What’s New with Apple’s Latest iPhones and Smartwatches
It’s been exactly 48 hours since Apple opened pre-orders for its four new iPhones. While deliveries of certain models, storage options, and color combinations have been pushed back to October, eager fans still have the chance to secure all the new iPhones for delivery on their release date.
The most notable exception is the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which appears to be the most popular choice, given its delivery dates. However, from past experience, I know that this model is too large for daily use for me. I often use some of the best Android phones alongside my iPhone and prefer Apple’s compact models, especially since I enjoy utilizing one of the latest folding phones too.
With that in mind, I opted to order the new iPhone 17 Pro, swiftly securing the 512GB variant in Cosmic Orange just minutes after pre-orders opened. After that, my attention shifted to the rest of the Apple lineup. Here’s why I also decided to order the iPhone Air and the Apple Watch Series 11, along with my plans for their use.
Why Thin Phones Like the iPhone Air Captivate Me
iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone Air, and iPhone 17
Apple
I have a deep appreciation for thin phones. Recently, I reviewed the Galaxy S25 Edge, and it’s quickly become one of my favorites this year. It’s easy to overlook a thin model without first holding it, but once you do, it becomes clear why manufacturers continue to pursue this design.
Thin phones represent an engineering marvel, showcasing the forefront of technological possibilities. Apple’s take on thin devices is distinctive, which is why I was almost certain to choose it. Here’s how it stacks up against competitors.
The iPhone Air ingeniously houses all the essential components, sensors, and electronics within a newly designed camera plateau, presenting a striking resemblance to the camera bar seen in the Google Pixel 10 series. This achievement is notable, as the camera’s dimensions are relatively small compared to what’s contained inside the rest of the phone. It symbolizes significant progress, pushing towards even smaller forms of technology, like integrating this into smart glasses.
A recent entry in this category is the Tecno Spark Slim, unveiled at IFA 2025 as the Tecno Pova Slim, measuring just 5.9mm thick—only 0.24mm thicker than the iPhone Air. It tackles the common problem associated with thin phones: battery capacity. I’m still putting it through its paces, but it boasts a 5,180 mAh battery, substantially exceeding the 3,000 mAh offering in the iPhone Air and the 3,900 mAh of the Galaxy S25 Edge.
Nirave Gondhia / Digital Trends
Samsung led the charge in the ultra-thin market with its Galaxy S25 Edge, which measures 5.8mm thick. The design features a less pronounced camera bump, resulting in a more balanced and symmetrical appearance. While the Galaxy S25 Edge has a slightly larger 3,900 mAh battery, the iPhone Air excels with its 18MP center-stage camera, capable of capturing high-resolution selfies and videos—both in portrait and landscape mode. Testing it is something I eagerly await.
My Decision to Buy the Apple Watch Series 11
Apple
Choosing the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro was a straightforward process for various reasons. However, my decision regarding the Apple Watch 11 was more complicated. While I generally upgrade my Apple Watch annually, this year posed a more challenging choice. The Apple Watch 11 is notably thinner and lighter than the Apple Watch Series 10, but its improvements seem less pronounced when compared to the significant updates found in the Apple Watch Ultra 3.
Apple
Complicating my decision are the new Sleep Score and Hypertension alerts, both of which are also available with a software update on the previous year’s Apple Watch 10. Having grown fond of the Apple Watch 10, which successfully replaced my Apple Watch Ultra 2, I still had concerns regarding the longevity and durability of this model—issues that Apple claims to have addressed with the Apple Watch 11. Thus, durability was a significant factor in my upgrade decision, and my satisfaction will hinge largely on whether it lives up to those promises.
Why the Apple Watch Ultra 3 Was an Easy Choice
Apple
The appeal of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 stood out from the beginning; it’s touted as bigger, better, and brighter than its predecessor. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 already provided remarkable battery life, but the new version is expected to surpass this, making it the model with the best battery performance in the Apple Watch lineup thus far.
Apple
Another long-anticipated feature is 5G support, which has now been included across all new devices, including the cost-effective Apple Watch SE 3. The standout feature of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is its larger display; even though the frame remains unchanged, advancements such as reduced bezels allow for the largest screen ever seen on an Apple Watch.
Overall, the enhancements promise a vibrant, always-on Retina Display, various watch faces showing continuously updating second hands, improved battery longevity, and faster charging capabilities akin to the Apple Watch 10.
Having ordered both the Apple Watch Series 11 and the Apple Watch Ultra 3, it remains unclear which will emerge as my favorite. I am drawn to the sleek design of the Series 11, while the superior battery life of the Ultra 3 is hard to ignore. Ultimately, in just a few days, one or both of these devices are bound to find a spot on our best smartwatches list.
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