPhone 7)
A year before that, Apple made yet another controversial change that continues to impact how we use our phones to this day. 2016’s iPhone 7 ditched the headphone jack, disrupting how users listen to music. To soften the blow, Apple bundled a relevant dongle with the iPhone 7 and offered the original AirPods as a premium alternative for those willing to spend more.
Apple’s Phil Schiller said it came down to one word: “courage.” He said Apple had “The courage to move on, and do something new that betters all of us.”
The company was soundly mocked at the time, but Android phone manufacturers followed suit, and the true wireless earbud market boomed. At this point, we’ve got multiple AirPods tiers with varying features and price points, along with a ton of third-party alternatives.
Apple
Live Photos (iPhone 6s)
With the 2015 iPhone 6s launch, Apple announced a camera feature dubbed Live Photos. For those unfamiliar, the perk records 1.5 seconds of video before and after each photo you take. While the Camera app still outputs a regular still shot, if you tap and hold on it, the short video plays. This helps you remember the context of a moment and hear the voices or sounds captured at the time.
With Live Photos, you can also effortlessly create GIFs with multiple effects, as well as long-exposure images. Apps like Instagram support the feature too, letting you get more creative with the Stories you post. It’s one of those smaller additions that might seem like a gimmick at first (there’s a reason why the iPhone 11’s Slofies aren’t on this list), but Live Photos turned out to be a surprisingly useful feature iPhone users can’t live without.
Apple Pay (iPhone 6)
During 2014’s iPhone 6 event, Apple Pay was announced as a revolutionary way to shop without your physical wallet. The feature utilizes the NFC chips embedded in recent iPhones and Apple Watches, letting you securely make contactless payments without carrying your bank card. I still silently acknowledge how futuristic the entire concept feels every time I bump my wrist into a card reader to pay.
Go big or go home (iPhone 6)
Apple Pay wasn’t the sole significant announcement during 2014’s keynote. The iPhone 6 itself kickstarted the era of serious media consumption on iOS by stretching the screen from 4 inches to 4.7 inches. More importantly, it offered the first Plus iPhone variant, packing a 5.5-inch display. Plus iPhones then took a hiatus from 2018 to 2022, and Apple may be doing away with them again on September 9.
Apple
Meet Apple Watch (iPhone 6)
That’s not all for the iPhone 6 event. There was one more thing. During the September 2014 keynote, the iPhone maker publicly demonstrated the Apple Watch for the first time. While the wearable’s direction has since changed, it’s become one of the best-selling smartwatches—and certainly the most popular. Thanks to the company’s deep ecosystem integrations, the Apple Watch’s utility extends beyond mere fitness tracking. You can answer phone calls, send texts, stream music, interact with iOS notifications, and do much more with the latest watchOS.
Touch ID (iPhone 5s)
In the preceding iPhone event, Apple introduced Touch ID. 2013’s iPhone 5s was certainly not the first smartphone to embed a fingerprint sensor. Its execution, however, surpassed whatever unintuitive Frankensteining was happening on the other side. I recall when early Samsung Galaxy phones had you swipe vertically to authenticate. Touch ID, on the other hand, would work when gently resting your finger on its reader.
Apple
Siri is born (iPhone 4s)
Despite aging like milk, we can’t not mark the day Siri was born. On October 4, 2011, Apple launched the iPhone 4s, along with the infamous virtual assistant. While Siri is now considered the dumbest mainstream voice assistant, it used to shine back in the day. If Apple’s vision materializes, the assistant may become smarter and more conversational in the coming years.
Macworld
New Apple Watch 2025: Summary
Release date: Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE (3rd-gen) are expected to launch at Apple’s Awe Dropping event on September 9, 2025.
Price: Apple Watch Series 11 is likely to start at $399, Ultra 3 from $799, and SE (3rd-gen) from $249.
Design: Thought to be similar to the current generation, but with a larger display on Ultra and SE models.
Specification changes: Macworld is anticipating upgraded processors, the addition of 5G connectivity (plus satellite for the Ultra), some new health features, and Apple Intelligence integration.
Macworld expects: Mostly incremental updates, with the focus on software and AI above hardware changes.
On September 9, Apple will unveil its latest family of smartwatches at its “Awe Dropping” event alongside the iPhone 17. For the first time since 2022, Apple is expected to refresh all three models—Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and the 3rd-gen Apple Watch SE—which could bring some long-awaited features.
For one, 2025 may be the year Apple Watch finally gets the long-rumored blood-pressure monitoring. Other hardware changes are thought to be minimal, with most leaks pointing to a new processor, upgraded connectivity, and a slightly larger screen on the Ultra and SE models, but it’s the software and health features that we are expecting to really capture our attention. Full Apple Intelligence probably won’t come to Apple Watch this year, but AI-powered features including Live Translation, Live Listen Trascription, and Workout Buddy are expected.
