Apple today announced its store at the Westfield Hornsby shopping mall, in Hornsby, Australia, will be permanently closing next month.


Hornsby is a suburb of Sydney, on the Upper North Shore. Apple opened its store there in 2011, and it will close for good on October 4, at 5 p.m. local time.

In a statement shared with some Australian media outlets a few months ago, Apple said it had decided not to renew its lease at Westfield Hornsby. Apple said all affected retail employees would be given the opportunity to work at Apple's nearby store at the Chatswood Chase shopping mall, in Chatswood, which is set to reopen in October.


Apple Chatswood Chase has been closed for renovations for many months. Apple said the store will be completely redesigned, and it will offer an Apple Pickup station for collecting online orders, and a dedicated area for Today at Apple sessions. With the Chatswood Chase store set to expand, Apple decided to close its Hornsby store.

The company has six other stores in the Sydney area.

Apple has permanently closed a handful of its stores in 2025, but it has also opened many new locations this year, including in Miami, Shenzhen, Osaka, Bengaluru, and elsewhere. Earlier today, Apple announced that its all-new store in Downtown Detroit will be holding its grand opening on Friday, September 19, at 5 p.m. local time.

Elsewhere in Australia, Apple relocated its store in Perth to a historic bank building in June.
This article, "Apple Store Near Sydney Permanently Closing Next Month" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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iOS 26 is coming in just three days, and it brings a new Liquid Glass design with translucent UI elements, rounded menu bars, simplified navigation, pop out menus, and more.


Liquid Glass has been contentious during the beta testing period. Some people don't feel like there's enough translucency, and others think Apple has gone too far, impacting readability. Where do you fall on the spectrum? Let us know in the comments below.

The new design is the big ‌iOS 26‌ talking point, but the update also has a bunch of new features, both big and small. Are you looking forward to screening your phone calls? Setting a custom snooze duration? Making Genmoji? Using Live Translation?

For a recap on all of the features that are coming next week, make sure to check out our iOS 26 roundup. We also have overviews of iPadOS 26 and macOS Tahoe, both of which have some exciting new additions.
This article, "Three Days Until iOS 26 Launch: What Are You Most Looking Forward To?" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Following Tuesday's event, new Liquid Glass icons for Apple Store, Clips, GarageBand, iMovie, Keynote, Numbers, and Pages have surfaced on Apple's iPhone tech spec pages. The new icons appear on the iPhone 16 tech specs page despite that model having no hardware changes, and existing users will presumably see the new icons in app updates that will roll out on Monday alongside iOS 26.


These apps come preinstalled on new iPhones but they were not included in the ‌iOS 26‌ betas and release candidate because they are updated through the App Store. While the spec sheets themselves don't reveal changes beyond the usual pre-installed and downloadable apps, the iconography is unmistakably updated to the latest iOS design set based around Liquid Glass.

Most of the updates are relatively subtle with changes largely limited to the glassiness of the design elements, while a few like Clips and GarageBand have a bit more substantial changes.


Perhaps notably, there is inconsistency across Apple's product pages. While every ‌iPhone‌ model page displays these new icons, all Mac product pages continue to show the current macOS versions of these app icons.

We are not expecting Mac hardware updates until later this year, or more likely early 2026, but with macOS Tahoe being released alongside ‌iOS 26‌ on Monday, we should see the Liquid Glass app icons coming to Apple's ‌App Store‌ apps for Mac as well.

This article, "Apple Reveals Upcoming Liquid Glass Icons for Additional iOS Apps" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple this week stopped selling its 30W USB-C Power Adapter, despite its online store indicating that the charger is still included with the base 13-inch MacBook Air and the Apple Vision Pro. It is unclear why the adapter is no longer sold separately.


Apple released the 30W USB-C Power Adapter in 2018. It was priced at $39 in the U.S., before being removed from Apple's online store.

In related news, Apple released a 40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max this week, in the U.S., Canada, China, Japan, Mexico, Taiwan, and the Philippines. Perhaps this new 40W-60W charger is the successor to the 30W model.

The new charger can dynamically deliver up to 60W of power, despite having a smaller form factor. However, due to the thermal limitations that come with this compact design, the charger can only reach that 60W peak in shorter bursts.

Apple also sells a variety of other USB-C power adapters, including 20W, dual-port 35W (in two sizes), 70W, 96W, and 140W options.
This article, "Apple No Longer Sells 30W Charger Still Included With Two Devices" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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iOS 26 adds a new Hearing Protection setting for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3 in some countries across Europe and the Middle East, such as Belgium, Czechia, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates.


Specifically, there is a new "EN 352 Protection" setting in these countries. When this setting is turned on, Apple's website says the Hearing Protection feature on AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3 complies with the European hearing protection standard EN 352, by limiting the maximum volume level of media playback to 82 dBA.

When a set of AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods Pro 3 are paired to an iPhone, this new setting can be turned on or off in the Settings app, by tapping on your AirPods, selecting Hearing Protection, and adjusting the "EN 352 Protection" toggle switch.

It is unclear if Apple was required to introduce this setting, or added it voluntarily.

iOS 26 will be released to the general public on Monday, September 15. AirPods Pro 3 are available to pre-order now, and launch on Friday, September 19.

With the overall Hearing Protection feature, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3 can help protect your hearing in loud environments, by reducing your exposure to loud sounds.

The new setting was discovered by MacRumors contributors Aaron Perris and Steve Moser.
This article, "iOS 26 Adds New AirPods Pro Hearing Protection Setting in Some Countries" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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It's iPhone pre-order week, and you can already find offers and discounts on the latest iPhone 17 and iPhone Air models at many carriers in the United States. Additionally, we're tracking great deals on HomePod mini, Beats headphones, and charging accessories to pair with your new iPhone.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

Apple's New Products

• What's the deal? Get first-ever offers on AirPods Pro 3, Apple Watch Series 11, and more


• Where can I get it? Best Buy, AT&T, and more


• Where can I find the original deal? Right here

Apple this week announced a huge collection of new products, and we're already tracking a few notable offers you can get when pre-ordering select devices. Highlights include $20 in Best Buy credit for members when pre-ordering the AirPods Pro 3, big trade-in values when purchasing the new Apple Watch Series 11, and special trade-in offers on iPhone 17/Air models at select carriers.

