MacRumors

Apple continues to phase out the physical SIM card tray on iPhones, with the latest models relying solely on eSIM technology in more countries.

The new iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max support eSIMs only in these countries and regions, according to Apple:

• Bahrain
• Canada
• Guam
• Japan
• Kuwait
• Mexico
• Oman
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
• United States
• U.S. Virgin Islands

If you are unaware, an eSIM is essentially a digital version of a SIM card. The latest iPhones do not support physical SIM cards in the above countries and regions, so this is a major change that customers in those places will have to adapt to.

Apple says eSIM-only models of these iPhones are equipped with a larger battery that fills the space formerly occupied by the physical SIM card tray.

Apple started phasing out SIM cards starting with the iPhone 14 series, in the U.S. only.

iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max models sold everywhere else, including in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Korea, still have nano-SIM card trays alongside eSIM support. In China, the devices support nano-SIM cards only.

As for the all-new, ultra-thin iPhone Air, that is an eSIM-only model worldwide. Yes, that includes China, contrary to some rumors leading up to today.

iPhones with eSIM capabilities support at least eight eSIMs, allowing you to conveniently switch between supported carriers around the world.

When the iPhone 14 series launched in 2022, Apple promoted eSIMs as being more secure than physical SIM cards, as they cannot be removed from an iPhone that is lost or stolen. In addition, at least eight eSIMs can be managed on an iPhone at once, eliminating the need to obtain, carry, and swap SIM cards while traveling.

For the first time ever, the new Apple Watch lineup does not contain a new chip.

The Apple Watch SE 3, Apple Watch Series 11, and Apple Watch Ultra 3 all contain the S10 chip. Until now, every new Apple Watch generation featured a new S-series chip since the device's introduction.

Often, these chips were simply rebadged with few to no changes, with the same CPU used across chips. For example, the S6, S7, and S8 chips all shared the same CPU. Similarly, the S9 and S10 are essentially the same chip. The S10 was merely reduced in size to accommodate the smaller casing of the Apple Watch Series 10.

As a result, Apple sticking with the S10 chip for the Series 11 and Ultra 3 is not materially different to if it contained an "S11" chip as expected, and it looks like the company is simply holding off on that name for a more substantial change in the future. The S10 chip comes as the biggest upgrade to the Apple Watch SE, which previously had the S8.

For the first time, every model in Apple's latest flagship iPhone 17 lineup features a base 256GB storage capacity, up from the lowest 128GB option in the iPhone 16 series.

The regular iPhone 17 now comes in 256GB and 512GB storage options, while the all-new ultra-thin iPhone Air and the iPhone 17 Pro come in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB capacities.

Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is offered in the same three capacities as the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro, but with the addition of a maximum 2TB option. The price-to-capacity ratio is as follows:

The iPhone 17 Pro begins at $1,099 for the 256GB model, while the larger Pro Max starts at $1,199 with the same storage. That represents a modest increase for the Pro, although it matches the price point of the 16 Pro's 256GB option. New this year, the Pro Max offers a 2TB configuration, topping the range at $1,999.

It is worth noting that we have seen 2TB storage rumors for the iPhone 14 Pro, ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro, and the ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌, without Apple upgrading the storage space. Finally, the 2TB rumor has come to fruition with the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Pre-orders start Friday, September 12, ahead of deliveries to customers and in-store availability beginning Friday, September 19.

Apple's iPhone 17 Pro and ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max replace the titanium frame introduced two years ago with a new aluminum design. Here's why.

Apple introduced titanium to the iPhone with the ‌iPhone‌ 15 Pro and Pro Max back in 2023, with the change even becoming the device's marketing tagline. While the devices were said to be more durable, they also suffered from complaints about overheating.

The titanium frame provided excellent rigidity and durability, but aluminum is lighter and offers better heat dissipation, which Apple has prioritized alongside the introduction of the A19 Pro chip and a new vapor chamber cooling system. Aluminum's thermal conductivity is substantially higher than titanium's, helping to distribute heat away from critical components under heavy workloads.