In this article, the Macworld team uses its expert knowledge of Apple and Apple Watch history to define the Apple Watch rumors most likely to be true. Read on to find out everything you need to know about the soon-to-launch Apple Watch Series 11 series, including when the next Apple Watch will come out, the expected preorder and onsale date, design and display specs, and more.
The Apple Watch Series 11 is likely to look nearly identical to the Series 10.Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
At a glance: What to expect from new Apple Watch models in 2025
Apple Watch Series 11
42mm and 46mm display options
S11 processor
5G cellular
High blood pressure detection
watchOS 26
Priced from $399
Apple Watch Ultra 3
50mm display
S11 processor
5G cellular and satellite connectivity
High blood pressure detection
watchOS 26
Priced from $799
Apple Watch SE (3rd-gen)
41mm and 45mm display options
S11 processor
LTE
ECG sensor
Always-on display
watchOS 26
Priced from $249
New Apple Watch 2025 design
Apple Watch Series 11: Expected to keep the same 42mm and 46mm sizes as the Series 10, with no major design changes.
Apple Watch Ultra 3: Rumored to get a slightly larger 50mm display, but no overall size increase thanks to slimmer bezels. Resolution may increase to 422×514, and a MicroLED display is rumored.
Apple Watch SE 3: Likely to grow to 41mm and 45mm, with ongoing speculation about a new plastic model – but production issues may delay it.
Apple updates its mid-range Apple Watch every year, but it doesn’t always deliver major changes. Last year’s Series 10 brought a larger display and thinner design, so the Series 11 will likely stick with the same 42mm and 46mm sizes. This year, all signs point to an Apple Watch Series 11 that is identical in appearance to the Series 10.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is rumored to have a slightly larger display. A report in August revealed that code in iOS 26 indicates that the Ultra 3 will have a display resolution of 422 by 514, which is an increase from the Ultra 2’s 410 by 502. That likely means it will increase from 49mm to 50mm, though the overall size could stay the same due to shrinking bezels.
The design of the Apple Watch SE is less certain. The current model is based on the Apple Watch Series 5, so there’s a high likelihood that Apple bumps the size to 41mm and 45mm to match the Series 7. There could also be a new material. Mark Gurman of Bloomberg reported in September 2024 that a plastic SE redesign would arrive in 2025, though in March, he claimed that the plastic Apple Watch SE had run into production issues and was in “serious jeopardy.”
Apple has reportedly been working on a microLED display for the Apple Watch for several years, so it could make an appearance on this year’s models, possibly as an exclusive Apple Watch Ultra 3 feature.
The Apple Watch Seiries 10 introduced a new jet black color option.Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
New Apple Watch 2025 colors
Apple Watch Series 11: Expect new hues for 2025.
Apple Watch Ultra 3: Expect the same natural and black titanium options.
Apple Watch SE 3: Expect brighter, kid-friendly hues.
Apple shuffles its Apple Watch colors every year with new options. The Series 10 is available in silver, rose gold, and jet black in aluminum, and natural, gold, and slate in titanium.
The Apple Watch SE’s rumored redesign is reportedly aimed at being more kid-friendly, so colors more aligned with the bright yellow and pink hues of the iPad are a possibility. The current SE is available in midnight, starlight, and silver.
Finally, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will likely be available in the same natural and black titanium options.
New Apple Watch 2025 features
Health: Apple Watch Series 11 may add blood-pressure monitoring, while watchOS 26 brings AI features like Workout Buddy.
Connectivity: 5G rumored for Series 11 and Ultra 3; Ultra 3 may get satellite messaging.
AI features: Live transcription, translation, adaptive notifications, and contextual suggestions via Apple Intelligence on iPhone.
Processor: All new models are expected to use the new S11 chip, but with no major performance gains.
Health and fitness
The Apple Watch gets new exclusive health features nearly every year. We haven’t heard rumors about any new health sensors, but blood-pressure monitoring, which was once rumored to arrive on the Apple Watch Series 10, is expected to debut on this year’s model. Apple is also exploring non-invasive blood-glucose monitoring, though rumors say it’s still years away from release.
watchOS 26 will be pre-installed on the new watches, bringing several new health and fitness-related features, including an AI-powered Workout Buddy that analyzes your usage data and fitness metrics to create personalized insights and pep talks, and customization options that let you set up suitable playlists and podcasts to play during workouts. It will also have a new gesture to dismiss notifications and a smarter Smart Stack watch face.
Petter Ahrnstedt
5G and satellite
The Apple Watch has had an option for LTE cellular connectivity since the Series 3. With every other cellular-enabled device in Apple’s lineup using 5G, it’s rumored that the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 will switch to 5G. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is also rumored to support satellite messaging as an exclusive feature.
