{"id":75512,"date":"2025-09-10T11:59:06","date_gmt":"2025-09-10T08:59:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/forklog.com\/en\/?p=75512"},"modified":"2025-09-10T12:03:48","modified_gmt":"2025-09-10T09:03:48","slug":"on-the-cusp-of-a-breakthrough-a-minor-iphone-refresh-and-an-ai-translator-in-airpods","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/forklog.com\/en\/on-the-cusp-of-a-breakthrough-a-minor-iphone-refresh-and-an-ai-translator-in-airpods\/","title":{"rendered":"On the cusp of a breakthrough: a minor iPhone refresh and an AI translator in AirPods"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>On 9 September Apple held its annual showcase, unveiling new iPhones and AI-enabled AirPods, as well as Apple Watch. The devices go on sale on 19 September.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/H3KnMyojEQU?si=xiFAu-B4xEcXffYG\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>On-device LLMs<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Apple mentioned artificial intelligence only a few times, mostly reiterating updates <a href=\"https:\/\/developer.apple.com\/wwdc25\/\">announced<\/a> back in June.<\/p>\n<p>The marquee novelty was live translation in AirPods. The feature enables real-time conversations with speakers of other languages.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cThey translate not just individual words. The meaning of each phrase is preserved. When you need to speak, just do so naturally,\u201d a company representative said.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-9-16 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Apple showcases the AirPods Pro 3's live translation\" width=\"422\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/JTN0sOpYa4w?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>Apple said it has upgraded the <span data-descr=\"graphics processing unit\" class=\"old_tooltip\">GPU<\/span> in its AI chips, enabling them to run large language models locally.<\/p>\n<p>The processor features a second-generation caching architecture, doubling its compute capacity. In addition, the GPUs, typically used for graphics, include dedicated \u201cmachine-learning accelerators\u201d for AI tasks.<\/p>\n<p>The updates deliver a threefold increase in GPU compute over last year\u2019s models. Apple also said the phone\u2019s computational power is comparable to MacBook Pro laptops.<\/p>\n<p>There was no word on the long-awaited Siri rebrand\u2014neither the current version nor the <a href=\"https:\/\/forklog.com\/en\/news\/apple-to-launch-ai-powered-web-search-engine-reports-say\">upcoming update<\/a> with AI was mentioned.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Other announcements<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Smartphones<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max bring an improved camera system and a redesigned back:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>18\u2011megapixel front camera with <span data-descr=\"Apple camera feature (debuted on iPad) that automatically keeps a person centred in frame during video calls\" class=\"old_tooltip\">Center Stage<\/span>;<\/li>\n<li>all three rear cameras are 48 megapixels;<\/li>\n<li>4x optical zoom at 100mm and a long\u2011reach 8x zoom at 200mm;<\/li>\n<li>a tetraprism telephoto lens and an improved image\u2011stabilisation system.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/forklog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/img-b48538eaa173cb70-3886698980738206-1024x576.png\" alt=\"image\" class=\"wp-image-265556\" srcset=\"https:\/\/forklog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/img-b48538eaa173cb70-3886698980738206-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/forklog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/img-b48538eaa173cb70-3886698980738206-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/forklog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/img-b48538eaa173cb70-3886698980738206-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/forklog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/img-b48538eaa173cb70-3886698980738206.png 1260w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. Source: Apple.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Apple raised the base price of the iPhone 17 Pro by $100 to $1,099, though storage now starts at 256GB rather than 128GB. Upgrading to 512GB costs an extra $200. A 2TB model will be $1,999. The iPhone 16 Pro started at $999.<\/p>\n<p>Apple discontinued its mid-tier iPhone 16 Plus at $899. It has been replaced by the iPhone Air, starting at $999 and measuring 5.6mm thick.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/forklog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/img-fed7dc19babd4c17-3886734611297074-1024x576.png\" alt=\"image\" class=\"wp-image-265557\" srcset=\"https:\/\/forklog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/img-fed7dc19babd4c17-3886734611297074-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/forklog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/img-fed7dc19babd4c17-3886734611297074-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/forklog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/img-fed7dc19babd4c17-3886734611297074-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/forklog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/img-fed7dc19babd4c17-3886734611297074.png 1260w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">iPhone 17 Air. Source: Apple.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The Air prompted questions about battery life given its slim chassis and, consequently, smaller battery.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cDespite iPhone Air becoming much thinner and lighter, it still delivers all\u2011day battery life,\u201d the company said.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>The Air\u2019s internal design increases space for the battery, and the new iOS 26 will add power\u2011saving features that learn usage habits and anticipate when the charge may run low.<\/p>\n<p>The base iPhone 17 still starts at $799. It gains a 120Hz display refresh rate.<\/p>\n<p>Top-end Pro Max models will start at $1,199.<\/p>\n<p>The iPhone 17 Pro now uses an aluminium frame; titanium moves to the Air.<\/p>\n<p>iOS 26 will roll out on 15 September, available to all users. The headline change is a visual redesign. Apple calls the new look \u201cliquid glass\u201d. Opaque, static buttons and menus across the system give way to animations and translucent elements that \u201cflow\u201d like water as users move through the interface.