• AirPods Pro 3 - $249.00 [Best Buy/Amazon]


• Apple Watch Series 11 - $399.00 [Best Buy/Amazon]


• Apple Watch SE 3 - $249.00 [Best Buy/Amazon]


• Apple Watch Ultra 3 - $799.00 [Best Buy/Amazon]

Amazon Sale

• What's the deal? Save on popular brands like Jackery and Anker


• Where can I get it? Amazon


• Where can I find the original deal? Right here

Amazon this week has a few notable sales from popular brands like Satechi, Jackery, Anker, and Ecovacs. These include discounts on everything from MagSafe-compatible car chargers to portable power stations, Find My compatible wallets, and robot vacuums. You can find every deal in our original post.

• 10,000 mAh Magnetic Power Bank - $34.99, down from $49.99


• Nano Magnetic Car Charger - $39.99, down from $59.99


• MagGo 3-in-1 Foldable Charging Station - $69.99, down from $89.99


• 10,000 mAh MagGo Qi2 Power Bank - $71.99, down from $89.99


• 140W 4-Port USB-C Charger - $79.99 with coupon, down from $99.99


• Power Station with Lantern - $109.99, down from $149.99

HomePod Mini

• What's the deal? Take $15 off HomePod mini


• Where can I get it? Verizon


• Where can I find the original deal? Right here

Verizon today has Apple's HomePod mini for $84.99 in three colors, down from $99.99. As with all Verizon discounts, you don't need to be a Verizon Wireless customer to get this sale, and the retailer is offering free two day shipping.

Beats

• What's the deal? Take up to 43% off Beats


• Where can I get it? Amazon


• Where can I find the original deal? Right here

Amazon this week is discounting a collection of Beats headphones and speakers, including a solid second-best price on the Powerbeats Pro 2. You can get this new 2025 model for $199.95 in four colors, down from $249.99.

If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.

---

This article, "Best Apple Deals of the Week: Shop Big Discounts on Popular Charging Accessories to Pair With Your New iPhone 17" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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The Apple Watch Series 11 is now available for pre-order. The latest models feature just four changes over their predecessors–making them perhaps the smallest generational upgrade in the device's history. Here's everything that's new.


Apple's latest Apple Watch models bring a very small selection of specific improvements following last year's design refresh. This guide lists all of the differences between the Series 10 and ‌Series 11 models to help you understand the changes.

Apple Watch Series 10	Apple Watch Series 11
Ion-X glass (aluminum models only)	2x more scratch-resistant Ion-X glass (aluminum models only)
LTE and UMTS (cellular models only)	LTE and 5G (cellular models only)
1.118–1.266 watt-hour battery	1.245–1.403 watt-hour battery (7–10% larger)
Silver aluminum option	Space Gray aluminum option

Somewhat surprisingly, there are no other differences between the Apple Watch Series 10 and the Apple Watch Series 11. Notably, for users interested in the titanium model, the only differences are a slightly larger battery and 5G connectivity.

And if you don't enable a cellular plan on your Apple Watch, the 5G connectivity is also a redundant upgrade. In fact, in some countries, the Apple Watch Series 11 is still limited to 4G connectivity. 5G is not listed as a supported feature for the new Apple Watch models in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and several other countries in Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia.

Apple claims that the Apple Watch Series 11 offers 24 hours of battery life, touting it as a significant improvement over the Series 10's 18 hours. However, this marketing tactic has drawn scrutiny as closer examination of Apple's own testing data reveals that the increase from the Series 10's 18-hour rating is largely attributable to changes in testing methodology rather than a major hardware improvement.

Before the Series 11, the smallest generational upgrade arrived with the Series 5. It introduced the always-on Retina display, S5 chip, compass, and 32GB of storage. It also saw the removal of Force Touch and the reintroduction of the Apple Watch Edition. Even this generation-over-generation upgrade was considerably more substantial than the Series 11.

Is It Worth Upgrading?

Normally our buyer's guides weigh up generational improvements and conclude that while most users should not upgrade every year, a minority of enthusiasts and power-users may be able to justify a purchase. With the Series 11, it is very clear that virtually no users should upgrade from a Series 10 – especially those with a titanium model, those who do not use cellular connectivity, and individuals in countries where the 5G upgrade isn't available.

Here's hoping for a bigger upgrade next year.
This article, "Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Series 11 Buyer's Guide: Apple's Smallest Ever Upgrade?" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models in the U.S. feature an antenna window on the top edge of the devices, for mmWave 5G signals to pass through.


The standard iPhone 17 does not appear to have the antenna window, while the iPhone Air does not support mmWave 5G, so it is not on that device either.

All of the iPhone 12 through iPhone 15 models are outfitted with this antenna window, made of glass. However, it was not present on any of the iPhone 16 models, which were the first devices to feature the Camera Control button on the bottom-right edge, where the mmWave 5G antenna window was previously located.

iPhone 17 Pro models have a new design with an aluminum unibody, but radio signals cannot pass through metal. The reintroduced antenna window, which likely remains made of glass or perhaps a tougher Ceramic Shield material, allows for mmWave 5G signals to better pass through the frame of the devices for cellular connectivity.

While all iPhones sold outside of the U.S. lack mmWave 5G support altogether, the antenna window is present on iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models sold in select other countries, such as Canada, Japan, Mexico, and the United Arab Emirates. These are all countries where the devices are eSIM-only.

mmWave is a set of 5G frequencies that promise ultra-fast speeds at short distances, which is ideal for dense urban areas. By comparison, sub-6GHz 5G is generally slower than mmWave, but the signals travel further, better serving suburban and rural areas.
This article, "Apple Reintroduces mmWave 5G Antenna Window on iPhone 17 Pro Models in U.S." first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple today disclosed its out-of-warranty repair fees for all of the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air models, ahead of the devices launching next week.


First and foremost, Apple's battery replacement fees did not increase for the latest iPhone models in the U.S., with Apple charging a flat $119 to replace the battery inside an iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, or iPhone Air. This is the same fee it has always charged to replace the battery in an iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Overall, the latest repair fees are not very remarkable, but we do get a look at the costs for the all-new iPhone Air model with an ultra-thin design:

• Cracked screen (front only): $329


• Back glass damage: $159


• Cracked screen and back glass damage: $419


• Battery: $119


• Rear camera: $169


• Other damage: $699

Again, these are out-of-warranty repair fees. If your iPhone has AppleCare+ coverage, the repair fees range from $29 to $99 per incident for all models.

For all of the fees, visit Apple's iPhone Repair and Service page.
This article, "Apple Reveals iPhone Air Battery Replacement and Repair Fees" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple is planning to release the AirPods Pro 3 next week, but MacRumors videographer Dan Barbera was able to get an early look at the new earbuds following Tuesday's keynote event. It's been a few years since the AirPods Pro were refreshed, so there are some useful upgrades to be aware of.


The ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ have a new shape because Apple redesigned the part that goes in the ear. The difference is subtle, but noticeable when you have the AirPods Pro 2 and ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ side-by-side. The ear tips now have foam on the outside, which is supposed to better shut out ambient sound.

There were rumors that the ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ Charging Case would get smaller, but that didn't happen. It's actually bigger than before, but it is a little less heavy. There's no button on the back, with Apple swapping to the same hidden capacitive button that's on the AirPods 4 case.

Audio quality is clearly better on the low end, with better balance. Active Noise Cancellation is also 2x better, though Dan wasn't able to test the AirPods long enough to definitively confirm Apple's claims.

Live Translation is available for in-person conversations, and it worked during a test with a Spanish speaking Apple employee. There are limited languages at launch, but Apple plans to add more over time. Heart rate tracking is also new, and now you don't even need an Apple Watch to keep track of your heart rate and calories burned when working out.

Dan was also able to check out the new Apple Watch models, but there's not a whole lot going on there visually. The Series 11 has a 5G chip, a more durable display, and improved battery life, but it's otherwise basically the same as the Series 10.

The Apple Watch SE didn't get an updated design, but it too has 5G and a faster S10 chip. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 has a bigger display thanks to slimmed down bezels, and it now supports satellite connectivity like the iPhone.

We'll have a more in-depth look at all of Apple's new devices starting next week, so make sure to stay tuned.
This article, "AirPods Pro 3 First Look" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple is scheduled to release iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 on Monday, September 15, bringing a host of new features to existing iPhones and iPads, such as a Liquid Glass design overhaul, new Home Screen customization options, a streamlined Camera app, new Phone app features, and more.


This article covers some of the things you can do to prepare your ‌iPhone‌ or iPad for Apple's latest mobile operating system, including storage maintenance tips, backup advice, and a few other useful tidbits to consider before upgrading. First though, you'll need to make sure your ‌device is compatible with the new software.

Is My iPhone Compatible With iOS 26?

iOS 26 is compatible with the iPhone 11 series and newer. In other words, the following models are supported:

• iPhone 16e


• iPhone 16


• iPhone 16 Plus


• iPhone 16 Pro


• iPhone 16 Pro Max


• iPhone 15


• iPhone 15 Plus


• iPhone 15 Pro


• iPhone 15 Pro Max


• iPhone 14


• iPhone 14 Plus


• iPhone 14 Pro


• iPhone 14 Pro Max


• iPhone 13


• iPhone 13 mini


• iPhone 13 Pro


• iPhone 13 Pro Max


• iPhone 12


• iPhone 12 mini


• iPhone 12 Pro


• iPhone 12 Pro Max


• iPhone 11


• iPhone 11 Pro


• iPhone 11 Pro Max


• iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)

Note that this compatibility list does not mean that all iOS 26 features will work with the above models. Several of the update's features are exclusive to iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 models, since they rely on Apple Intelligence. You can learn more about them here.

Note that iOS 26 will come pre-installed on new iPhone 17 models when they launch in September 2025.

Is My iPad Compatible With iPadOS 26?

iPadOS 26 supports the following iPad models:

• iPad Pro (M4)


• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later)


• iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later)


• iPad Air (M2 and later)


• iPad Air (3rd generation and later)


• iPad (A16)


• iPad (8th generation and later)


• iPad mini (A17 Pro)


• iPad mini (5th generation and later)

This means the only iPad model that supports iPadOS 18, but not iPadOS 26, is the lower-cost iPad (7th generation).

Note that this compatibility list does not mean that all iPadOS 26 features will work with the above models. Several of the update's features are exclusive to devices that support Apple Intelligence: these include iPad models with M1 or later chips, and the 7th generation iPad mini with A17 Pro chip.

Reclaim Device Storage Space

Before you attempt to make the leap to iOS 26/iPadOS 26, you'll first want to make sure your device has adequate space to download and install the new operating system over the air.

With that in mind, it's worth looking at what apps you currently have installed on your devices and whether you really need them. Swipe through your home screen and check inside your folders to root out any long-forgotten apps that are taking up precious storage space.


You can delete apps by holding a finger on them and tapping the X that appears at the corner of their icon. Alternatively, go to Settings ➝ General ➝ iPhone/iPad Storage, tap any apps you don't use, and select Delete App. Note that this action can't be undone, but be ruthless – you can always re-install removed apps at a later date if you change your mind.

Check on the size of any social media or messaging apps you have installed, such as Facebook and WhatsApp. These apps can often balloon in size after long periods of activity because of chat history, media caching and the like, so you might want to delete and reinstall them to start afresh.

Also, be sure to heed any personal recommendations on the ‌iPhone‌ Storage screen, like keeping high-resolution photos in iCloud and smaller-size versions on your device, or letting iOS automatically offload any apps you don't use often.

Make an Archived Backup of Your Device on Mac

It's best practice to have a local backup of your device stored on your computer in case something goes awry, or the worst happens and installation of iOS 26 fails. If you need to downgrade shortly after installing a new iOS/iPadOS update, making an archived local backup beforehand is necessary, otherwise you won't be able to revert back to ‌iOS 18/iPadOS 18 if things go wrong.

1. Plug your iPhone/iPad into your Mac using the supplied cable.


2. Allow the accessory to connect by clicking Allow in the dialog prompt.


3. Open a Finder window by clicking the Finder icon in the Dock.


4. Click your iOS device's name in the sidebar.
   
   
5. If this is the first time connecting your device to your Mac, click Trust in the Finder window.
   
   
6. Tap Trust on your device when prompted, then enter your passcode to confirm.


7. In the General tab, click the circle next to where it says Back up all of the data on your iPhone/iPad to this Mac.


8. If you want to encrypt the backup, check the box next to Encrypt local backup, then enter a password to protect your data.


9. If you don't want to create an encrypted backup, or you've already set up encrypted backups, click Back Up Now. When the backup is finished, you can find the date and time of the last backup in the General tab, just above the Manage Backups button.
   
   
10. Lastly, archive the backup: Select Manage Backups ➝ Select Backup, then right-click the backup and choose Archive. This protects it from being overwritten by the next local backup or automatically deleted if your Mac is low on storage space.

Remember that this backup will not be overwritten when you manually or automatically back up your iPhone in the future, so you can restore it at any time by using the Restore Backup... option in the same Finder screen.

Make an Archived Backup of Your Device on Windows

The Apple Devices app is now the main tool for managing a connected iPhone on a Windows PC.