Apple Intelligence
While the Apple Watch doesn’t officially support Apple Intelligence, a few AI-powered features are coming to Apple’s smartwatch using a paired iPhone. Live Listen transcription and Live Translation will automatically transcribe phone calls and messages on your Apple Watch screen in real time. Workout Buddy will use Apple Intelligence from your iPhone to provide you with words of encouragement based on your workout data and fitness history.
Other AI-powered features coming in watchOS 26 include automatic volume adjustment, so that notifications are adjusted depending on your environment. And new Smart Stack hints that will make proactive, context-aware suggestions when your watch detects a specific situation like an appointment or new location.
There will also likely be AI features exclusive to the new watches, though we don’t expect this year’s models to fully support Apple Intelligence yet.
S11 processor
The Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple Watch SE 3 are rumored to have the S11 CPU. However, reports say the chip will use the same architecture as the S10 and S9, which means it won’t have any speed or efficiency upgrades.
The Apple Watch SE hasn’t been updated since 2022.Henry Burrell / Foundry
New Apple Watch 2025 release date
Announcement date: 9 September, 2025 (TBC).
Preorder date: 9 September, 2025 (TBC).
Onsale date: 19 September, 2025 (TBC).
Apple will unveil the new Apple Watch models at the “Awe Dropping” event on September 9 – check out our Apple September event guide for the latest coverage. For the past several years, preorders for the watches have begun as soon as the event ends, with shipments arriving on Friday, September 19.
New Apple Watch 2025 price
Apple Watch Series 11: From $399 (TBC).
Apple Watch Ultra 3: From $799 (TBC).
Apple Watch SE 3: From $249 (TBC).
Apple hasn’t changed its pricing structure since the Apple Watch Series 3, and we haven’t heard any rumors that say otherwise. That means the Series 11 will start at $399 for the 42mm model, and $429 for the larger 46mm version, with an extra $100 for cellular, while the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will likely cost $799/£799 (which includes cellular connectivity).
The Apple Watch SE currently starts at $249/£219, but can often be found for as low as $189 at Amazon U.S. With the rumors of a new plastic design, it’s possible the Apple Watch SE gets another price cut, as it did when the 2nd-gen model arrived in 2022.
New Apple Watch 2025 FAQ
FAQ
1.
When is the new Apple Watch coming out?
The new Apple Watch is actually three watches – Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple Watch SE (3rd-gen). It is expected to be announced at Apple’s Awe Dropping event on September
Macworld
M5 iPad Pro: In summary
The next iPad Pro will get a processor upgrade with Apple’s next-gen M5 processor.
The M5 iPad Pro is expected to have an Identical design to the current model.
We expected the M5 iPad Pro to arrive in fall 2025.
While the iPad update schedule is somewhat unpredictable, Apple has established an 18-month cycle with the M-series iPad Pro. Several reports state that Apple is scheduled to release an M5 iPad Pro in fall 2025, which would be right on schedule.
This article keeps track of all the rumors so you can keep up with what’s going on and make a proper decision if you’re in the market for a new iPad Pro.
M5 iPad Pro: At a glance
Identical design to the M4 iPad Pro
Upgraded processor
Expected in fall 2025
M5 iPad Pro features and specs
In March, Mark Gurman reported that the M5 iPad Pro will be a “chip and ship” release, meaning the only major upgrade will be the processor. That makes sense, since the M4 iPad Pro was a major upgrade with several new features, including a new OLED display and a new front camera design.
Other smaller internal updates are possible, such as Apple’s upcoming Wi-Fi/Bluetooth chip or an upgrade to a 24MP selfie cam to match the iPhone 17. You may have read a report that Apple is considering a new LX Semicon display driver that could then allow for smaller bezels. However, we don’t expect this until the M6 or M7 model arrives in 2027.
We’ll keep updating this article as more information becomes available. Until then, you should check out our best iPad Pro deals to see if you can bag yourself a bargain on the current range.
The M4 iPad Pro’s 12MP camera with a LiDAR scanner will carry over to the M5 iPad Pro.Brady Snyder / Foundry
M5 iPad Pro release date
Apple has established an 18-month update cycle for the M-series iPad Pro, with the M1 launching in April 2021, followed by the M2 in October 2022, and the M4 in May 2024. Based on this schedule, we expect the M5 model to arrive October or November 2025.
This has been backed up by analyst reports. In December 2024, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that the M5 iPad Pro will “enter mass production” in the second half of 2025. In January 2025, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that the M5 iPad Pro won’t ship until late 2025 or early 2026. In April 2025, Gurman reported that iOS 19 (now known as iOS 26) will be ready “around the time new iPad Pros with M5 chips are likely to be ready.”
