Apple’s annual product launch is always a highlight on the tech calendar, and 2025 looks set to be no exception. The Cupertino-based giant is gearing up for a blockbuster September, with the global unveiling of its much-anticipated iPhone 17 series and the rollout of the 11th generation iPad. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, insiders are pointing to September 9 or 10 as likely event dates, though Apple itself remains characteristically tight-lipped. The event promises not just new iPhones but also fresh iterations of the Apple Watch—Series 11, SE 3, and Ultra 3—heralding a new wave of innovation across the company’s product lines (as reported by Bloomberg and ZDNET).
The iPhone 17 lineup is already generating plenty of buzz, with Apple expected to introduce four distinct models: the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the all-new iPhone 17 Air. The Air will replace the outgoing Plus model, aiming to strike a balance between the standard and Pro ranges in both size and price. Early speculation had positioned the Air as a premium device, possibly even pricier than the Pro Max, but recent reports suggest the Air will be a mid-range option—cheaper than the Pro and Pro Max, but a notch above the standard iPhone 17. This calculated move could appeal to users seeking a middle ground in both features and cost (Bloomberg).
Design-wise, Apple appears to be sticking largely with its winning formula. The Pro and Pro Max will retain their 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays, respectively, while the Air is expected to slot in between these two sizes. Interestingly, the standard iPhone 17 may also grow to 6.3 inches, matching the Pro model. All four variants will feature ProMotion display technology with a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate, enabled by LTPO OLED panels—a feature previously reserved for the Pro models. LTPO also opens the door to always-on displays, though it’s still unclear if this perk will extend beyond the Pro variants.
Material innovation is on the cards, too. Apple may swap out the titanium frame on the Pro models for a half-glass, half-aluminum construction, which could offer a fresh look and improved durability. There’s also talk of a redesigned camera bump: a horizontal, pill-shaped module that could become the new visual signature for the iPhone 17 family, including the Air.
Under the hood, Apple is set to debut its A19 Pro chip, manufactured using TSMC’s latest 3nm process. This next-generation silicon promises improved speed, power efficiency, and—crucially—support for advanced Apple Intelligence AI features. For the first time, iPhones could be equipped with up to 12GB of RAM, marking a significant leap in multitasking capability and future-proofing the devices for years to come.
Camera upgrades are also front and center. Every iPhone 17 model is expected to get a bump from a 12MP front camera to a new 24MP sensor, delivering sharper selfies and more flexibility for cropping without losing detail. The Pro Max, meanwhile, is set to make history as the first iPhone to boast three 48MP rear cameras—a Wide, Ultra Wide, and Tetraprism Telephoto lens—plus support for 8K video recording. The Air will carry a single 48MP rear camera, while the standard iPhone 17 will feature a dual-lens setup (Wide and Ultra Wide).
For photography enthusiasts, the Pro models could introduce a mechanical aperture, offering greater control over depth-of-field—something iPhones have never done before. There’s also speculation about dual video recording, allowing users to film with both front and rear cameras simultaneously. This feature, currently only available through select third-party apps, could be a game-changer for content creators. The Pro and Pro Max will continue to offer 5x Telephoto optical zoom, a feature that will remain exclusive to these higher-end models.
Pricing, as always, is a hot topic—especially for Apple’s global audience. In India, the iPhone 17 Pro is expected to retail around Rs 1,45,990, with the Pro Max climbing to approximately Rs 1,64,990. The Air, positioned as a mid-tier option, will likely slot in between the standard and Pro models, though exact pricing details are still under wraps.
But Apple’s September showcase isn’t just about iPhones. The company’s latest iPad, the 11th-generation base model, is also making waves—particularly for its value proposition. As reported by ZDNET, this new iPad replaces the three-year-old 10th-generation model, packing better features at a $100 lower list price. That’s a rare move, especially in a year marked by tariff hikes and economic uncertainty.
The 11th-generation iPad doubles the base storage of its predecessor, offering configurations from 128GB up to 512GB, and bumps RAM up to 6GB from the previous 4GB. Powering the device is the A16 Bionic chip, which Apple claims is 30% faster than the A14 chip and delivers 50% better GPU performance. In benchmark tests (Geekbench 6), the new iPad scored 2,596 on single-core CPU, 6,237 on multi-core, and 19,848 for GPU—outperforming not only earlier iPads but also the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ (2025), which retails for hundreds more.
Despite these upgrades, the iPad’s Liquid Retina display remains unchanged, with a crisp 2360 x 1640 resolution and up to 500 nits of brightness. It continues to support Wi-Fi 6 and is compatible with accessories like the first-generation Apple Pencil (via USB-C) and the Magic Keyboard Folio. This backward compatibility is a boon for users looking to save on peripherals, as noted by ZDNET’s Maria Diaz, who praised the device for its seamless integration with existing cases and accessories.
In everyday use, the new iPad shines as a workhorse for word processing, image and video editing, gaming, and streaming. Testers reported smooth performance with no lag or connectivity issues, even during intensive tasks. However, there are some limitations: the 11th-gen iPad does not support Apple Intelligence (which requires an A17 Bionic or newer) or the Apple Pencil Pro. These omissions may matter to power users, but for students, casual users, and families, the base iPad remains an excellent all-rounder.
At a price of $299 (typically $349), the 11th-generation iPad stands out as a compelling choice in the tablet market. As ZDNET put it, “If you’re wondering which base model iPad is most worth the money, this latest iPad is it. It has upgraded features for a lower price, and it is likely all you’ll need if you’re looking for an everyday tablet.” For those looking to do light work, edit short videos, stream content, or play games, the base iPad is hard to beat—unless, of course, you’re a power user who needs the muscle of an Air or Pro.
All eyes are now on Apple as September approaches. With a fresh iPhone lineup, meaningful iPad upgrades, and a new wave of Apple Watches on deck, the company is clearly aiming to maintain its dominance in a fiercely competitive tech landscape. Whether you’re due for an upgrade or just curious about the latest in mobile innovation, there’s plenty to look forward to from Cupertino this fall.
