Apple’s Bold Leap: Ultra-Thin iPhone Air, Power-Packed iPhone 17, and Smarter Watches

Apple’s latest product launch on Tuesday was a celebration of innovation, style, and performance. The spotlight was on the brand-new iPhone Air, Apple’s thinnest smartphone ever at just 5.6mm, alongside the next-generation iPhone 17 series and the revamped Apple Watch Series 11. Each product blends sleek design, advanced technology, and user-friendly features aimed at enhancing both everyday life and creative pursuits.

The new iPhone Air is a marvel of engineering. Apple completely redesigned its internal components to fit powerful hardware into the ultra-slim frame, removing the physical SIM slot and introducing vapor-cooled thermals to ensure the phone runs smoothly without overheating.

It is powered by the A19 Pro chip, delivering processing power far superior to the base iPhone. CEO Tim Cook described the lineup as “unlike anything we’ve ever created,” emphasizing that “design is not just how something looks or feels; design is also how it works.”

The 6.5-inch display of the iPhone Air, equipped with ProMotion technology and a peak brightness of 3000 nits, offers a vibrant viewing experience, even in bright environments. Its 48MP dual fusion camera delivers four times the resolution of its predecessor, while the 18MP Centrestage front camera allows users to take landscape selfies without rotating the phone—a feature that’s available across all iPhone 17 models.

The iPhone 17 series builds on these innovations, with the standard model offering refined enhancements while the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max stand out with their professional-grade features. These models include eight advanced lenses and 40x digital zoom, providing unparalleled creative flexibility. 

A new 48MP fusion telephoto lens offers 4x zoom at 100mm and 8x zoom at 200mm, Apple’s longest optical reach to date. 

A 56% larger sensor, improved 3D sensor shift stabilization, and a new photonic engine powered by machine learning ensure stunning images in any setting. Professional photographers will appreciate tools like ProRes RAW video recording, offering next-level editing capabilities.

The event also showcased advancements in wearable technology. The Apple Watch Series 11 now includes a 5G mode and improved battery life, all packed into a lighter, sturdier frame with liquid glass casing. It introduces a blood pressure monitor to detect hypertension patterns and a new sleep score feature that analyzes overnight data to offer health insights. 

The Apple Watch SE has been upgraded with faster charging and longer battery life, while the Apple Watch Ultra 3 caters to endurance users with satellite connectivity, Emergency SOS, and a 42-hour battery life.

Apple’s pricing reflects its premium positioning. The iPhone 17 (256GB) starts at Rs 82,900, while the ultra-thin iPhone Air (256GB) is priced at Rs 1,19,900. The iPhone 17 Pro (256GB) is available at Rs 1,34,900, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max (256GB) tops the range at Rs 1,49,900. In wearables, the Apple Watch Series 11 (42mm) is priced at Rs 46,900, the Apple Watch Ultra (49mm) at Rs 89,900, and the Apple Watch SE (40mm) at Rs 25,900. 

The AirPods 3 are available at Rs 25,900.

With this launch, Apple reaffirms its commitment to merging style with functionality. From the ultra-slim iPhone Air to the powerful Pro models and health-driven wearables, the company is pushing the boundaries of technology while making it accessible and appealing to a broad audience. Whether for tech enthusiasts, creatives, or everyday users, these new devices promise smarter, faster, and more intuitive experiences designed to transform the way we live and work.