M5 iPad Pro price
With the M4 iPad Pro, Apple increased the price by $100/£100 across all configurations due to the new tandem OLED display. Like the iPhone 15 Pro Max, it also eliminated the 128GB storage option, so pricing for the 11-inch model starts at $999, while the 13-inch model starts at $1,299.
Apple rarely increases prices two years in a row, especially without any major new features. The uncertainty surrounding U.S. tariffs on chips made overseas may affect some higher-end models, but that also unlikely.
Macworld
We’re only days away from the “Awe Dropping” event, where Tim Cook will unveil the groundbreaking new iPhone 17 Air, a phone that’ll have iPhone users drooling (due to dropped jaws) and begging Apple to take their money. I’ve gone on record saying that I’m not investing in any of the new iPhone 17 models and holding out for a folding iPhone next year. But what am I going to do to breathe new life into my current iPhone? Native Union has come to my rescue.
The Paris-based company has announced the Pop Phone, which isn’t a full phone, but an audio accessory modeled after the phone hand receivers of yore–“yore” being the time before mobile phones became prevalent and you had to actually sit in one place, tethered to a device as you had a conversation.
The Pop Phone plugs into a USB-C port and can be used with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. It has a “high-quality microphone and speaker” and will make FaceTime, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom calls positively nostalgic. It comes in eight different colors for $40/£40 and is available to order right now.
If you’re not sold on the retro kitchiness of it all, then perhaps this TikTok video of a fashionable mate strolling down the streets of Paris chatting on a Pop Phone will convince you.
@nativeunion.pop C’est qui le boss ? 👨🏻@Boss lady 💋🪖 #PopPhone ♬ original sound – 77xenon
The Pop Phone actually marks something of a comeback for Native Union. It was originally released 15 years ago, back in the day when iPhones had audio jacks; you plugged the 2009 Pop Phone into said jack. It was also available in wackier color schemes, including a gold handset, which would’ve fit right in the current White House. (Gold isn’t among the current color choices.)
Practically, Pop Phone actually solves a couple of problems for me. The first is that I won’t have to be grossed out after greasing up my iPhone display from holding the phone to my face as I take a call. The second is that now (as pointed out to me by Macworld video producer Alex Esteves), I can “slam the phone down so hard the person on the other end feels it” after arguing with an “IRS representative” who urgently needs me to transfer money to him via Bitcoin. Come at me, scammers.
Macworld
Apple’s September 9 “Awe Dropping” keynote is just days away and promises to be one of the busiest hardware events in years. Based on rumors, it’s going to be a big one, with the new iPhone 17 lineup, revamped AirPods Pro, upgrades to the entire Apple Watch line, and possibly even a refresh to a few of Apple’s accessories.
Read on as we break down everything Apple is expected to announce next Tuesday.
Apple Watch: Updates for the entire lineup
Apple typically kicks off its September events by talking about the Apple Watch, and this year should be no different – especially since rumors suggest that all three Apple Watch models will get hardware upgrades for the first time since the Apple Watch Ultra debuted in 2022.
As reported by Macworld and corroborated by other sources, Apple plans to launch three new watches this month:
Apple Watch Series 11 (Wi-Fi-only and Cellular versions)
Apple Watch Ultra 3 (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
Apple Watch SE 3 (Wi-Fi-only and Cellular versions)
From what we know, this year’s Apple Watch models will look a lot like their predecessors, although some notable changes are expected.
Apple is expected to update all three Apple Watch models at this year’s event.Apple
The Apple Watch Ultra, which didn’t get an update last year other than a new black titanium color, is expected to get a slightly larger screen. The form factor should remain the same, but Apple will likely increase the display size by reducing the bezels around it. Users can also expect a brighter display and an improved always-on mode – features that were introduced with Series 10.
Also for the Ultra, this year’s model is expected to be the first to support both 5G and satellite connectivity. Currently, cellular versions of the Apple Watch are limited to LTE, and none of them support Emergency SOS via Satellite. These are certainly useful features for Ultra users, a niche market of demanding athletes and outdoors aficionados.
Another model that wasn’t updated last year and will finally get another upgrade is the Apple Watch SE. While the current model has the same chip as the Series 8 and the same design as the Series 5, this year’s model will reportedly be on par with the latest models, which means that the Apple Watch SE 3 will get a little bit faster, larger, and more capable.
And of course, there is Apple Watch Series 11, which is largely expected to be a minor refresh, with a brighter screen and new colors.
All three models will also reportedly be equipped with Apple’s first homegrown Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, targeting lower power consumption.
AirPods Pro 3: New sensors and next-gen features
After introducing new entry-level AirPods models last year, Apple is now focusing this year on updating its premium wireless earbuds, the AirPods Pro. Although AirPods Pro gained a new USB-C case in 2023, the hardware remains largely unchanged from the 2nd-gen model introduced in 2022.
