My Honest Reaction to the Apple Event 2025
The Apple Event for iPhone season 2025 has come and gone, and I’ve collected my thoughts on all the new announcements, from the new Apple Watches to the iPhone 17 lineup. Here’s a breakdown of my reactions.
Apple Watch Updates
The Apple Watch SE got some solid upgrades, including the S10 chip and gesture controls, similar to those on the Apple Watch Ultra series. It also charges twice as fast, which is a great bonus.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 also saw some significant improvements. It now has a bigger screen with a thinner border and a better refresh rate. A major feature I appreciate is the improved satellite connectivity, which goes beyond just an SOS function. With a new radio that can reach much farther, this watch is more than just a typical Apple Watch; it’s an important safety feature for connecting with others or calling for help when you’re in an area with no cell signal. At $800, it’s an expensive watch, but these features make it worth it.
The New iPhone 17 Lineup
Apple introduced four models for the iPhone 17: the regular iPhone 17, the iPhone 17 Air, the iPhone 17 Pro, and the iPhone 17 Pro Ultra. I was surprised by how many options there are, especially with rumors of a foldable model coming next year.
The standard iPhone 17 has a 6.3-inch display that’s brighter and features more anti-reflective materials. It has a ProMotion screen with a refresh rate from 1 to 120 hertz and a brightness of 3000 nits. The A19 chip enables new AI features like live translation and image scanning for research and suggestions.
One of the most exciting camera updates is the new square sensor, which is similar to an “open gate” feature. This allows the camera to capture more information, so you don’t lose quality whether you’re shooting horizontally or vertically.
The iPhone 17 Air is a unique new addition. While it’s cool to have a thin device, I’d probably just go for the Pro model if I’m spending that much. Still, it has some great features, including a new ceramic back that I love, since I’m not a fan of glass backs. It also features the A19 Pro chip, an N1 Apple chip for wireless connectivity, and a C1X modem chip for better connections. The camera is a 48-megapixel all-in-one lens that handles wide, macro, and telephoto shots. The new dual video capture is also a cool feature, allowing you to record both your reaction and the main action at the same time.
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Ultra models are built with a new aluminum unibody design, which I prefer over the glass backs. They also have a new thermal system to help with heat dispersion, which is great for tasks like gaming or video production. I was bummed to see there’s no black color option this year; instead, it comes in white, orange, and a dark blue.
The camera system on the Pro models is a major highlight for me. All the back cameras are now 48 megapixels, so you don’t lose out on quality no matter which lens you use. They also feature the same square sensor technology as the other models. The phones also have Genlock integration and support for professional apps like Blackmagic Camera and Final Cut Pro. It’s incredible how many professional features are being integrated into a phone.
Final Thoughts
One of the most appreciated announcements was that the price points for the new iPhones stayed the same as last year. While the prices didn’t increase, Apple did add a new 2-terabyte internal storage option, which is massive.
I’m looking forward to getting the new iPhone soon and upgrading to the Apple Watch Ultra 3. I love using my phone for content creation and my daily workflow, and the new features will make a huge difference. The bigger screen and new connectivity options on the Apple Watch Ultra 3 are a big draw for me, especially since I plan on being out in the wilderness more often.
What are your thoughts on the new releases? Are you planning to upgrade?
