Apple’s September keynote has always been a highlight, and last night’s event was no exception. The unveiling included the sleek iPhone 17 Air, a camera-focused Pro lineup, and updated Apple Watches and AirPods, showcasing Apple’s full 2025 lineup. However, while the products dazzled, reactions in the UAE were mixed. We spoke to some of the UAE’s top tech influencers to get their insights.
iPhone 17 Air: Slim, sleek, and divisive
The highlight of the night was the iPhone 17 Air — Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever at just 5.6mm, crafted with titanium and powered by the new A19 Pro chip.
For Emkwan (@emkwan), a leading tech and AI creator in the UAE, it’s a design triumph. He commented, “They’ve packed a lot into such a slim profile. My only worry is how the reduced size will impact battery life over time.”
Emkwan
Daanesh K (@daantalks), appreciates the Air’s aesthetics but questions its practicality: “The Air is stunning, but can it withstand daily iPhone use? That’s yet to be determined.”
Daanesh K
Not everyone was impressed. Ihab Salem (@ihabmrtech), known as Mr Tech, was straightforward:
“I was waiting for the Air, but they barely discussed the battery. One camera, no stereo speakers… why? Samsung and Huawei are ahead in these features. Honestly, I’m disappointed.”
iPhone 17, Pro, and Pro Max: Incremental or essential?
Beyond the Air, Apple gave meaningful updates to its main lineup. The iPhone 17 now features a 120Hz display, enhanced durability, and a bigger battery — long-awaited features for everyday users.
“This is the best upgrade of them all,” says Daanesh.
“For the average user, the 17 is officially the perfect iPhone due to its reasonable price.”
Content creators are focused on the Pro and Pro Max. With a triple 48MP camera system and professional-grade video tools, they cater to power users.
“Battery life and camera performance are crucial for me as I film most of my content on a smartphone,” Emkwan explains. “These models seem like a significant advancement.”
Ihab Salem
Mr Tech, however, remains skeptical: “The design changes? We’ve seen them on Xiaomi already.”
Apple Watch & AirPods
Apple also refreshed its wearable lineup. The Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 introduced blood pressure alerts and improved durability, while the Watch SE 3 is now more affordable with an always-on display.
However, our panel agrees: these are mostly minor upgrades.
“Incremental updates,” says Daanesh. “Unless you’re upgrading from three or four generations ago, you don’t really need to.”
The AirPods Pro 3 were a different story. Features like live translation, heart rate monitoring, and enhanced noise cancellation stood out.
“Finally, Apple added live translation,” says Mr Tech, though he notes Samsung had it years earlier.
“That’s the one I’m most excited to try,” adds Emkwan. “But it’s tied to Apple Intelligence, so we’ll have to see how it works in practice.”
Should you upgrade?
For UAE consumers, the decision depends on your current device.
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Below iPhone 15? Both Emkwan and Daanesh say this year’s models offer significant improvements in speed, battery, and camera.
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Above iPhone 15? It’s more about personal preference — and whether you’re attracted to the new designs or AI features.
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Apple Watch & AirPods? Nice to have, but not essential unless you’re on much older versions.
As Mr Tech put it, Apple remains the industry benchmark, but competition is catching up quickly:
“We wait all year for these updates, and sometimes it feels like minor changes. Still, I’ll probably end up buying to test it.”
Pricing and availability in the UAE
Here’s all you need to know about the iPhone 17 series pricing, pre-order dates, and availability:
iPhone 17
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Colours: Lavender, Mist Blue, Sage, White, Black
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Storage options: 256GB, 512GB
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Price: Dh3,399
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Pre-orders: Start Friday, September 12 at 4pm UAE time
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Availability: Friday, September 19
iPhone Air
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Colours: Space Black, Cloud White, Light Gold, Sky Blue
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Storage options: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
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Price: Dh4,299
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Pre-orders: Start Friday, September 12 at 4pm UAE time
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Availability: Friday, September 19
iPhone 17 Pro
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Colours: Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue, Silver
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Storage options: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
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Price: Dh4,699
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Pre-orders: Start Friday, September 12 at 4pm UAE time
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Availability: Friday, September 19
iPhone 17 Pro Max
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Colours: Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue, Silver
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Storage options: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, new 2TB option
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Price: Dh5,099
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Pre-orders: Start Friday, September 12 at 4pm UAE time
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Availability: Friday, September 19
Last night’s event highlighted Apple’s ongoing commitment to enhancing design and performance. However, in a market where Samsung, Huawei, and Honor are strong contenders, consumer expectations are higher than ever.
For some, the iPhone 17 Air marks a bold new chapter. For others, the Pro lineup is the real star. And for a few, Apple’s “awe-dropping” moment felt more like a careful step than a giant leap.
One thing is certain: in the UAE, the debate over which iPhone to buy, or whether to switch brands entirely, has just begun.