AirPods Pro 3 could be on the way with some sognificant advancements.Apple
Over the last few years, Apple has been working on many new health-related features for AirPods, and you can expect more this year. That’s because AirPods Pro 3 are rumored to have a new H3 chip and two health sensors for the first time: heart rate and temperature.
Although the Apple Watch already has a heart-rate sensor, the earbuds should make measurements more accurate and consistent, especially during workouts. And with in-ear positioning for the temperature sensor might be able to take on-demand readings, which the Apple Watch isn’t able to do.
Apple also plans to announce a new live translation feature that will allow AirPods users to talk to people in other languages and hear real-time translation in their earbuds.
iPhone 17: New colors, design changes, and a brand-new model
Of course, the star of the show will be the next generation of the iPhone. The iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and the brand-new iPhone 17 “Air” will all make their debut this fall. And here’s what you can expect from each of them.
The base model iPhone 17 will look pretty much the same as the iPhone 16, but it’ll have a faster chip (likely the A19) and better camera sensors (notably a 24MP selfie cam). As reported by Macworld, it’s also expected to come in new colors: steel gray and light blue, in addition to black, white, green, and light purple.
Some reports also suggest that the display will increase from 6.1 inches to 6.3 inches with thinner bezels, similar to the iPhone 16 Pro.
The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, on the other hand, will feature a new design. The front won’t be dramatically different from the current one, but users can expect a larger camera bump that stretches across the top of the phone and a rectangular glass cutout below. The chassis will reportedly be made of aluminum instead of titanium, which should make the phone even lighter.
The iPhone 17 is expected to come in an array of new colors.Foundry
The internal upgrades in the Pro models will be even more noticeable. Inside, they’ll be powered by the new A19 Pro chip with 12GB of RAM, a first for the iPhone. This should enable support for new AI-based features coming in 2026 and beyond.
Both iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will reportedly come with a new 48MP telephoto camera lens, which should dramatically improve photos taken with optical and digital zoom. A new selfie camera with higher resolution has also been rumored for the iPhone 17 Pro models. The Pro models may have variable aperture and “front and back” simultaneous recording.
This year’s Pro models are also expected to finally address complaints about overheating thanks to a new vapor-chamber cooling system, which should keep the phone cooler for long periods even when running intensive tasks such as 3D games.
What’s more, the back of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will have a “wireless charging area” below the camera bar for reverse wireless charging.
Of course, there will be new color options as well: dark blue and orange are rumored to join the more traditional black, white, and gray.
The iPhone 17 Air is expected to be the thinnest iPhone ever made.Foundry
But the jaw-dropping new iPhone will undoubtedly be the iPhone 17 Air. Expected to be as thin as 5.5 millimeters, it will be the thinnest iPhone ever released by Apple and one of the lightest phones ever made. The iPhone 17 Air will replace the Plus model and likely share some of the Pro models’ features, such as a ProMotion display.
On the other hand, the ultra-thin iPhone will reportedly only have a single rear 48MP camera and smaller battery capacity than the other phones, so Apple is expected to sell a MagSafe battery pack for people who need more juice in their Air. Apple discontinued its original MagSafe Battery in 2023, but the Air’s compact design seems like the perfect excuse to bring the idea back.
Apple is also rumored to introduce new cases for the iPhone 17 lineup, including a redesigned Clear MagSafe Case that fully covers the magnets, as well as a new “TechWoven” version of the discontinued FineWoven case. According to leaks, the new cases will also support lanyards for the first time via a magnetic attachment system.
Maybe now, maybe later
Beyond the iPhone and Apple Watch, Apple may also update some of its other products at the event or sometime later in the fall. A 2nd-gen HomePod mini has been rumored with a new chip, improved Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth support, while the Apple TV 4K could get a spec bump with the A17 Pro chip, the same processor inside the iPhone 15 Pro. Also, a new generation of AirTag has been rumored to arrive this fall.
Of course, Macworld will have full coverage of everything Apple announces next week at its special event.
Apple’s Awe Dropping event is set for September 9, 2025. Want to know what to expect? We’re anticipating new hardware releases including the iPhone 17 (running iOS 26), Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3 and SE 3rd-gen (running watchOS 26), and potentially new AirPods. Find out how, when, and where to watch the Apple September Event, and keep tuned to our Event Guide for all the latest coverage. If you just can’t wait, here’s our satirical take on the Apple September Event keynote script – and don’t miss the Macworld Podcast iPhone event preview.
Macworld
Macs are powerful machines, but sometimes you need Windows, whether it’s for software your job requires, PC-only gaming, or specific workflows that macOS doesn’t support. The good news? You no longer have to choose between ecosystems, and you don’t have to pay full price to make it work.