1. Plug the iPhone/iPad into your Windows PC. (You may also need to tap Trust on your Apple device.)


2. Go to the Apple Devices app on your PC, then select your Apple device in the sidebar.


3. Click General in the sidebar.


4. Use the bullets to select where to back up your data. (If you want to encrypt the data, select the Encrypt local backup option and set a password.)


5. Click Back Up Now.


6. After the backup is complete, select Manage Backups to see the backup file.


7. Right-click the backup you created and choose Archive. This extra step prevents the backup from being overwritten by the next local backup or automatically deleted if the computer runs low on storage space.

Installing iOS 26

When iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 become available on September 15 as an over-the-air update (likely around 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time/1:00 p.m. Eastern Time, based on past releases), make sure your device is fully charged before you start the process over Wi-Fi, as it may take some time to complete.

To check that the update is available, go to Settings ➝ General ➝ Software Update, and wait a moment for your device to contact Apple's servers. If you're in no rush, you can wait for iOS 26/iPadOS 26 to be delivered to your iPhone or iPad when you next plug it into your computer.
This article, "How to Get Your iPhone Ready for iOS 26" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple's new iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro models are just $100 apart and excel in different areas, creating one of the most difficult buying decisions for customers in years.


Instead of the familiar split between standard and Pro models, Apple this year introduced the new ‌iPhone Air‌. The ‌iPhone Air‌ is positioned as a design-focused iPhone with an ultra-thin, premium, and minimalist aesthetic, with trade-offs in terms of cameras, speakers, and battery life. On the other hand, the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ is now more performance-focused than ever with vapor chamber cooling and a thicker frame that contains an even larger battery.

The ‌iPhone Air‌ and ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ share a brighter ProMotion display, the A19 Pro chip, 12GB of memory, a 48-megapixel Fusion main rear camera, an all-new front-facing camera with Center Stage, Ceramic Shield 2, and more. This guide offers a detailed look at every difference—dimensions, design, cameras, battery life, and pricing—so you can make an informed choice between the two devices.

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

The ‌iPhone Air‌ is dramatically thinner and lighter than the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌, but to achieve such a radical design Apple had to make some trade-offs with features.

‌iPhone Air‌	‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ and ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max
6.5-inch display	iPhone 17 Pro: 6.3-inch display iPhone 17 Pro Max: 6.9-inch display
Polished titanium frame with glass back	Anodized aluminum unibody
	Vapor chamber cooling
5-core GPU	6-core GPU
Single rear camera	Triple rear cameras
	48-megapixel ultra wide camera
	48-megapixel telephoto camera
1x and 2x optical zoom options	0.5x, 1x, 2x, 4x, and 8x optical zoom options
	LiDAR Scanner
True Tone flash	Adaptive True Tone flash
	Macro photography
	Spatial photos
	ProRAW
	Cinematic mode
	ProRes video recording
	ProRes RAW
	Academy Color Encoding System
	Apple Log 2 video recording
	Genlock support
	Macro video recording, including slo‑mo and time‑lapse
Slo‑mo video support up to 1080p at 240 fps	Slo‑mo video support for 1080p up to 240 fps and 4K Dolby Vision up to 120 fps
3,149 mAh battery	iPhone 17 Pro: 4,252 mAh battery iPhone 17 Pro Max: 5,088 mAh battery
Up to 27-hour battery life	iPhone 17 Pro: Up to 33-hour battery life iPhone 17 Pro Max: Up to 39-hour battery life
MagSafe wireless charging up to 20W	‌MagSafe‌ wireless charging up to 25W
Up to 50% charge in 30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher, or 30W adapter or higher paired with ‌MagSafe‌ Charger	Up to 50% charge in 20 minutes with 40W adapter or higher
Support for Apple ‌MagSafe‌ battery
USB-C (USB 2)	USB-C (USB 3 for up to 20x faster transfers)
Mono speaker	Stereo speakers
Built-in mics	Studio-quality four-mic array
eSIM only	eSIM and physical SIM
256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage	iPhone 17 Pro: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage iPhone 17 Pro Max: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB storage
Available in Cloud White, Space Black, Sky Blue, and Light Gold	Available in Silver, Deep Blue, and Cosmic Orange

At all storage tiers, the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ is just $100 more than the equivalent ‌iPhone Air‌:

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

Which One Should You Choose?

The ‌iPhone Air‌ is clearly the choice for those looking for a more minimal ‌iPhone‌ experience that prioritizes delivery of a lightweight and super-thin design. Due to this and its adoption of a polished titanium frame and a subtle color palette, it is also the most premium-looking ‌iPhone‌ available today. It's also the ‌iPhone‌ of choice for those looking for a display size that sits between the 6.3-inch Pro and the 6.9-inch Pro Max.

With its ProMotion display, A19 Pro chip, 12GB of memory, rear 48-megapixel Fusion main camera, an all-new front-facing camera with Center Stage, and Ceramic Shield 2, there are surprisingly few compromises. Nevertheless, the lack of additional rear cameras, stereo speakers, and better battery life may be a dealbreaker for some.

The ‌iPhone Air‌ is a whole new kind of ‌iPhone‌, so those looking for a fresh experience should choose it over the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌. The ‌iPhone Air‌ also likely sets the stage for Apple's first foldable next year.

The ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌, on the other hand, disregards a thin design and minimalism to offer as many features as possible. It should be the model of choice for those who need the most versatile camera system, best performance, and longest battery life.

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

This article, "iPhone Air vs. iPhone 17 Pro Buyer's Guide: 35+ Differences Compared" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple released Powerbeats Pro 2 in February as its first earbuds with heart rate monitoring, and iOS 26 will further enhance that functionality.


Many of the improvements will bring the Powerbeats Pro 2 in line with the new AirPods Pro 3, which also feature heart rate monitoring.

Starting with iOS 26, the Powerbeats Pro 2's heart rate monitoring feature will work with Apple's Fitness app on the iPhone, according to a Beats spokesperson. With the earbuds, you will be able to track your heart rate and calories burned across 50 different workout types in the Fitness app, with no Apple Watch required for this.

Apple Fitness+ subscribers with Powerbeats Pro 2 will be able to view real-time performance metrics directly on their iPhone, such as heart rate, calories burned, and the Burn Bar, without wearing an Apple Watch.

Here are more improvements coming to Powerbeats Pro 2 with iOS 26, according to Beats:

• A single Powerbeats Pro 2 earbud can be used for heart rate monitoring during workouts.


• Powerbeats Pro 2 count steps taken when your iPhone is not on you.


