iPhone 17 launch at Steve Jobs Theatre was filled with stars, brightest turned out to be newest Apple devices

The day started with a shiny yellow lanyard in my lodge foyer. Well, not simply any lanyard, thoughts you, however one with the Apple emblem on it, the form of factor tech journalists quietly treasure. Because it offers entry to arguably the largest tech launch of the 12 months — the iPhone launch. On the morning of September 9, our lodge foyer in Sunnyvale was nothing lower than a dramatic combination of languages and accents, cameras, and caffeine-fuelled pleasure as journalists from each nook of the globe gathered for the large trip to Apple Park.

Thirty minutes later, the buses rolled as much as Cupertino’s spaceship campus. The temper was electrical. Apple workers lined the trail, clapping and cheering us on. Looked choreographed however nonetheless spectacular. The expression on my face was much like a baby coming into Disneyland for the primary time. You might inform this wasn’t simply one other Tuesday at work.

MrBeast & MKBHD on the Steve Jobs Theatre

Walking into the Steve Jobs Theatre is like strolling into tech’s model of the Colosseum. Except, as a substitute of gladiators, you’ve received a thousand journalists able to duel with their cameras and mics. Walking down the well-known stairway was surreal, however I needed to hold give attention to the work that was forward of me. I discovered my seat on the suitable facet of the stage, excellent for people-watching, and instantly noticed Craig Federighi — of Hair Force One fame — making his rounds.

And then got here the primary large fanboy second of my day: bumping into Marques Brownlee simply exterior. I stole just a few moments away from my work for a fast selfie. Moments later, I used to be again to juggling the chaos of stay running a blog and taking pictures video, however with a smile I couldn’t fairly shake off. I did spot “Woz” (Steve Wozniak), the co-founder of Apple however sadly couldn’t steal an image with him.

A couple of minutes in and one other shock: MrBeast! Yes, the person who nonchalantly spends one million {dollars} for every of his movies was additionally attending the iPhone launch. He was taller than I’d imagined, however simply as pleasant, obliging with selfies. With round a 50:50 influencers to journalist ratio, it was at that second I realised that Apple occasions aren’t simply tech showcases anymore, they’re cultural festivals.

The Keynote: Apple on the large display

The theatre exploded with applause when Tim Cook walked onto the stage. The keynote, although, was largely pre-recorded — a slickly produced movie on the large display. Fun reality: every part proven on display was shot on the iPhone 17 Pro. Don’t get me fallacious, it appeared good, however a part of me longed for the old-school fashion of Steve Jobs whipping out a “one more thing” and the Wi-Fi breaking mid-demo stay on stage. Those had been the times.

Nostalgia apart, the hour-and-a-half movie zipped by, after which got here the mad sprint: a whole bunch of journalists sprinting into the demo space like children in a sweet store. Mics in place, tripod in a single hand, cellphone within the different, I joined the hustle.

New iPhone Air

The first system I grabbed was the iPhone 17 Air. And sure, the title is sensible. This factor is feather-light regardless of its titanium body, which is heavier than the aluminium frames that the majority telephones use. It’s the thinnest iPhone but, with a 6.5-inch show so vivid it might in all probability information planes at night time.

The new sq. digital camera plateau on the again seems a bit Pixel-inspired, but it surely would possibly simply turn out to be Apple’s new calling card. The 48MP digital camera is beneficiant for a mannequin that sits under the Pros, although battery life might be a trade-off. We’ll put that to the check in our assessment, so keep tuned for that.

Under the hood, the A19 Pro chip runs the present, paired with Apple’s new N1 wi-fi chip and C1X 5G modem. It’s solely eSIM, has a enjoyable “Centre Stage” selfie mode, which helps you to take selfies in panorama mode because of the brand new sq. sensor that Apple is utilizing. The iPhone Air begins at Rs 1.2 lakh in India. Light in weight but heavy on the pockets.

iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max

Next up, the Pro fashions. The new orange color was a head-turner, simply the “it” shade of the season. I received’t be stunned if it outsells the opposite colors. The ceramic glass again and redesigned digital camera island give the telephones a contemporary identification.

Performance-wise, these are Apple’s heavy hitters: triple 48MP cameras with 8x optical-quality zoom, a vapour chamber cooling system that can assist avid gamers, and aluminium alloy that makes them lighter. Apple wasn’t exaggerating when it known as these probably the most highly effective iPhones ever.

But in India, energy doesn’t come low cost. The Pro begins at Rs 1.35 lakh, the Pro Max at Rs 1.5 lakh. That’s nicely into laptop computer territory, however for the devoted, the value tag is a part of the ritual. Again, we will probably be getting you a complete have a look at all of the units in our assessment to comply with.

iPhone 17

And then there’s the common iPhone 17 — easy, glossy, and arguably probably the most Apple-like of all of them. It’s received vertical twin 48MP cameras, an motion button, and a brand new seize button.

Apple lastly made 120Hz ProMovement shows commonplace (thank God), and the 3000-nit brightness ensures you get loads of readability outside. The A19 chip brings a 20 per cent velocity increase, higher Apple Intelligence, and eight further hours of battery. On the surface, not a lot has modified, however the true story is the invisible upgrades. Hopefully, Apple Intelligence feels extra fluid on these iPhones.

New Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3

The watches had been subsequent. For India, the standout is the Apple Watch SE3 at Rs 26,000. It’s the budget-friendly entry into the Apple Watch world and nonetheless delivers strong well being monitoring.

The Watch Series 11 brings hypertension monitoring, deeper sleep monitoring, and even 5G compatibility with Jio. At Rs 46,900, it seems acquainted however feels smarter.

Then there may be the Watch Ultra 3, Apple’s excessive sports activities watch, now with thinner bezels and satellite tv for pc messaging. Price: Rs 89,900. Basically, should you’re trekking within the Himalayas and get misplaced, this might be the SOS that saves you.

There wasn’t so much to expertise on the Apple Watches this 12 months. Maybe as a result of Apple has centered extra on the expertise half than the {hardware}.

AirPods Pro 3

Finally, the AirPods Pro 3. On the floor, they appear like AirPods, however these buds imply enterprise. Four occasions higher noise cancellation, IP57 mud and water resistance. And, right here’s the kicker — stay translation. Pop them in and you’ll ditch your interpreter. I can’t wait to do that.

Apple even added coronary heart fee monitoring, which turns your AirPods into health trackers, and boosted the battery by eight hours with ANC switched on. At Rs 25,900, they’re not precisely pocket change, however they’re extra versatile than ever.

Wrapping up an unforgettable day

As the demo space emptied and the adrenaline wore off, I discovered myself strolling out of the Steve Jobs Theatre into the California solar. Thankfully, I didn’t misplace any of my objects. My tripod was nonetheless in hand, my cellphone battery was clinging to life, and the yellow lanyard nonetheless hung round my neck.

For me, at the present time wasn’t nearly shiny new iPhones or watches, it was in regards to the expertise. Meeting creators I look as much as, swapping fast quips with fellow journalists and Apple executives, and watching Apple, but once more, set the tone for the business. Of all of the merchandise, I really feel the iPhone Air would create probably the most buzz in India however that steep price ticket might push individuals to have second ideas and think about going for the Pro as a substitute.

I miss the stay chaos of old-school keynotes, however Apple Park has its personal form of magic. And whenever you’ve snapped selfies with MKBHD and MrBeast on the identical day whereas additionally dealing with the iPhone 17 lineup for the primary time, you realize it’s a narrative value telling.

(Cyrus John travelled to Apple Park, Cupertino, to cowl the iPhone 17 launch on the invitation of Apple.)

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