Windows 11 Pro is compatible with macOS using tools like Parallels Desktop (for Apple silicon or Intel Macs) or Boot Camp (on older Intel-based Macs). These tools let you install and run Windows alongside macOS so you can switch between operating systems without rebooting.
That means you can run PC-exclusive software, manage Windows-based servers, or play Windows games, all on your Mac.
Support for Windows 10 ends next month
If you’re still running Windows 10 on a secondary machine or haven’t upgraded yet, keep in mind that Microsoft will stop offering security updates in October 2025. Getting Windows 11 Pro now gives you peace of mind and full access to the latest features, including enhanced security and a more streamlined interface.
Through Sept. 14, you can grab a lifetime license of Windows 11 Pro for just $12.97 (reg. $199). No monthly fees or subscriptions—just a one-time payment to unlock the full OS.
Get Windows 11 Pro for Mac for $12.97 (Reg. $199)
Microsoft Windows 11 ProSee Deal
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Macworld
Editing high-quality photos used to require expensive software and a desktop computer, but now you can create professional-grade images directly from your phone or tablet.
Luminar Mobile is a powerful photo editing app built for iOS that uses advanced AI tools to simplify complex edits. Luminar Mobile works on iPhones, iPads, and is optimized for Apple Pencil and Vision Pro compatibility, and right now it’s also on sale. Pick up a lifetime subscription for only $19.99 (reg. $47.99).
You don’t need to be a designer to use Luminar. You can instantly replace skies with SkyAI, improve lighting and clarity with EnhanceAI, or fix exposure and shadows using RelightAI. Luminar also includes editing tools like Crop, Curves, Details, and filters, so you can adjust every part of your image to match your creative vision. For portrait work, SkinAI smooths and brightens faces, while BodyAI lets you reshape body contours in a subtle and natural-looking way.
If you’re working with RAW files, Luminar Mobile offers full support, giving you the control you would expect from desktop editing software. The interface is designed to be intuitive and touch-responsive, so it’s easy to use whether you’re editing a quick snapshot or working on a detailed project.
This license includes lifetime access for one device, and updates are included.
Right now, it’s only $20 to get a Luminar Mobile Lifetime License, but it won’t stay that way.
Luminar Mobile for iOS: Lifetime SubscriptionSee Deal
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Macworld
Apple iPhone 17: Summary
iPhone 17 will arrive at Apple’s Awe Dropping event on September 9 in expected standard, Pro, Pro Max, and new Air variants, with preorders kicking off September 12 ahead of a September 19 onsale date. iPhone 17e will likely follow in Spring 2026.
Tariffs may cause the base model entry point to rise from $799 to $849.
iPhone 17 Air is tipped to be the slimmest iPhone ever, while iPhone 17 Pro Max may have the highest-capacity battery to date.
All models are expected to receive LTPO displays, A19/A19 Pro processors, 50W MagSafe charging, multiple camera improvements including a 24MP TrueDepth front camera, plus iOS 26 software.
A broader range of colorways will see specific hues tailored to each model in the iPhone 17 series.
We’re now just a few days away from Apple’s September Awe Dropping event, which will take place on Tuesday, September 9. While not officially confirmed, Apple is widely expected to announce the new iPhone 17 lineup with significant internal and external changes during the keynote.
While many of the most exciting changes rumored to come to the iPhone line are being held for the foldable iPhone, expected to debut in 2026, the iPhone 17 family is set to get a number of important upgrades. This September, we will see not only the thinnest iPhone ever, but also the longest-lasting iPhone ever.
While a new super-thin ‘Air’ model is tipped to replace the Plus variant, reportedly just 6.25mm thick, the Pro Max is expected to get a 5,000mAh battery–along with various tweaks that help it better manage the heat generated by all that power.
We’re also anticipating a range of new color options with different hues for each iPhone 17 model, a switch to LTPO displays that power 120Hz refresh rates in even the two cheapest iPhone 17 models that lack ProMotion, a huge upgrade to MagSafe that enables speedier 50W charging, a doubling of pixels allowing for clearer selfies from the front-facing TrueDepth camera, faster A19/A19 Pro processors with extra RAM in the Pro models to support Apple Intelligence, and the iOS 26 update with all the software enhancements that brings.
In this article, the Macworld team uses its expert knowledge of Apple and iPhone history to define the iPhone 17 rumors most likely to be true. Read on to find out everything you need to know about the soon-to-launch iPhone 17 series, including when the next iPhone will come out, the expected preorder and sale date, design, camera and display specs, and lots more.