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Watches<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Apple Watch prices are unchanged:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the budget Apple Watch SE 3 starts at $249;<\/li>\n<li>the mainline Apple Watch Series 11 \u2014 from $399;\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Apple Watch Ultra 3 \u2014 from $799.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The Ultra gains a better display, satellite connectivity and 5G support.<\/p>\n<p>Series 11\u2014\u201cthe thinnest and most comfortable watch\u201d\u2014adds a ceramic coating on the glass for scratch resistance. It also gets a new 5G modem and an updated antenna architecture. They last up to 24 hours on a charge.<\/p>\n<p>The watches now monitor hypertension. Background algorithms look for signs of chronic high blood pressure, analysing data over a 30\u2011day period.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Headphones<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>AirPods pricing is also unchanged\u2014they start at $249.<\/p>\n<p>Beyond live translation, active noise cancellation and longer battery life, the new AirPods Pro 3 will ship in five sizes. The company calls them \u201cthe most comfortable ever\u201d.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cNo matter which earphones you used before, with AirPods 3 you will get the world\u2019s best active noise cancellation among in\u2011ear wireless gadgets. Transparency mode will let you hear your surroundings, and your own voice and the speech of people around you will now sound more natural than ever,\u201d Apple said.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Battery life rises to up to eight hours on a charge, from six previously.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Shares<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Apple\u2019s shares dipped immediately after the presentation\u2014a pattern seen every year.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p lang=\"ja\" dir=\"ltr\">\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8\u30a2\u30c3\u30d7\u30eb\u682a\u306e\u52d5\u304d <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?q=%24AAPL&#038;src=ctag&#038;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">$AAPL<\/a> <br \/>Apple Event, 2025\/9\/10\uff08\u65e5\u672c\u6642\u9593\uff09<br \/>iPhone 17, iPhone Air, AirPods Pro 3\u307b\u304b\u767a\u8868 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/AQi0pUGrC7\">pic.twitter.com\/AQi0pUGrC7<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 \u6c60\u7530\u4f38\u592a\u90ce (@sikeda23) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/sikeda23\/status\/1965581360917303575?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">September 10, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Portfolio manager Andrew Fisher <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/acpandy\/status\/1965476825875800324\">noted<\/a> that the drop reflected a lack of innovation. Other users <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/AlecSaysThings\/status\/1965479179199418746\">agreed<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>AI evangelist Linus Ekenstam <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/LinusEkenstam\/status\/1965686410184204653\">pointed out<\/a> that Apple has long been shrinking devices in preparation for \u201cface\u2011worn computers\u201d.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cFor context: the modems, antennas\u2014everything needed for iPhone Air to work\u2014fit inside the camera bump. The rest of the phone is screen and battery,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>The company once again shows it \u201clives in its own world\u201d, the expert stressed. With ample cash, it can afford to do so.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cWe are witnessing a harbinger of Apple\u2019s next big breakthrough,\u201d Ekenstam concluded.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Apple is <a href=\"https:\/\/forklog.com\/en\/news\/apples-ambitious-ai-plans-robots-enhanced-siri-and-home-security-innovations\">preparing a large-scale entry<\/a> into the artificial-intelligence market with a lineup of new devices. These include robots, a smart speaker with a screen, home-security cameras and an enhanced version of Siri.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On 9 September Apple held its annual showcase, unveiling new iPhones, AI-enabled AirPods and Apple Watch.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":75513,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"select":"1","news_style_id":"1","cryptorium_level":"","_short_excerpt_text":"Apple\u2019s shares slipped after the event, as usual","creation_source":"","_metatest_mainpost_news_update":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[1112,438],"class_list":["post-75512","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news-and-analysis","tag-apple","tag-artificial-intelligence"],"aioseo_notices":[],"amp_enabled":true,"views":"147","promo_type":"1","layout_type":"1","short_excerpt":"Apple\u2019s shares slipped after the event, as usual","is_update":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/forklog.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/75512","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/forklog.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/forklog.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forklog.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forklog.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=75512"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/forklog.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/75512\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":75515,"href":"https:\/\/forklog.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/75512\/revisions\/75515"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forklog.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/75513"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/forklog.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=75512"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forklog.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=75512"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forklog.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=75512"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}