• Powerbeats Pro 2 and Apple Watch can simultaneously provide heart rate data.


• Siri Interactions on Powerbeats Pro 2 will let you nod your head yes, or shake your head no, when Siri asks if you want to answer an incoming call, hear a text message, manage notifications, and more.


• A new algorithm offers faster heart rate reading.


• A notification will prompt you to potentially improve the fit of your Powerbeats Pro 2 to improve heart rate reading.

The latter two improvements will extend to Android.

iOS 26 will be released on Monday, September 15, and a corresponding Powerbeats Pro 2 firmware update with these enhancements will likely be released on the same day. Both the Powerbeats Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3 are regularly priced at $249, with the former offering a more fitness-focused design with earhooks for a secure fit.
This article, "iOS 26 Adds New Features to Powerbeats Pro 2" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple will launch its new iPhone 17 lineup and ultra-thin iPhone Air in stores on Friday, September 19, and the company has already shown off the new devices at its fall event, which ran with the the tagline "Awe dropping."


The iPhone 17 series brings a host of new features and enhancements. Here's a rundown of the biggest upgrades and changes:

iPhone 17

Display Changes

• The iPhone 17 now comes with a 6.3-inch display, up from 6.1 inches, making it the same size as the iPhone 17 Pro. The larger screen means the device is a little taller, thicker, and heavier than the iPhone 16, though slimmer bezels help offset some of the increase.


• Apple has equipped the phone with a Super Retina XDR OLED display protected by Ceramic Shield 2, which is said to deliver three times better scratch resistance than the previous version.


• The display also gains ProMotion support, enabling adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz. This brings smoother scrolling and animations while also unlocking Always-On display functionality.


• Brightness has been upgraded as well, with peak outdoor brightness rising to 3000 nits from 2000 nits. Typical brightness remains at 1000 nits, while HDR content can still reach up to 1600 nits.

New Camera Technology

• An upgraded 18-megapixel front-facing camera improves selfies and video calls, while a square sensor allows for capturing portrait and landscape photos without rotating your iPhone. It also supports Center Stage for wider views when capturing images and taking video calls.


• The Center Stage front camera enables ultra-stabilized video in 4K HDR, and users can now record on the front and rear cameras simultaneously with Dual Capture.


• A new 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide camera captures up to 4x the resolution compared to the previous generation. The upgrade means iPhone 17 features all 48MP rear cameras for the first time.

Processor Upgrades

• The iPhone 17 is equipped with an A19 chip built on Apple's third-generation 3-nanometer node. It includes a 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU, with each GPU core featuring a Neural Accelerator designed to improve on-device generative AI and other system-intensive tasks.


• There's also an upgraded 16-core Neural Engine, an updated display engine, and a new image signal processor.

Battery Innovations

• Thanks to the new A19 chip and an Apple-designed N1 networking chip, the iPhone 17 is more efficient for improved battery life. It lasts up to 30 hours when watching videos, or up to 27 hours when streaming – more than 6 hours longer than the iPhone 16.


• Charging speeds have also been improved. The iPhone 17 can fast charge to 50 percent in 20 minutes with a 40W or higher power adapter. It can also reach 50 percent in 30 minutes with a MagSafe charger, and supports both MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging at 25W.

iPhone Air

Design

• At 5.6mm thick, the iPhone Air is Apple's thinnest ever iPhone, more than 3mm thinner than the iPhone 17 Pro. It features a polished titanium frame with a 6.5-inch display. Titanium is stronger than aluminum, and the iPhone Air was designed not to bend, making it more durable than any previous iPhone.


• Apple designed a camera "plateau" on the back of the iPhone Air that houses the 18-megapixel front-facing camera, the TrueDepth system for Face ID, the single-lens 48-megapixel rear camera, an Apple silicon chip, and a speaker.


• The iPhone Air includes all the same buttons and features as the iPhone 17 models, such as the Action button and Camera Control button.

Display

• The display matches the other iPhone 17 models, offering 1000 nits maximum brightness, 1600 nits peak HDR brightness, and 3000 nits peak outdoor brightness.


• It supports ProMotion with 120Hz refresh rates, which also enables Apple's Always-On display technology.


• Apple has added an improved anti-reflection coating to reduce glare.

Processor

• The iPhone Air is powered by the A19 Pro chip, the same processor used in the iPhone 17 Pro, but with one fewer GPU core.


• The chip includes a 6-core CPU with two performance cores and four efficiency cores, paired with a 5-core GPU and 12GB of RAM.


• Each GPU core features a Neural Accelerator, which Apple says delivers 3x more peak GPU compute for improved on-device AI and other demanding tasks.

Camera Technology

• The single-lens rear camera uses the same 48-megapixel Fusion lens as the iPhone 17, supporting 1x and 2x zoom along with 28mm and 35mm focal lengths.


• Apple added a Dual Capture feature that lets you record with the front and rear cameras at the same time. The 18-megapixel Center Stage front camera also includes improved stabilization.


• The front-facing camera allows selfie photos in portrait or landscape mode without rotating the phone, and it supports Center Stage for video calls.

Battery Life

• The iPhone Air's battery lasts up to 27 hours when watching video or 22 hours when streaming video.


• Apple designed a $99 MagSafe battery pack for the iPhone Air that extends battery life to as much as 40 hours.


• The iPhone Air supports up to 20W wireless charging speeds. It can also fast charge, reaching 50% in 30 minutes with a 20W or higher power adapter.

iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max

Design Changes

• The camera bump is now called the camera plateau, a horizontal pill-shaped raised area that spans nearly the entire rear of the iPhone. It houses the three-lens camera system on the left and the LiDAR Scanner and flash on the right.


• The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max feature a unibody aluminum frame for the first time, replacing titanium. Aluminum is lighter and disperses heat more effectively. The frame extends across the sides, the camera area, and the back, with the exception of a MagSafe charging cutout.


• The MagSafe cutout is made from upgraded Ceramic Shield 2, which Apple says is 4x more resistant to cracks than glass. Its slightly different color gives the iPhone 17 Pro models a subtle two-tone design.


• The aluminum frame enhances thermal performance, while an internal vapor chamber cooling system further helps move heat away from the processor and spread it across the chassis.

Display Changes

• The iPhone 17 Pro models now support 3000 nits peak outdoor brightness, up from 2000 nits on the iPhone 16 Pro models. A new anti-reflective coating reduces glare and doubles outdoor contrast.


• The display is protected by Ceramic Shield 2, which Apple says offers 3x better scratch resistance than glass.