At a glance: What to expect from iPhone 17 series
iPhone 17
6.27-inch, 120Hz LTPO display
Black, White, Steel Gray, Green, Purple, Light Blue colorways
A19 processor
24MP TrueDepth camera
50W MagSafe charging
iOS 26
Starting from $799
iPhone 17 Air
Replaces the ‘Plus’ model as the thinnest iPhone to date – just 6.25mm thick
6.65-inch, 120Hz LTPO display
Titanium-aluminum alloy build to prevent bending
Black, White, Light Blue, Light Gold colorways
48MP Fusion camera with 24MP TrueDepth front camera
2,800mAh battery
50W MagSafe charging
iOS 26
Starting from $949-$1,049
iPhone 17 Pro
6.27-inch LTPO display with 120Hz ProMotion and Always-On display
Black, White, Gray, Dark Blue, Orange colorways
A19 Pro processor with vapor chamber
12GB RAM
Upgraded 48MP Telephoto camera, plus 24MP TrueDepth front camera
50W MagSafe charging
iOS 26
Starting from $999-$1,199
iPhone 17 Pro Max
5,000mAh battery – the highest capacity in any iPhone to date
6.86-inch LTPO display with 120Hz ProMotion and Always-On display
Steel body for improved heat dissipation
Black, White, Gray, Dark Blue, Orange colorways
A19 Pro with vapor chamber
12GB RAM
Upgraded 48MP Telephoto camera, plus 24MP TrueDepth front camera
50W MagSafe charging
iOS 26
Starting from $1,199-$1,299
iPhone 17e
To follow in Spring 2026
Read on for more detailed analysis of the rumored iPhone 17 devices, colors, cameras, specs, features and software, plus our thoughts on the iPhone 17 release date and pricing.
@macworld.com iPhone 17 rumor roundup #apple #iphone #fyp ♬ original sound – Macworld – Macworld
A brand-new iPhone line: The iPhone 17 Air
Rumored to be the thinnest iPhone ever
Could get 120Hz refresh rate, but without ProMotion screen
May be constructed from titanium-aluminum alloy metal frame to prevent bending
Single 48MP rear camera, smaller battery, no physical SIM card slot (eSIM only)
Because it’s a brand-new iPhone format we have given the iPhone 17 Air some extra attention. This new iPhone is expected to replace the existing Plus line and will sport a significantly thinner design and a larger display.
Several analysts have reported that the existing Plus model will be replaced by a new “Slim” model with a larger screen size and a much thinner body.
The much slimmer size will come at the expense of battery capacity, as there just isn’t room for a battery as thick as you find in other iPhones. Leaker yeux1122 has said the battery capacity is to be around 2,800mAh, which is over 20% less than the battery in any iPhone 16 model.
According to Korea’s Sisa Journal in January 2025, the so-called iPhone 17 Air will be 6.25mm thick and cost in the same price range as the iPhone 16 Plus (starting at $899 U.S.). Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stated that the “thinnest part” of the new ultra-slim iPhone is just 5.5mm thick, but it’s difficult to know what that means without more context.
The camera bump, according to Weibo leaker Ice Universe, will be 4.0mm thick, bringing the total phone thickness to 9.5mm at the camera. Additionally, a report from Majin Bu in July claims the selfie cam will shift from the right side of the Face ID sensors to the left.
We’re unsure if the iPhone 17 Air will have the A19 or A19 Pro processor (reports vary), but it is expected to have only a single 48MP rear camera and the new 24MP front camera that all iPhone 17 models will get.
The iPhone 17 Air is also expected to feature a titanium frame, while the other iPhones will be made of aluminum. This may be due to titanium’s greater resistance to bending, which could be necessary given how thin the phone is.
An episode of the YouTube channel Unboxed Therapy featured a “dummy model” version of the phone from a third-party supplier. It’s our best look yet at the overall size and thin design.
Sources: yeux1122 | Sisa Journal | Ice Universe
iPhone 17 series color options
Confirmation of the Pantone color codes for each iPhone 17 model
Broader and more varied color palette tailored to individual models
We’ve heard a lot of rumors of the iPhone 17 colors over the past few months. Now we have independent confirmation from internal documents that list the Pantone colors of the various models.
The iPhone 17 line-up is expected to feature a broader and more varied color palette than previous generations, with specific hues tailored to each model.
