By Patryk Goron

The next generation of the iPhone, Apple Watch and Airpods Pro are now officially launched.

Let’s focus on phones first, since the new iPhone products come in four new distinct model variations: The iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max.

What is the biggest difference between the iPhone 17 and its predecessor, the iPhone 16?

“It’s the chip that is being used, iPhone 17 uses the A19 chip, which is about 80% faster than what was used in iPhone 16,” editor of TechCentral.ie, Niall Kitson, said.

Firstly, iPhone 17 will now be available starting with 256GB of storage, which is double the entry storage from the previous generation as well as a 512GB option, in five different colours: black, lavender, mist blue, sage, and white. 

The front camera includes a “centre stage” option that takes advantage of a bigger field of view and a new sensor that allows users to capture landscape shots without having to spin the iPhone.

Also, the new Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max will offer up to 2TB of memory, which is twice as much as the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s original capacity.

All the latest iPhone models now have “ceramic shield” screens, instead of glass ones, allegedly making them more resistant to harm and cracks from drops.

Having said that, Apple’s newest flagship smartphone, is receiving a lot of negative feedback online.

Images of broken phones have begun appearing on social media despite claims of a scratch-resistant surface.

The iPhone 17 Pro’s complaints bring back memories of previous models that had same issues.

The ultra-thin iPhone 6 was criticized for bending too readily, the glossy black iPhone 7 was known for being scratch-prone, and the iPhone 4 had antenna issues.

The big revelation of the launch is iPhone Air, which is advertised as the thinnest iPhone ever at just 5.6mm, while still retaining the A19 Pro chip on the inside.

Constructed from titanium and made to be lightweight and robust, it provides the same functionality as the original iPhone 17 while giving Apple’s flagship a new appearance.

What if you are not an expert and do not know what iPhone to choose?

“It’s always important with an iPhone to look for two things, the battery length, but also the camera,” Kitson commented.

“What’s interesting with the new iPhone Air, is that it only has one camera on the rear, so while your front facing camera won’t necessarily be affected, you will actually be losing something in terms of capability with your rear camera.”

Apple has also launched new AirPods and Apple Watches.

The AirPods Pro 3 marked the first update to Apple’s AirPods Pro in three years.

The new wireless earbuds can detect a user’s heart rate and provide superior spatial audio and noise reduction, live language translation, and a better fit with a larger range of ear tip sizes.

Three new Apple Watch models were unveiled by the company: the Apple Watch Series 11, the Apple Watch Ultra 3, and a new less expensive variant named the Apple Watch SE 3.

With features like 5G connectivity, a 24-hour battery life on a single charge, and thicker, more scratch-resistant glass, the brand labelled the Series 11 its “thinnest and most comfortable watch.”

The Apple Watch SE 3 has a more powerful chip, allowing it to have an always-on display.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 has a larger and easier-to-read screen, as well as a larger battery that will last up to 42 hours.

It also includes satellite connectivity, a critical emergency function that has gained popularity in the iPhone and allows users to use messages and “Find My” even when they do not have cell coverage.

However, if you want to know a secret tip “there’s a rule of thumb to never get an odd numbered iPhone, because usually there’s an advance and then there is a refinement of it the following generation,” said Kitson.