Summary:
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Apple debuted thinnest iPhone Air and AirPods with real-time translation at fall event. CEO Tim Cook introduced new lineup.
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iPhone Air is Apple’s thinnest phone yet, but with tradeoffs. iPhone 17, Pro, and Max models offer upgrades.
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AirPods Pro 3 offer live translation, bridging global connections. Apple Watch Series 11 introduces new health metrics and AI coaching.
At its September keynote, Apple debuted its thinnest iPhone ever and earbuds that promise real-time language translation.
Apple’s annual fall event doubled as both a product showcase and a reminder of the company’s cultural pull. On Tuesday, CEO Tim Cook introduced the iPhone 17 lineup, headlined by the iPhone Air, and a new generation of AirPods with live translation powered by Apple’s artificial intelligence system.
Cook called the new devices the “biggest leap ever for iPhone.” The slim iPhone Air and AI-driven AirPods reflect Apple’s effort to stay competitive as rivals like Samsung and Google lean heavily into foldable screens and advanced AI.
iPhone 17 lineup overview 🔥 pic.twitter.com/EVPjB4NsCs
— Apple Hub (@theapplehub) September 9, 2025
The Thinnest iPhone Yet
The iPhone Air is Apple’s thinnest phone to date, measuring just 5.6 millimeters. At 0.2 millimeters slimmer than Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge, it signals Apple’s entry into the ultrathin smartphone market. The tradeoff comes in hardware: the Air includes a single camera and slightly shorter battery life than the iPhone 17.
Apple have announced the iPhone Air, their thinnest ever phone pic.twitter.com/TLJj1gscEW
— Dexerto (@Dexerto) September 9, 2025
Apple’s broader lineup sticks to familiar territory, with the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and Max models offering faster chips, improved zoom, and extended battery performance. The standard iPhone 17 holds at $799, but Pro models now start at $1,099, reflecting higher storage capacity.
AirPods and the Promise of Global Connection
The AirPods Pro 3 stole part of the spotlight with a feature that feels pulled from science fiction. The earbuds offer near-instantaneous live translation of spoken language, allowing users to hear real-time playback in their preferred tongue. Apple is betting this capability will redefine how people travel, work, and communicate across borders.
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lol all you suckers who spent years of your life learning a new language 🤣
I hope it was worth it for the neuro plasticity and joy of embracing another culture 🤣 https://t.co/scGh1YO42s
— amir (@blumenfeld) September 9, 2025
At $249, the earbuds match the price of the previous generation but push forward a vision of wearable technology as cultural bridge. Apple said the feature will rely on Apple Intelligence, its AI framework introduced in 2024.
Apple also introduced the Apple Watch Series 11, launching Sept. 19 at $400. It comes with new health metrics, including hypertension detection (pending FDA clearance) and enhanced sleep tracking. Workout coaching powered by Apple Intelligence further links the company’s wearables to its AI ambitions.
Apple continues to dominate U.S. smartphone shipments, holding 49% of the market in the second quarter of 2025, according to Canalys. But competitors are gaining ground: Samsung grew its U.S. share to 31% this year as foldable devices attracted early adopters.
The event also unfolded against the backdrop of global tariffs. Apple has lobbied hard to avoid steep increases, securing exemptions that shielded iPhone prices despite ongoing costs tied to Chinese manufacturing.
