Apple’s annual fall event never fails to grab global attention, and this year’s September 2025 keynote—titled “Awe-Dropping”—was no exception. From the debut of the ultra-thin iPhone Air to complete the iPhone 17 lineup, the introduction of AirPods Pro 3, and a fresh wave of Apple Watches, the event marked Apple’s push toward thinner, smarter, and more AI-driven products.
In this comprehensive recap, we’ll break down everything Apple announced, including specifications, standout features, and pricing details for both the U.S. and India markets.
iPhone Lineup: The Star of the Show
The iPhone family received its biggest refresh in years. Apple not only expanded the iPhone 17 series but also introduced the much-rumored iPhone Air, a slimmer, lighter, and futuristic device designed for those who want both performance and elegance with iPhone only.
iPhone Air: The Thinnest iPhone Ever
The biggest talking point was undoubtedly the iPhone Air. At just 5.6mm thin, it’s Apple’s thinnest iPhone to date, crafted from titanium for durability and paired with Ceramic Shield glass.
Key Features:
- eSIM-only design, marking Apple’s shift away from physical SIM slots globally.
- Adaptive Power Mode ensures longer battery life despite its slim frame.
- Center Stage front camera for video calls.
- Single 48 MP Fusion camera optimized for photography and video recording.
- Powered by Apple’s newest A19 Pro chip.
- 6.5-inch ProMotion OLED display with vivid colors and smooth 120Hz refresh.
Pricing:
- India: INR 1,19,900 (256 GB), INR 1,39,900 (512 GB), INR 1,59,900 (1 TB).
- U.S.: Starts at $999.
The iPhone Air is clearly aimed at design lovers who prioritize portability but still want high performance.
iPhone 17: A Balanced Upgrade
The standard iPhone 17 continues Apple’s tradition of making its base model powerful yet accessible.
Key Features:
- Made with 30% recycled materials, emphasizing sustainability.
- Up to 30 hours of video playback on a single charge.
- Ceramic Shield 2 with 3× scratch resistance and peak brightness of 3000 nits.
- 18 MP Center Stage front camera with improved low-light photography.
- Dual 48 MP Fusion cameras (main + ultra-wide).
- 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR ProMotion display (up to 120Hz).
Pricing:
- India: INR 82,900 (256 GB), INR 1,02,900 (512 GB).
- U.S.: $799 (256 GB).
This model is likely to be the crowd favorite, offering a balance of features and price.
iPhone 17 Pro: The Workhorse
Apple’s Pro models have always been about pushing the envelope, and the iPhone 17 Pro is no different.
Key Features:
- Perfect for gamers, content creators, and professionals.
- Best-in-class battery endurance.
- Upgraded 18 MP front camera.
- Triple 48 MP Fusion cameras (main, ultra-wide, telephoto) with 8× optical-quality zoom.
- Forged aluminum unibody with laser-welded vapor chamber for thermal management.
Pricing:
- India: INR 1,34,900 (256 GB), INR 1,54,900 (512 GB), INR 1,74,900 (1 TB).
- U.S.: $1,099 (first Pro price hike in 7 years).
iPhone 17 Pro Max: The Powerhouse
The iPhone 17 Pro Max takes everything in the Pro and scales it up.
Key Features:
- Same camera system as Pro, optimized for longer recording sessions.
- Storage options up to 2 TB.
- Apple’s largest battery ever in an iPhone.
Pricing:
- India: INR 1,49,900 (256 GB), INR 1,69,900 (512 GB), INR 1,89,900 (1 TB), INR 2,29,900 (2 TB).
- U.S.: Starts around $1,199.
This is the ultimate choice for power users who want no compromises.
AirPods Pro 3: Smarter and Healthier
The AirPods Pro 3 bring more than just better sound—they’re now a health tool.
Key Features:
- 8 hours of listening time on a single charge.
- IP57 rating for dust and water resistance.
- Built-in heart-rate sensor.
- Live translation capabilities across multiple languages.
- Up to 4× stronger noise cancellation.
Pricing:
- India: INR 25900.
- U.S. : $249.
With health monitoring and translation baked in, AirPods Pro 3 position themselves as essential travel and fitness companions.
Apple Watch Lineup
Apple also refreshed its wearable portfolio with three new models.
Apple Watch Series 11
The thinnest Apple Watch yet, with a strong focus on health AI.
Features:
- Built-in 5G connectivity.
- Scratch-resistant dual display.
- Advanced Sleep Score Insights.
- AI-powered hypertension detection (pending regulatory approval).
Price:
- U.S.: $399.
- India: INR 46900.
Apple Watch SE 3
Apple’s budget-friendly model received notable upgrades.
Features:
- S10 chip and up to 18 hours of battery.
- Wrist temperature tracking.
- Gesture control for easier navigation.
- Always-on Retina display.
Price:
- India: INR 25900.
- U.S.: $249.
Apple Watch Ultra 3
For outdoor adventurers, the Ultra series gets more rugged.
Features:
- Optimized for hiking, diving, and extreme sports.
- Low Power Mode for up to 72 hours of battery life.
- Bright LTPO3 OLED display.
- Satellite connectivity for off-grid locations.
Price:
- India: INR 89900.
- U.S.: $799.
Why This Event Matters
This year’s Apple event showcased three major themes:
- Thinner, lighter design – From iPhone Air to Apple Watch Series 11, Apple is chasing minimalism without sacrificing power.
- AI-driven health features – Hypertension detection, sleep insights, heart-rate tracking in AirPods Pro 3 point to Apple’s healthcare ambitions.
- ProMotion everywhere – Apple is standardizing smoother 120Hz displays across more devices.
Final Thoughts
The iPhone Air was the headline grabber, but the entire iPhone 17 family represents Apple’s push toward high-performance, eco-friendly, and AI-integrated devices.
Coupled with health-centric wearables and smarter AirPods, Apple is clearly betting on wellness + performance as the future of personal technology.
For consumers, the decision comes down to balancing needs with budgets. While U.S. buyers enjoy more accessible pricing, Indian customers will have to weigh the premium costs. Still, one thing is clear—Apple’s “Awe-Dropping” event has set the tone for the tech world heading into 2026.