the regular iPhone 17 model that got various enhancements, the ultra-slim iPhone Air, and the iPhone 17 Pro variants that are mightier than ever. Apple also introduced the AirPods Pro 3 wireless headphones during the event, showcasing an upgraded design, fresh features, and improved battery life, along with the Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3, which offer several significant advancements, including enhanced sleep tracking and a system for detecting hypertension.
Yet, some of the new features Apple briefly highlighted on stage could prove to be more crucial for the future of Apple products than may be apparent. These advancements might lay the groundwork for more substantial innovations in subsequent Apple offerings, or enhance particular experiences and spark changes in rival products. Here are five of the most overlooked announcements emerging from Apple’s iPhone 17 keynote.
Apple highlighted the new Apple Intelligence-driven Live Translation feature during the AirPods Pro 3 presentation, suggesting that this feature would be limited to the latest product. Nevertheless, Apple clarifies in a support document that Live Translation is compatible with other AirPods models that have Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) capabilities, including the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 with ANC. The headphones must be connected to an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence, which indicates an iPhone equipped with the A17 Pro chip or a more recent version.
Apple introduced the new hypertension notification system during the Apple Watch Series 11 presentation, implying that this new health feature would be exclusive to the recently launched high-end wearables. Apple also presented the Apple Watch Ultra 3, which possesses the same health capabilities as the Series 11. However, the Apple Watch Series 11 press release discloses that hypertension notifications will be available in watchOS 26 following regulatory approval on Apple Watch Series 9 or newer and Apple Watch Ultra 2. You won’t need to purchase a new device to access this potentially life-saving feature as soon as it’s rolled out.