iPhone 17 colors
Black (same as iPhone 16)
White (same as iPhone 16)
Steel Gray (Pantone 18-4005-TPG)
Green (Pantone 2282 U)
Purple (Pantone 530 U)
Light Blue (Pantone 658 U)
iPhone 17 Air colors
Black (same as iPhone 16)
White (brighter/colder than the iPhone 16)
Light Blue (Pantone 657 U)
Light Gold (Pantone 11-0604 TPG Gardenia)
The blue shade of the iPhone 17 Air (left) will be lighter than the iPhone 17 (right).Foundry
iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max colors
Black (same as iPhone 16 Pro)
White (same as iPhone 16 Pro)
Gray (similar to Natural Titanium)
Dark Blue (Pantone 19-4025 TPG Mood Indigo)
Orange (Pantone 1501243 TCX Papaya)
The iPhone 17 Pro will have a VERY dark blue indigo color and a “papaya” orange.Foundry
iPhone 17 cameras
iPhone 17 models said to feature a 24MP front-facing camera for 2x zoom and improved selfies
iPhone 17 Pro rumored to include a new 48MP telephoto camera with a 3.5x optical zoom
Redesigned ‘camera bar’ spanning width of the iPhone (Pro, Pro Max, and Air)
Extra camera control button and mechanical aperture expected for Pro models
The iPhone 17 series is expected to bring several camera enhancements across each models, focusing on improved resolution and advanced telephoto capabilities.
All iPhone 17 models are rumored to feature a 24MP front-facing camera. This would be a substantial upgrade from the 12MP lens found in the iPhone 16. It would improve selfie quality and potentially enable 2x zoom while maintaining sharpness.
An October 2024 research note from analyst Jeff Pu indicated that the iPhone 17 Pro would also feature a 48MP telephoto camera. According to a later report from Majin Bu, the 48MP telephoto camera will have a zoom of 3.5x (85mm), with an optical “crop zoom” mode similar to today’s 48MP wide camera, so you can shoot 12MP 7x (160mm) shots before the digital zoom kicks in.
A report from The Information in July 2024 claims that “at least one” new iPhone model will feature a mechanical aperture, which would be new for iPhones, but has been seen in a handful of Android phones so far. A variable aperture would let users decide how much light passes through, giving more control over the depth of field.
The iPhone 17 Pro and Air models are also expected to feature a new “camera bar” design, where the large rectangular bump holding the rear cameras now stretches across the entire width of the iPhone. The regular iPhone 17 should have its two camera stacked vertically in a narrow bump, similar to the iPhone 16 today.
Sonny Dickson
In late June 2025, Majin Bu posted photos of an iPhone 17 Pro dummy unit and its new camera bar.
Majin Bu/X
According to a leak from a MacRumors source, the iPhone 17 Pro i
Macworld
If you’ve been looking for a cool and compact way to keep your phone and earbuds charged while you’re working at your desk, then this Ugreen MagFlow charging station is the right pick for you. With a 30% discount, you can get this Ugreen MagFlow Qi2 2-in-1 Charger for just un$35der in this limited-time Amazon deal.
The beauty of this Ugreen charging station is that it folds onto itself, taking up very little space when not in use. The top charger allows you to magnetize your iPhone to it at a good-enough angle that you can still check notifications or watch videos. The bottom charger is the perfect spot to place your earbuds with a wireless charging case, such as your beloved AirPods.
There’s also a USB-C port on the side where you can plug your Apple Watch charger if you want to get all your gear to 100 percent. The Ugreen charging station strives to protect your gear from all sorts of dangers and it comes with safety features against overvoltage, overcurrent, short circuits, and overheating. Just not, there’s no cable or wall charger in the package, but it’s not like you don’t have a ton of those lying around.
So go ahead and order your very own Ugreen MagGlow wireless charging station for $35 while it’s still on sale at Amazon.
We love this portable charging stationBuy now at Amazon
Macworld
According to a report by Help Net Security, a security researcher found a vulnerability in macOS Sequoia while using a utility created by Microsoft. When exposed, the vulnerability could allow an attack to bypass macOS’s System Integrity Protection and read the memory of any process.
FFRI Security’s Koh Nakagawa made the find while using ProcDump for Mac, a utility by Microsoft that performs process crash dumps so developers can monitor CPU and memory usage. During a presentation at Nullcon Berlin, Nakagawa said he initially thought that the Mac’s SIP would prevent ProDump from being a useful tool, but then discovered that the tool calls upon a special entitlement granted to a macOS component called gcore.
Nakagawa found that gcore dumps memory from any process, and that memory dump includes keychain information. He was able to find the key used to encrypt keychain and use that information to decrypt the keychain without needing a user password.
The vulnerability was recorded as CVE-2025-24204 in the National Vulnerability Database. Apple addressed the exploit in the macOS Sequoia 15.3 update in January. It is customary for researchers to present their findings after the vulnerability has been fixed.
Apple releases security patches through OS updates, so installing them as soon as possible is important. Macworld has several guides to help, including a guide on whether or not you need antivirus software, a list of Mac viruses, malware, and trojans, and a comparison of Mac security software.
In fact, solutions like this usb c hub ipad https://cabletimetech.com/products/8-in-1-aluminum-usb-c-hub-stand-for-ipad-pro are a powerful hub and a sophisticated stand that allows you to connect an external monitor and several other devices to turn your iPad into a full-fledged workstation. This is a really cool option for those who want to create a comfortable work area for themselves.