Titanium's machining complexity, slower production speeds, and higher scrap rates may have also contributed to the decision. Titanium frames require specialized tooling and precise CNC milling, while aluminum is less expensive and easier to produce at scale.

Aluminum also has a smaller carbon footprint than titanium, especially when sourced through Apple's low-carbon smelting partnerships. Apple's ability to recycle aluminum efficiently at scale may better align with its environmental strategy, while titanium's more energy-intensive production makes it less suitable for widespread use.

The new aluminum chassis on the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ series also enables new color options, with Apple introducing a new dark blue and a vibrant orange finish. Titanium's limitations in anodization are believed to have constrained Apple's ability to offer brighter finishes in previous Pro models.

However, titanium will not disappear entirely but instead become a defining feature of the newly introduced iPhone Air, an ultra-thin model measuring 5.6mm thick. The use of titanium is likely necessary to maintain structural rigidity while achieving unprecedented thinness.

Apple today announced the newest generation of iPhone with the iPhone Air, iPhone 17, and iPhone 17 Pro. Alongside these devices, there's a bunch of new compatible accessories, including TechWoven Cases, Clear Cases, Crossbody Straps, and Silicone Cases, all of which we're recapping below.

iPhone 17

The ‌iPhone 17‌ has a new Silicone Case and it comes in Purple Fog, Neon Yellow, Anchor Blue, Light Moss, and Black. It costs $49.00.

iPhone 17 Pro

The ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ has multiple case options, including a Clear Case at $49.00, Silicone Case at $49.00, and TechWoven Case at $59.00.

The Silicone Case colors include Neon Yellow, Purple Fog, Midnight, Orange, Terra Cotta, and Black.

The TechWoven Case colors include Blue, Purple, Sienna, Green, and Black.

iPhone 17 Pro Max

Similarly, you'll find the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max has a Clear Case for $49.00, Silicone Case for $49.00, and TechWoven Case for $59.00.

The Silicone Case colors include Neon Yellow, Purple Fog, Midnight, Orange, Terra Cotta, and Black.

The TechWoven Case colors include Blue, Purple, Sienna, Green, and Black.

iPhone Air

Apple is selling the iPhone Air Case with MagSafe in two colors for $49.00.

Crossbody Strap

The new Crossbody Strap comes in Neon Yellow, Light Blue, Blue, Purple, Sienna, Orange, Tan, Green, Light Grey, and Black. It's priced at $59.00.

Beats

There are a few other new accessories available on Apple's store today, including Beats cases for the ‌iPhone 17‌, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max. You can find these accessories and more on Apple.com, and they're all available to purchase today.

Apple today seeded the release candidate versions of watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26 to developers for testing purposes, with the software coming one week after the ninth betas were released. The release candidates are the final versions of ‌watchOS 26‌, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26 that will debut to the public as long as no last minute bugs are located.

The software updates can be downloaded through the Settings app on each device. visionOS 26 is only available to developers, but ‌watchOS 26‌ and tvOS 26 can be downloaded by public beta testers too.

‌watchOS 26‌ and tvOS 26 adopt new Liquid Glass design changes inspired by visionOS, much like iOS 26 and macOS 26. watchOS has a new AI-powered Workout Buddy for motivation and the Smart Stack incorporates more personal context for better suggestions. There's also a new Notes app and support for Live Translation.

tvOS 26 supports karaoke using an iPhone as a microphone, improvements for using AirPlay speakers with a TV, new Aerial screen savers, and support for quicker logins to apps at setup thanks to Apple Account syncing.

visionOS 26 adds support for spatial widgets that can be placed anywhere in the space around you, along with refinements to make personas more lifelike and support for shared spatial experiences between two Vision Pro users.

‌watchOS 26‌, visionOS 26, and tvOS 26 will launch on September 15.

Apple designed a new MagSafe battery to go along with the super thin iPhone Air, and the accessory is available for purchase as of today.