Camera Upgrades

• For the first time, all iPhone 17 Pro cameras are 48 megapixels, including the Main lens, the Ultra Wide lens, and a new Telephoto lens that supports 4x and 8x optical zoom, plus up to 40x digital zoom.


• All three cameras support 4K video recording, with added features such as ProRes RAW video, Log 2 video recording, and Genlock support for professional workflows.


• The 18-megapixel Center Stage front camera includes improved stabilization. A Dual Capture mode lets you record with the front and rear cameras simultaneously, and the front camera supports both portrait and landscape selfies without rotating the phone.

Processor Upgrades

• The iPhone 17 Pro models are powered by the A19 Pro chip, built on an upgraded 3-nanometer process. It features a 6-core CPU with two performance cores and four efficiency cores, along with a 6-core GPU.


• Each GPU core includes a Neural Accelerator, which Apple says improves performance for tasks such as on-device AI.


• The chip also includes an updated 16-core Neural Engine, second-generation dynamic caching, a larger cache, and 12GB of RAM.

Battery Innovations

• The iPhone 17 Pro models offer major improvements to battery life. The iPhone 17 Pro lasts up to 33 hours when watching videos, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max lasts up to 39 hours, the longest ever in an iPhone.


• Charging is faster than before, with both models able to reach 50 percent charge in 20 minutes using a compatible charger. They also support MagSafe and Qi2.2 wireless charging at up to 25W.


• Versions of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max with an eSIM instead of a physical SIM include larger batteries.

Color Options

• iPhone 17: Lavender, Mist Blue, Sage, Black, and White.


• iPhone Air: Space Black, Cloud White, Light Gold, and Sky Blue.


• iPhone 17 Pro: Cosmic Orange, Silver, and Deep Blue.

Pricing

The full selection of iPhone models and storage options available from Apple is as follows:

	128GB	256GB	512GB	1TB	2TB
iPhone 16e	$599	$699	$899
iPhone 16	$699
iPhone 16 Plus	$799	$899
iPhone 17		$799	$999
iPhone Air		$999	$1,199	$1,399
iPhone 17 Pro		$1,099	$1,299	$1,499
iPhone 17 Pro Max		$1,199	$1,399	$1,599	$1,999

Apple has discontinued the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max to focus on its newest models. The standard iPhone 16 now comes only with 128GB of storage, while the iPhone 16 Plus is limited to 128GB and 256GB options.

Pre-orders for the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max are now open on Apple's online store and via the Apple Store app, with a global launch to follow on Friday, September 19.

Along with the new iPhone 17 models, on the same day Apple will launch the next-generation Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3, as well as new AirPods Pro 3.

For in-depth information on everything we know about the iPhone 17 series, follow the links to our dedicated iPhone 17, iPhone Air, and iPhone 17 Pro roundups.
This article, "iPhone 17 Models Launch on September 19 With These New Features" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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The iPhone 17 is finally here. On this episode of The MacRumors Show, we talk through all of Apple's "awe-dropping" announcements this week, including the ‌iPhone 17‌ lineup, new Apple Watch models, AirPods Pro 3, and more.


Apple's ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ were introduced with significant hardware upgrades, including enhanced active noise cancellation, a built-in heart rate monitor, improved sound processing, and foam ear tips. In addition, Apple previewed a new Live Translation feature also coming to AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2.

The Apple Watch lineup received a refresh, with the Series 11 touting stronger front glass, 5G connectivity, and better battery life. The Apple Watch SE 3 now includes an always-on display and fast charging, while the Ultra 3 gains a new display and satellite connectivity. Apple also introduced hypertension detection and a new sleep scoring feature, which are available on older models.

The ‌iPhone 17‌ gains a 6.3-inch display, now with ProMotion for the first time in a non-Pro model, and the A19 chip. It features the same new 18-megapixel front-facing camera with Center Stage and a square sensor introduced across the lineup.

Apple introduced the iPhone Air as its thinnest iPhone yet with a radical new design. It includes a polished titanium frame, the A19 Pro chip with 12GB of memory, a faster and more efficient C1X 5G modem, a single rear camera, and a 6.5-inch display with ProMotion, but loses out on a physical SIM card slot and stereo speakers.

The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max were unveiled with a new design that abandons titanium in favor of an aluminum unibody structure, with a new full-width camera plateau and vapor chamber cooling. There is now a 48-megapixel telephoto camera with 4x and 8x optical zoom options. Both devices include larger batteries that deliver over six hours more battery life than their predecessors, with storage starting at 256GB and reaching a new 2TB maximum on the Pro Max.

There were also a range of new accessories, including TechWoven cases for the Pro models, a crossbody strap, and a bumper case and MagSafe battery for the ‌iPhone Air‌. The MacRumors Show has its own YouTube channel, so make sure you're subscribed to keep up with new episodes and clips.



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



If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up to hear our final expectations for Apple's event to see what we got right and wrong, along with a bonus interview with director Kayci Lacob about her new Steve Jobs-focused movie, "Everything to Me."

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

‌The MacRumors Show‌ is on X @MacRumorsShow, so be sure to give us a follow to keep up with the podcast. You can also head over to The MacRumors Show forum thread to engage with us directly. Remember to rate and review the podcast, and let us know what subjects and guests you would like to see in the future.
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After being announced earlier this year, Apple Downtown Detroit now has a grand opening date, and it will be quite the eventful day.


The all-new store will be opening its doors to the public on Friday, September 19, which is also iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone Air launch day. The grand opening will take place at 5 p.m. local time that day, according to Apple's website.

"Hello, 313," says Apple.

"Our brand-new store in downtown Detroit is opening soon," adds Apple. "In the heart of a city pulsing with spirit and innovation, we're proud to build a space where creativity thrives and business takes shape. We can't wait to see what drives you."

To celebrate the occasion, Apple has shared a special wallpaper for the iPhone and Mac, containing a custom Apple logo with a chrome design and a "D" for Detroit. It is available to download on the store's page. Apple has also shared a Detroit-themed collection of TV shows, music, and more available across its apps.

Ahead of the grand opening, Apple Downtown Detroit's facade has been covered in the same "D" artwork shown in the wallpaper. Apple says this artwork serves as a tribute to the city's rich heritage of innovation and unwavering pride.

Apple Downtown Detroit is located at 1430 Woodward Avenue, near Grand River Avenue, and it will offer the usual amenities, including a Genius Bar, and free Today at Apple sessions that are intended to foster learning and creativity. The store's design remains to be seen, but it will likely also include an Apple Pickup station for online orders.
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iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air pre-orders began at 5 a.m. Pacific Time in the U.S. and many other countries today. If you have yet to place a pre-order, you might face a longer wait now, depending on your desired configuration.


