Apple's events may be pre-recorded, but press still gets to visit Apple Park and see all the new products in-person. Check out AppleInsider's in-person coverage.
Apple event badges were multi-color this year and we snagged a blue one. Once we were carted to Steve Jobs Theater and shuffled inside, we got to eat some select snacks and slowly migrate down to the theater area.
The Apple event badge
The Steve Jobs Theater was as stunning as ever. You'd not know it at the time, but the glass entryway would soon be filled with tables showing off the latest gadgets.
Down in the theater, everyone was seated around the giant screen. It was a crowd of mostly press, but Apple employees were interspersed to provide some hype and cheer when their pet feature was shown on screen.
Inside the Steve Jobs Theater
Once it was time for the event to start, Apple CEO Tim Cook came out on stage to welcome everyone. Then of course the keynote began and it was the same video you all got to watch at home.
'Goooood Morning!' says Apple CEO Tim Cook
After the keynote everyone rushed back upstairs to check out all of the newly-announced goodies. Press and social media influencers crushed around display tables to get the best shots and attempt to capture video.
We waited for our turn to see the iPhone Air up close and personal.
iPhone Air models were suspended around some areas
AirPods Pro 3 were shown slightly suspended in their case to showcase their new design. They're certainly different from the previous model, but only with some closer examination.
It'll be interesting to try out the improved ANC and see if the audio sounds any better with the new internal design.
AirPods Pro 3
The updated Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple Watch SE 3 could easily be mistaken for their previous models. Even the features aren't that differentiated for the two flagships, but improved battery life is something.
That Apple Watch SE 3 will definitely be a winner for families.
Apple Watch models on display
We got to see someone demo the Apple Health app showing blood pressure monitoring. Of course, this isn't a replacement for a dedicated blood pressure cuff or instrument, but hypertension notifications are surely to be life savers.
Apple did say they expect to notify 1 million users of hypertension in a year. And note that the feature works on a few previous models as well.
Apple Health showing blood pressure data
We finally made it over to the iPhone table and viewed the incredible thinness of the iPhone Air up close. It's going to be a stand out hit for its looks alone, but we're not sure about the feature tradeoffs just yet.
The lack of a "17" in the name could also indicate it won't get upgrades every generation. Luckily that display and chipset will be top-tier for a few years.
iPhone Air is really thin
Finally, we got to check out iPhone 17 Pro. That massive camera bar is hopefully indicative of the camera performance in this generation.
Obviously, we can't effectively test the cameras yet, but expect reviews as soon as possible.
The new unibody aluminum frame is certainly lighter than titanium. It'll be interesting to see how the improved Ceramic Shield stands up over time.
iPhone 17 Pro models get a new unibody design with ceramic cutout
There's still a lot to check out with these products so stay tuned into AppleInsider for detailed coverage as we uncover every new feature and spec. It won't be long before we all get to try out these products first-hand.
The new Apple Watch models and AirPods Pro 3 can be pre-ordered now. iPhones can be pre-ordered Friday and ship September 19 with the other new products.
