At its latest hardware event on September 9, 2025, Apple pulled back the curtain on a suite of new devices led by the iPhone 17 family and the debut of the ultra-slim iPhone Air alongside upgraded watches and AirPods. If you’re in Africa or just tech-curious, here’s a breakdown of what matters.
What’s New: Phones First
iPhone 17
- 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion (120Hz) for smoother visuals.
- Upgraded front camera (Center Stage) and dual 48 MP “Dual Fusion” rear camera system: main + ultra-wide.
- A19 chip under the hood for more performance and efficiency.
- Higher baseline storage: starts at 256 GB.
- New colors: lavender, sage, mist blue, white, and black.
iPhone Air
- Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever at about 5.6 mm thickness.
- 6.5-inch ProMotion display, titanium-ceramic frame, durable design.
- Features include N1 networking chip (Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, etc.), an Apple-designed modem (C1X), and eSIM-only in many markets.
- Rear camera: 48 MP “Fusion Main”; front camera: the new Center Stage sensor.
- Price starts at US$999.
Pro & Pro Max Versions
- Both iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max bring “pro-level” camera upgrades: triple 48 MP rear camera (main, ultra-wide, telephoto), 8× optical-quality zoom.
- New vapor chamber thermal design, more battery life, new finishes (deep blue, cosmic orange, silver).
- Pro Max also now offers up to 2 TB storage.
Other Devices & Features
- AirPods Pro 3: improved active noise cancellation, added features like live translation, and more health-/activity-tracking sensors.
- Apple Watches: New Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3 models announced. Upgrades include stronger glass, better durability, possibly new health sensors and satellite connectivity.
Availability & Pricing
- Pre-orders for the iPhone 17 lineup and iPhone Air begin September 12.
- Devices begin shipping and hitting stores starting September 19, 2025.
- Pricing: iPhone 17 starts around US$799, Air at US$999, Pro at ~US$1,099, and Pro Max ~US$1,199.
Implications for Africa & Users Here
- The specs show Apple pushing forward in display tech, performance, and camera, which could raise the bar for mid-range phones in African markets.
- The thinner, titanium design of iPhone Air may appeal to those looking for portability, but durability in more rugged environments will be something to watch.
- New health and connectivity features in watches and AirPods could become more useful in areas with limited infrastructure.
- Pricing remains premium, so how regional taxes, import duties, and currency fluctuations affect final cost will matter a lot across African countries.
Read more on Tech Gist Africa:
Here is everything that was announced at the Apple iPad event