As of shortly after 6 a.m. Pacific Time today, nearly all iPhone 17 Pro Max configurations on Apple's online store in the U.S. are facing an additional 1-3 week shipping delay beyond the Friday, September 19 launch day. This means that some configurations are now expected to be delivered in mid-October. However, for a few configurations, in-store pickup on launch day is still an option at select Apple Store locations.

The all-new, ultra-thin iPhone Air is faring much better, with most configurations still available for September 19 delivery as of the time of writing.

The smaller iPhone 17 Pro and the standard iPhone 17 are also not facing considerable delays.

Inventory will likely continue to tighten for both delivery and Apple Store pickup as the day progresses, so order quickly if you are planning to.

Need help with making your pre-order decision? Check out our helpful buyer's guide below:

• Buyer's Guide: iPhone 17, Air, Pro, or Pro Max? 40 Differences Compared

This article, "Didn't Pre-Order a New iPhone Yet? Here's How Long the Wait is Now" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Verizon today has Apple's HomePod mini for $84.99 in three colors, down from $99.99. As with all Verizon discounts, you don't need to be a Verizon Wireless customer to get this sale, and the retailer is offering free two day shipping.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Verizon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

At $15 off, this is the best price we've seen on the HomePod mini in over a year as discounts on the smart speaker have been extremely rare. Verizon also has a few other accessory discounts this week, including 30 percent off a bundle of the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil USB-C, and iPhone 17 accessory bundles.



If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.

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Apple has launched pre-orders for the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. If you're looking to place a pre-order on one of these models at a cellular carrier, we've rounded up all of the best deals and offers you can find from the major carriers in the United States.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

AT&T

• iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro: No cost with eligible trade-in


• iPhone Air: Up to $830 off with eligible trade-in


• iPhone 17 Pro Max: Up to $1,100 off with eligible trade-in

Starting with AT&T, you can get the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro at no cost with eligible trade-in, and the iPhone Air for up to $830 off with eligible trade-in. Finally, the iPhone 17 Pro Max will be available at up to $1,100 off with eligible trade-in.



If you switch to AT&T from a different carrier, AT&T will pay off your phone balance at up to $800 off per line. AT&T also has the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch SE 3, and Apple Watch Ultra 3 available for order today. If you buy one, you can get $300 off the second.

Verizon

• iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max: Up to $1,100 off with eligible trade-in on Unlimited Ultimate Plan


• iPhone Accessories: Buy three or more and save 20%

New and existing Verizon customers on the Unlimited Ultimate plan can get the iPhone 17 Pro at no cost, or up to $1,100 off the iPhone 17 lineup when trading in select smartphones in any condition.



In terms of watches, Verizon is offering a bundle deal when you buy any new iPhone 17 Pro on Unlimited Ultimate, you can get an Apple Watch SE 3 or Apple Watch Series 11 at no cost, or $500 off Apple Watch Ultra 3.

T-Mobile

• iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro: No cost with eligible trade-in


• iPhone Air: Up to $830 off with eligible trade-in


• iPhone 17 Pro Max: Up to $1,100 off with eligible trade-in

T-Mobile's offers are nearly identical to AT&T. You can get the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro at no cost when you trade in an old device and purchase the new device on an eligible unlimited plan. Otherwise, you can get the iPhone Air for up to $830 off and the iPhone 17 Pro Max for up to $1,100 off, both with eligible trade-in on unlimited plans.



For Apple Watches at T-Mobile, if you buy any new Apple Watch device, you can get $200 off the device when you add a watch line on an eligible plan.

Visible

Visible offers unlimited talk, text, and data for $19/month on the Visible plan or $29/month on the Visible+ plan (prices include $6 discount with current promo code 60FF12). The Visible+ plan includes everything in the base plan plus smartwatch service, plus a few upgrades to mobile hotspot and international roaming features.



If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.

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This article, "Here Are The Best Carrier Deals You Can Get When Pre-Ordering iPhone 17 Today" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple's claim that the Apple Watch Series 11 offers 24 hours of battery life has drawn scrutiny as closer examination of Apple's own testing data reveals that the increase from the Series 10's 18-hour rating is largely attributable to changes in testing methodology rather than a major hardware change.


Apple lists the Apple Watch Series 11 as capable of lasting up to 24 hours on a single charge, a notable increase over the Series 10's 18-hour claim, which had been the company's published standard since the launch of the original Apple Watch in 2015.

As spotted by a user on the MacRumors forums, the primary difference between the two test scenarios in Apple's official documentation is the inclusion of sleep tracking in the Series 11's evaluation. Apple states that the 24-hour figure is based on 300 time checks, 90 notifications, 15 minutes of app use, a 60-minute workout with music playback, and six hours of sleep tracking. The comparable Series 10 test lists the same parameters but does not include sleep tracking.

While Apple does not break down the exact battery drain of each activity, sleep tracking is generally a low-power feature, allowing older Apple Watch models to be worn overnight without fully depleting their charge. Many users have pointed out that Apple Watches have long exceeded the company's stated 18-hour battery life in real-world use, with most users comfortably achieving overnight tracking. This suggests that the six-hour increase is primarily a result of Apple adding sleep tracking to its official scenario, rather than a significant increase in real-world battery life.

Apple also publishes Low Power Mode battery life estimates, which further demonstrate only modest changes. The Series 11 is rated for 38 hours of battery life in Low Power Mode, compared to the Series 10's 36-hour rating. Here, Apple's footnotes indicate that the Series 11 test used lower levels of activity: 530 time checks, 160 notifications, and 26 minutes of app usage, versus 600 time checks, 180 notifications, and 30 minutes of app use for the Series 10. Both tests included a 60-minute workout and six hours of sleep tracking. The reduced activity assumptions make it difficult to directly compare figures, but even Apple's own hourly calculation achieves only an approximate 8% improvement.

The Apple Watch Series 11 does feature slightly larger batteries across its range of case sizes. According to official safety documentation, battery capacities for Series 11 models range from 1.245 to 1.403 watt-hours, depending on case size, compared to 1.118 to 1.266 watt-hours for Series 10 models. This represents a roughly 7% to 10% increase in capacity, far less than the 33% jump implied by Apple's move from an 18-hour to a 24-hour claim.
This article, "Apple Watch Series 11's Increased 24-Hour Battery Life Has a Catch" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple is now accepting pre-orders for the iPhone Air, the iPhone 17, the iPhone 17 Pro, and the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max through the online storefront and the Apple Store app. You will need to refresh the website or the app until the store comes up, and the app is often the quicker way to get a pre-order in.


