Apple just held its big September event, and there's lots of big news for Canadians.
We're getting a complete refresh of the iPhone lineup, including a brand-new, super-thin model. Plus, there are major updates to the Apple Watch and AirPods Pro. And one MAJOR change to iPhone models that we've never had before in Canada.
If you missed the livestream (or don't have the patience to sit through the sizzle), don't worry. We've sorted through all the announcements to give you the simple, need-to-know details on everything Apple just shared.
The iPhone 17 Lineup: More Power, Better Cameras, and a New Sibling
This year, the iPhone family grew. We have the powerful Pro models, the excellent standard model, and a completely new device that's all about being incredibly thin and light.
But before we even get to that, a significant change will be coming for Canadians. These new iPhone models will be eSIM-only! You know that little card you slide out of your old phone and put into a new one? Well there's not gonna be a slot for those anymore on your new iPhone.
It's time to learn how to use an eSIM.
Instead, you'll be using a digital version of your SIM. If you've ever bought an international travel plan from a foreign carrier, maybe you've already used an eSIM before.. They're simple enough, but anything new, can always feel a little scary until you've done it once. And Apple being Apple, will likely make setup very easy when you initially turn on your device. So if you hear eSIM between now and your new iPhone arriving, know it's just something different, not necessarily something better or worse.
With that out of the way, let's dig into the new models!
iPhone 17
The standard iPhone 17 got some major upgrades that used to be reserved for the Pro models.
- A Pro-Level Screen: For the first time, the standard iPhone gets a ProMotion display. This just means the screen refreshes faster (up to 120Hz), making everything from scrolling through social media to playing games feel incredibly smooth and responsive. The screen is also bigger and brighter than last year's model.
- Better Cameras All Around: It inherits the new 18MP Center Stage front camera from the other models. The rear cameras also get a bump to 48MP, meaning your photos will be sharper and more detailed.
- A Speed Boost: It's powered by the new A19 chip, which delivers a big boost in speed and efficiency for better performance and all-day battery life.
- More Storage to Start: The base model now comes with 256GB of storage, double the previous generation, so you have plenty of room for photos and apps.
- Pricing and Availability: The iPhone 17 starts at $1,129 (CAD). You can pre-order it on September 12, and it will be available on September 19.
iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max
This is Apple's top-of-the-line offering. Most people don't need these features unless they're genuinely pro users; but for many, they're nice to have if you can afford the most premium model of phone.
- A Huge Camera Upgrade: The camera system gets a massive boost. Both Pro models have three 48MP cameras, but the real star is the new Telephoto lens. It offers an 8x optical-quality zoom, the longest ever on an iPhone. For you, this means you can get incredibly clear, close-up shots from far away without losing quality.
- A Smarter Front Camera: The new 18MP front "Center Stage" camera is really clever. You can now take landscape (wide) photos and videos while holding the phone vertically. It even uses AI to automatically widen the shot for group selfies so everyone fits in the frame. If you've used certain iPad models or the Studio Display monitor, you'll be familiar with Center Stage.
- Faster and Cooler Performance: A new A19 Pro chip and a special internal design with a "vapour chamber" means these phones can handle intense tasks like gaming and video editing without overheating. Apple says it delivers up to 40% better sustained performance, which is a huge leap.
- Tougher Than Ever: The front screen is protected by Ceramic Shield 2, which has 3x better scratch resistance. And for the first time, the back is also made of Ceramic Shield, making it much more resistant to cracks if you drop it.
- Pricing and Availability: The iPhone 17 Pro starts at $1,599 (CAD), and the iPhone 17 Pro Max starts at $1,749 (CAD). Pre-orders begin September 12, and they'll be in stores on September 19.
The All-New iPhone Air
This had been rumoured for months and now, it's confirmed - a legit "new" iPhone. The iPhone Air is a brand-new model that focuses on being incredibly thin and light without sacrificing power. It's for someone who values style and portability but still wants a high-end experience.
- Incredibly Thin: At just 5.6mm, this is the thinnest iPhone ever made. It has a titanium frame and is designed to feel light when you're swiping through your phone one-handed.
- Pro Power Inside: It's form is thin, but it's power is not. It has the same powerful A19 Pro chip as the Pro models, so it's just as fast for all your apps and games.
- Great All-Day Battery: Despite being so thin, Apple re-engineered the inside to fit a big battery, promising all-day battery life.
- The Same Great Selfie Cam: It gets the same new 18MP Center Stage front camera as the Pro models, so you can take those vertical landscape shots and better group selfies.
- Pricing and Availability: The iPhone Air starts at $1,449 (CAD). Pre-orders kick off on September 12, with availability on September 19.
Apple Watch Series 11
The Apple Watch is already a great health and fitness companion, and the Series 11 doubles down on that with features designed to help you understand your body even better, especially while you sleep.
- Get Your Sleep Score: The headline feature is a new "sleep score". It analyzes how long you slept, your consistency, and how much time you spent in different sleep stages to give you an easy-to-understand score on your sleep quality. This can help you figure out what you need to do to get a more restorative night's rest.
- Longer Battery Life: The battery now lasts up to 24 hours, so you can wear it all day and through the night to track your sleep without worrying about charging it.
- AI Workout Buddy: A new feature powered by Apple Intelligence acts as a personal coach, giving you spoken motivation during your workouts based on your heart rate, pace, and fitness history.
- Tougher Screen: The glass on the aluminum models is now 2x more scratch-resistant, making it more durable for everyday wear and tear.
- Pricing and Availability: The Apple Watch Series 11 starts at $549 (CAD) and is available for pre-order today, with in-store availability starting September 19.
AirPods Pro 3
Apple's most popular headphones get a significant upgrade with better sound, a more secure fit, and a feature we saw earlier this year on the Power Beats Pro 2.
- Next-Level Noise Cancellation: Apple claims this is the world's best in-ear Active Noise Cancellation, removing up to 2x more noise than the previous generation. This is perfect for tuning out the world on a noisy commute or in a busy office.
- Heart Rate Tracking: In a first for AirPods, they can now measure your heart rate during workouts. You can track your stats in the Fitness app right from your earbuds.
- A More Secure Fit: Using thousands of ear scans, Apple redesigned the earbuds to be smaller and more stable, so they're less likely to fall out during a run or intense workout. They also come with a new XXS ear tip size.
- Live Translation: In line with other Pro-level earbuds, a new Live Translation feature lets you have a conversation with someone who speaks a different language, translating in real-time right in your ears.
- Pricing and Availability: The AirPods Pro 3 are priced at $329 (CAD) and are available for pre-order today, hitting stores on September 19.
That's a lot to take in! If you have been following headlines and rumours, there's nothing that should have caught you by surprise with the latest Apple product announcements. If you're due for a phone upgrade, this is fantastic timing, especially if you're jumping from an iPhone 14 or later because you have even more choice and some phenomenal new features with the latest iPhone array.
What do you think of the new lineup? Is the super-thin iPhone Air calling your name, or are you more excited about getting a sleep score from your watch? Let me know what you think! You can reach out and share your comments with me, @drewkozub, through my Instagram.
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