By Abdul Basit
Apple’s annual “Awe-Dropping” keynote has introduced a bold new lineup. The iPhone 17 series—including the ultra-thin iPhone Air—alongside the new Apple Watch Series 11, Watch SE 3, Watch Ultra 3, and AirPods Pro 3 will be available for pre-order in the UAE starting September 12, with general availability beginning September 19.
Pricing in the UAE
In UAE dirhams (AED), prices start at:
- iPhone 17 (256 GB): AED 3,399
- iPhone Air: AED 3,799–3,899 (estimated range)
- iPhone 17 Pro: AED 4,499
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: AED 5,099
Other product pricing includes:
- AirPods Pro 3: AED 949
- Apple Watch Series 11: USD 399 (approx AED 1,465)
- Apple Watch SE 3: USD 249 (~AED 915)
- Apple Watch Ultra 3: USD 799 (~AED 2,935)
Full Lineup & Highlights
iPhone 17 Series
- iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air introduced—iPhone Air being Apple’s thinnest model ever at just 5.6 mm and made from space-grade titanium.
- All models sport improved cameras, enhanced battery, bigger base storage (256 GB), and feature the new N1 wireless chip for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread, plus the faster C1X 5G modem.
Apple Watch Lineup
- Three new smartwatches: Series 11, Watch SE 3, and Watch Ultra 3.
- Series 11 brings a slimmer frame, 5G connectivity, sleep tracking, and hypertension detection via optical sensors.
- Watch SE 3 upgrades performance with the S10 chip, faster 2× charging, and enhanced sleep tracking.
- Watch Ultra 3 adds satellite messaging, 5G, a brighter display, extended battery (up to 72 hours in low-power mode), and rugged build.
AirPods Pro 3
- The latest generation of AirPods Pro features the promised “world’s best” active noise cancellation, heart-rate sensing, live translation support, improved fit with foam-infused tips, IP57 rating, and longer battery life—shipping from September 19.
Why It Matters to UAE Consumers
This diverse lineup caters to a broad spectrum of users:
- Everyday power users will appreciate the performance gains and connectivity upgrades in the iPhone 17 family.
- The iPhone Air appeals to those seeking sleek design without sacrificing capability.
- The Apple Watch updates focus heavily on health, fitness, and connectivity—especially valuable in the UAE market with high demand for wellness tracking.
- AirPods Pro 3 bring advanced audio features and health insights—appealing to professionals and travelers alike.
Apple’s strategy reinforces its integrated ecosystem approach, offering device upgrades across both mobile hardware and wearables in a single, high-impact event tailored for global markets including the UAE. – abdulbasit@theuaenews.com