The ‌iPhone Air‌ ‌MagSafe‌ Battery is priced at $99, and it lists compatibility with just the ‌iPhone Air‌, so it is not clear if it will work with other iPhone 17 models. It's possible the camera plateau on the Pro models is too large to accommodate the battery. The ‌MagSafe‌ Battery provides up to 12W charging over ‌MagSafe‌, and 20W when it is connected to the ‌iPhone Air‌ and a power adapter at the same time.

Apple says that the battery is thin, lightweight, and designed to slip into a pocket. It adds up to 65 percent charge to the ‌iPhone Air‌, "extending battery life further than that of any other iPhone."

The ‌iPhone Air‌ lasts for up to 27 hours when watching videos, and up to 22 hours when streaming video. With the ‌MagSafe‌ Battery, it lasts for up to 40 hours when watching videos, and up to 35 hours when streaming video.

You'll be able to pre-order the ‌iPhone Air‌ on Friday, September 12. It is priced starting at $999 for 256GB storage.

Following today's "Awe dropping" special event, Apple's iPhone lineup now contains seven models at different price points.

The full new ‌iPhone‌ lineup is as follows:

• iPhone 16e (starting at $599)
• iPhone 16 (starting at $699)
• ‌iPhone 16‌ Plus (starting at $799)
• iPhone 17 (starting at $799)
• iPhone Air (starting at $999)
• iPhone 17 Pro (starting at $1,099)
• ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max (starting at $1,199)

Pre-orders for the new iPhones start on Friday, 12 September, with availability starting on Friday, 19 September.

To make way for the latest models, the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max have all been discontinued.

Apple today provided developers and public beta testers with the release candidate of macOS Tahoe 26 for testing purposes, with the RC coming after nine rounds of betas. The release candidate is the finalized version of macOS Tahoe that will be released to the public if no bugs are discovered during this last week of testing.

Registered developers can download the new beta software through the System Settings app.

macOS Tahoe features Apple's Liquid Glass redesign, which extends across all of the new updates this year. Apple also brought the Phone and Journal apps to the Mac for the first time, and introduced a new cross-platform Games app.

With the update, Apple overhauled how Spotlight works, enabling new functionality that allows it to be used to complete all kinds of actions like sending emails without having to open up an app. There are also changes to a number of apps, including Messages, Safari, and Notes.

All of the new features that are included in macOS Tahoe are outlined in our dedicated roundup. macOS Tahoe is set to launch on September 15.

Following the announcement of the new Apple Watch lineup today, Apple discontinued all of the Apple Watch models previously on sale.

Apple typically retires prior models with the release of their successors, and with three new models this year, the entire previous lineup has been discontinued; the Apple Watch SE 2, Apple Watch Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 are no longer available.

Apple introduced the Apple Watch SE 2 back in September 2022, featuring the S8 chip and a new nylon composite case back. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 joined the lineup in September 2023, and received a new black color option in September 2024. The device gained the S9 chip, brighter displays, and a new "double tap" gesture using the index finger and thumb. The Apple Watch Series 10 debuted in September 2024, touting a refreshed design with a thinner casing, brighter wide-angle displays with a wider aspect ratio and a faster refresh rate, sleep apnea detection, and new finishes.

With the discontinuation of the Apple Watch SE 2, Apple Watch Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2, Apple's smartwatch lineup now consists of the Apple Watch SE 3, Apple Watch Series 11, and Apple Watch Ultra 3.

Apple today provided developers and public beta testers with the release candidate versions of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 for testing purposes, with the updates coming a week after Apple seeded the ninth betas. Release candidates represent the finalized version of new software that will be provided to the public provided no last minute bugs are discovered.

Registered developers and public beta testers can download the new beta software using the Software Update section of the Settings app.

‌iOS 26‌ and ‌iPadOS 26‌ feature Apple's new Liquid Glass design aesthetic, with a focus on translucency and glass-like interface elements. The design extends to the Lock Screen, Home Screen, and Control Center, along with menus and buttons in apps.

Apple's software includes features for apps like Messages, Phone, Shortcuts, and Apple Music, along with new Apple Intelligence features, a revamp for CarPlay, and more. In ‌iPadOS 26‌, there's a whole new multitasking system that supports multiple app windows for a more Mac-like experience.