Pre-orders for the new iPhones are available in more than 50 countries and regions around the world. Those who used Apple's "Get Ready" feature ahead of time should be able to place an order with just a couple of taps.

The ‌iPhone 17‌ is Apple's most affordable iPhone, and it is priced starting at $799 in the United States. The ultra thin ‌iPhone Air‌ starts at $999, and the Pro models are more expensive. The ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ now starts at $1,099, and the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max starts at $1,199. All ‌iPhone 17‌ models have a minimum of 256GB of storage, but you can upgrade to a higher tier with an additional fee.

The ‌iPhone 17‌ can be upgraded with 512GB of storage, while the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ and ‌iPhone Air‌ support up to 1TB. The ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max can be purchased with up to 2TB of storage, though it'll cost you $2,000.

All of the ‌iPhone 17‌ models feature a faster and more efficient A19 or A19 Pro chip, Apple's N1 networking chip, ProMotion display technology, an upgraded 18-megapixel front camera, and a Ceramic Shield 2 display that improves scratch resistance.

The ‌iPhone Air‌ is Apple's new ultra thin and light ‌iPhone‌, measuring in at 5.6mm thick. It uses a titanium frame that won't bend, but it has the lowest battery life of the lineup and is limited to a single-lens rear camera.

For the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ models, Apple designed a new unibody aluminum frame that's more durable and better at heat dissipation. There's a vapor chamber cooling system that improves the efficiency of the A19 Pro chip, and with more aluminum and a Ceramic Shield backing, the devices are better at withstanding damage from drops. All three camera lenses in the Pro models are 48 megapixels, with Apple introducing a new 48-megapixel Telephoto lens that supports up to 8x optical zoom. Battery life is also way up this year, and the Pro Max lasts for up to 39 hours when watching videos.

There have been no rumors of production shortages, but it's always a good idea to order right away because popular models often sell out.

Along with Apple, carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile are accepting pre-orders, and big box retailers like Best Buy and Walmart will also have stock available for those who want to place an order ahead of launch.

Customers who pre-order an ‌iPhone 17‌, ‌iPhone Air‌, or ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ model will begin receiving their new iPhones on Friday, September 19, the official launch day for the ‌iPhone 17‌ lineup.
This article, "iPhone Air, iPhone 17, and iPhone 17 Pro Models Available for Pre-Order" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple has postponed the release of its new iPhone Air in China while it works with mainland authorities to resolve regulatory issues related to the device's eSIM requirement, according to the South China Morning Post.


Apple on Friday morning reportedly updated its Chinese website, replacing the original September 12 pre-order and September 19 launch schedule for the iPhone Air with the words "release information to be updated later." Meanwhile, pre-orders for the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max will open at 8:00 p.m. local time as originally scheduled.

At 5.6mm thick, the iPhone Air does not have a physical SIM slot, and is limited to eSIM-only operation. That's a problem in China, since carriers have not traditionally supported eSIM for the iPhone even though it's widely used around the world.

The delay appears to have upturned Apple's earlier plans. Previously, the company had worked exclusively with China Unicom to provide eSIM support for the device, requiring customers to visit retail stores for identity verification and activation. Now Apple has said that all three state-owned telecommunications network operators – China Unicom, China Mobile and China Telecom – will "provide eSIM support [with] specific timing subject to regulatory approval."

Meanwhile, China Mobile posted on Weibo that it had "enabled eSIM services for mobile phones," but said details regarding the launch date "would be announced separately." The expanded carrier support suggests Apple is working to broaden the device's potential market reach once regulatory hurdles clear.

Over in the U.S., pre-orders for the iPhone 17 lineup and iPhone Air are set to open later on Friday at 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time.
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Apple's online store is down ahead of iPhone 17, iPhone Air, and iPhone 17 Pro pre-orders, which are expected to be available at 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time in the United States.


"We love that early energy," reads the Apple Store's message when visiting the U.S. website. "Almost ready for you. Pre-order begins at 5:00 a.m. PDT. See you soon." Apple has been doing 5:00 a.m. pre-orders for the last several years instead of the 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time pre-orders that it used to have.

Customers in more than 40 countries and regions, including Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, the UAE, the U.K., and the U.S., will be able to pre-order ‌‌iPhone 17‌‌ models when the store comes back online.

The iPhone 17 will be available in Lavender, Sage, Mist Blue, White, and Black, in 256GB and 512GB storage capacities, while the iPhone Air will be available in Sky Blue, Light Gold, Cloud White, and Space Black, in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB capacities.

The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max come in Silver, Cosmic Orange, and Deep Blue, and are available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options. This year, there's also 2TB storage tier exclusive to the Pro Max.

• Here's When You Can Pre-Order the iPhone 17 in Every Time Zone


• How Much Does Each iPhone 17 Model Cost?

The ‌‌‌iPhone 17‌‌‌ is priced starting at $799, while the ‌‌‌iPhone Air is priced starting at $999. The ‌‌‌iPhone 17 Pro‌‌‌ is priced starting at $1,099, and the ‌‌‌iPhone 17 Pro‌‌‌ Max is priced starting at $1,199. After pre-orders take place, a launch will follow on Friday, September 19.
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Apple's hypertension detection feature for Apple Watch has received FDA clearance and will launch next week, according to 9to5Mac.


When Apple announced the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 on Tuesday, the company said it expected FDA approval "soon" for hypertension alerts. That clearance has now been granted.

The feature will be available on Apple Watch Series 9 and later, plus Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later models, expanding beyond the newly announced watches. Hypertension alerts will launch in the U.S. and more than 150 countries, though some regions may require their own independent regulatory approval.

Hypertension notifications use the Apple Watch's optical heart sensor to analyze blood vessel responses over 30-day periods, alerting users to consistent signs of chronic high blood pressure. The condition affects approximately 1.3 billion adults globally and often goes undiagnosed due to lack of symptoms.

Apple developed the technology using machine learning and training data from studies involving over 100,000 participants. The company validated it in clinical trials with more than 2,000 participants and expects the feature to notify over 1 million people with undiagnosed hypertension within its first year.

Users who receive notifications are advised to monitor their blood pressure for seven days using a third-party cuff and share results with healthcare providers, following American Heart Association guidelines.

Expect the feature to appear as part of watchOS 26 when it rolls out on Monday, September 15.
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