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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Plug your iPhone/iPad into your Mac using the supplied cable.
Allow the accessory to connect by clicking Allow in the dialog prompt.
Open a Finder window by clicking the Finder icon in the Dock.
Click your iOS device's name in the sidebar.
If this is the first time connecting your device to your Mac, click Trust in the Finder window.
Tap Trust on your device when prompted, then enter your passcode to confirm.
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.
If you want to encrypt the backup, check the box next to Encrypt local backup, then enter a password to protect your data.
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.
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.
Plug the iPhone/iPad into your Windows PC. (You may also need to tap Trust on your Apple device.)
Go to the Apple Devices app on your PC, then select your Apple device in the sidebar.
Click General in the sidebar.
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.)
Click Back Up Now.
After the backup is complete, select Manage Backups to see the backup file.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find as we head into the fall? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
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.
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.
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.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find as we head into the fall? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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