For more on the features in ‌iOS 26‌, we have a dedicated iOS 26 roundup and a separate iPadOS 26 roundup. New features have been found in each of the betas, and you can get a recap here: beta 2, for beta 3, beta 4, beta 5, beta 6, and beta 7.

Apple plans to release ‌iOS 26‌ and ‌iPadOS 26‌ on September 15.

More than eight years after it introduced the technology, the entire new iPhone lineup features ProMotion display technology for the first time.

ProMotion is Apple's name for its adaptive display technology that makes motion on screen appear smoother and more responsive. Apple introduced ProMotion with the second-generation iPad Pro in June 2017.

On iPhones, ProMotion arrived later with the ‌iPhone‌ 13 Pro and ‌iPhone‌ 13 Pro Max in September 2021. MacBook Pro models with Liquid Retina XDR displays also adopted ProMotion in October 2021.

Since the technology came to the ‌iPhone‌ in 2021, it has been reserved for the Pro models until now; both the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air feature ProMotion displays.

ProMotion works by allowing the screen to refresh up to 120 times per second when fast motion is shown, such as during scrolling or gaming, and dropping the refresh rate to much lower levels when the image is static to save battery life.

Following the announcement of the iPhone 17 lineup today, Apple discontinued the iPhone 15 and ‌iPhone‌ 15 Plus.

Apple typically retires previous-generation hardware to streamline its product portfolio, and this year appears to be no exception. Both the ‌iPhone‌ 15 and ‌iPhone‌ 15 Plus are no longer available.

The ‌iPhone‌ 15 and ‌iPhone‌ 15 Plus were introduced on September 12, 2023, at Apple's "Wonderlust" event and released on September 22, 2023. Both models featured the Dynamic Island, which was previously exclusive to Pro models. They also adopted the A16 Bionic chip and introduced a 48-megapixel main camera with a new 2x telephoto option via sensor cropping. For the first time, Apple replaced the Lightning connector with a USB-C port. The devices offered 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED displays with up to 2,000 nits peak outdoor brightness, enhanced battery life, and a more refined aluminum-and-glass design with a matte finish.

Apple reduced the prices of the ‌iPhone‌ 15 and ‌iPhone‌ 15 Plus on September 9, 2024, following the launch of the iPhone 16 lineup. In the United States, the ‌iPhone‌ 15 dropped from its original $799 starting price to $699, and the ‌iPhone‌ 15 Plus fell from $899 to $799.

The ‌iPhone 16‌ and ‌iPhone 16‌ Plus continue to be on sale at $699 and $799, respectively. The ‌iPhone 17‌ starts at $799.

The online Apple Store is now back up, and Apple has started accepting pre-orders for the Apple Watch Series 11, the Apple Watch Ultra 3, the Apple Watch SE 3, and the AirPods Pro 3.

All of the new devices will be delivered to customers starting on Friday, September 19. Pre-orders for the iPhone 17 models will start on Friday, September 12.

The ‌AirPods Pro 3‌ are priced at $249, and they feature updated Active Noise Cancellation, a new case and earbud design, improved audio quality, and heart rate sensing.

The Apple Watch Series 11 has 5G support, hypertension alerts and a new sleep score feature, as does the Ultra 3. Apple also added satellite connectivity to the Ultra 3, while the SE has new health-related features.

Pricing on the Apple Watch SE starts at $249, pricing on the Series 11 starts at $399, and pricing on the Ultra 3 is $799.

Following the announcement of the iPhone 17 lineup today, Apple discontinued the iPhone 16 Pro and ‌iPhone 16‌ Pro Max.

Apple typically retires its Pro models with the release of their successors, and this year continues that pattern. Both the ‌iPhone 16‌ Pro and ‌iPhone 16‌ Pro Max are no longer available.

The ‌iPhone 16‌ Pro and ‌iPhone 16‌ Pro Max were introduced on September 9, 2024, at Apple's "Glowtime" event and released on September 20, 2024. Both models were powered by the A18 Pro chip and featured new camera capabilities, including a 5x telephoto zoom lens on the smaller model for the first time, as well as a new Camera Control button for easier photography and video recording. They retained the titanium frame from the iPhone 15 Pro models, but with larger 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch display sizes.

The ‌iPhone 16‌ Pro launched at $999, while the ‌iPhone 16‌ Pro Max started at $1,199 in the United States.

With the discontinuation of the ‌iPhone 16‌ Pro and Pro Max, Apple's lineup now centers on the ‌iPhone 17‌ series, with the base ‌iPhone 17‌ starting at $799, while the ‌iPhone 16‌ and ‌iPhone 16‌ Plus remain available at $699 and $799, respectively.

Apple has introduced several new accessories for the iPhone 17 Pro and ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max, including the TechWoven Case, Clear Case with MagSafe, Silicone Case with MagSafe, and Crossbody Strap.

The all-new TechWoven Case is the spiritual successor to Apple's ill-received, discontinued FineWoven Case for the iPhone 15 Pro models. TechWoven is a "technical woven fabric" with "multiple colored yarns," and Apple has suggested that this material will be more resistant to scratches and stains than FineWoven was.

TechWoven Case color options include Black, Blue, Purple, Sienna, and Green. In the U.S., the cases cost $59 each, for either the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ or Pro Max.

The redesigned Clear Case with MagSafe is made of clear polycarbonate, and it has a "scratch-resistant coating" on the interior and exterior.

The latest Silicone Case with ‌MagSafe‌ is available in six colors: Orange, Terra Cotta, Neon Yellow, Purple Fog, Midnight, and Black.

Apple's new Crossbody Strap can be paired with the TechWoven Case and new Silicone Case, allowing users to wear their ‌iPhone‌. It is essentially a magnetic lanyard, with stainless steel sliding mechanisms for adjusting the length.

In the U.S., the Crossbody Strap costs $59, and it is available in 10 colors: Black, Light Gray, Blue, Light Blue, Purple, Sienna, Green, Neon Yellow, Tan, and Orange.

Apple will begin accepting preorders for the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max on Friday, September 12 at 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time or 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The new iPhones will launch on Friday, September 19.

Pricing on the ‌iPhone 17‌ starts at $799, while the ‌iPhone Air‌ starts at $999. The ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ starts at $1099, and the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max starts at $1,199.

All of the ‌iPhone 17‌ models feature ProMotion refresh rates, a 18-megapixel front camera, and A19 or A19 Pro chips. The ‌iPhone Air‌ is Apple's thinnest iPhone to date and it has only a single-lens rear camera and lower battery life, while the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ and Pro Max feature upgraded 48-megapixel Telephoto lenses, an upgraded body that's more durable, improved anti-reflective coating, and a new rear camera design.

Apple doesn't plan to start accepting pre-orders for the new ‌iPhone‌ models until this Friday, but you can pre-order the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, Apple Watch SE 3, and AirPods Pro 3 starting today.

Alongside the unveiling of the new iPhone Air, Apple today announced new accessories for the ultra-thin iPhone, including the iPhone Air Case with MagSafe, iPhone Air Bumper, and Crossbody Strap.

The new ‌iPhone Air‌ Case with MagSafe is a translucent case that is less than 1mm thick, with Frost and Shadow options. Meanwhile, the ‌iPhone Air‌ Bumper (shown above) is a lightweight polycarbonate bumper case that wraps around the edge of the ‌iPhone Air‌, with Tan, Light Gray, Light Blue, and Black color options.

Finally, there is a Crossbody Strap that attaches directly to select new iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max, and ‌iPhone Air‌ cases, including the ‌iPhone Air‌ Case with ‌MagSafe‌, ‌iPhone Air‌ Bumper, TechWoven Cases, and Silicone Cases. It costs $59, and it is available in 10 colors: black, light gray, blue, light blue, purple, sienna, green, neon yellow, tan, and orange.

With the Crossbody Strap, you can wear your ‌iPhone‌. It is essentially a magnetic lanyard, with stainless steel sliding mechanisms for adjusting the length.