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Apple’s September Event: The Year I Want Everything

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Apple’s event was one of those keynotes where it felt like every product category took a big leap forward. From AirPods to Apple Watch to the iPhone lineup, Apple dropped upgrades that make me want to reach for my wallet at every turn. The problem? I honestly don’t know what to buy first because I want them all.

AirPods Pro 3: Audio Meets Fitness and Translation

Apple kicked things off with the AirPods Pro 3, and it’s safe to say these aren’t just earbuds anymore. They are edging into fitness tracker and travel companion territory.

Highlights

  • Sound: Redesigned airflow system boosts bass, widens the soundstage, and makes vocals sharper.
  • Noise cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is up to four times stronger than the first Pros. ANC uses microphones and advanced processing to block outside noise so you can focus on your music or calls.
  • Translation: Live Translation powered by Apple Intelligence lets you understand and communicate across languages.
  • Fit and durability: Smaller earbuds, five ear tip sizes, and IP57 sweat and water resistance.
  • Fitness: Heart-rate sensing and calorie tracking directly through AirPods, with data syncing to the Fitness app.
  • Battery: Up to 8 hours with ANC, 10 hours in Transparency mode.
  • Price and availability: $249, available September 19.

These feel like a must-have. The ANC leap, fitness integration, and translation features make them tempting even if you already own AirPods Pro. AirPods haven’t been my friend in the past since my ears are too small, but I would like to try these. I like my AfterShokz, but I want tighter integration with the Apple ecosystem.

Apple Watch: Health, Safety, and Adventure

The stories Apple shared about the Watch saving lives were moving, but the new lineup really shows how much the device has grown beyond just fitness tracking.

Apple Watch Series 11

  • Durability: New ceramic-coated Ion-X glass for double the scratch resistance.
  • Connectivity: First Apple Watch with 5G cellular.
  • Health: Hypertension notifications and a new sleep score feature.
  • Battery: Up to 24 hours.
  • Finishes: Recycled aluminum and titanium cases with refreshed Nike and Hermès bands.
  • Price: Starts at $399.

I am torn here. I just got a Watch Series 10, but the hypertension feature is compelling. People on ADHD medication or anyone who needs to monitor blood pressure could find this feature especially convincing.

Apple Watch SE 3

  • Always-On display available for the first time on SE.
  • Gestures: Supports double-tap and wrist flick.
  • Health: Temperature sensing, sleep apnea notifications, and sleep score.
  • Convenience: Play media directly through the built-in speaker.
  • Battery: 18 hours with new fast charging; about 8 hours of use from a 15-minute charge.
  • Connectivity: Supports 5G.
  • Price: Starts at $249.

Apple Watch Ultra 3

  • Display: Larger, brighter, and with thinner borders.
  • Connectivity: Adds satellite SOS, Messages, and Find My.
  • Battery: Up to 42 hours.
  • Materials: Recycled titanium with new bands.
  • Price: Starts at $799.

I would love the Ultra for its satellite safety and massive battery, but it is simply too big for me.

iPhone 17 Lineup: Thin, Powerful, or Pro-Level Cameras

iPhone 17

  • Display: 6.3-inch with ProMotion 120 Hz, Always-On, and 3000 nits brightness.
  • Durability: Ceramic Shield 2 with three times better scratch resistance.
  • Chip: A19 with faster Neural Engine for Apple Intelligence.
  • Battery: Faster wired charging, up to 50% in 20 minutes.
  • Cameras: 48 MP Dual Fusion main + 2× telephoto, new 48 MP Ultra Wide, and Center Stage front camera with auto-framing.
  • Price: Starts at $799.

iPhone Air

  • Design: Thinnest iPhone ever at 5.6 mm, titanium frame, Ceramic Shield front and back.
  • Display: 6.5-inch ProMotion, Always-On, 3000 nits.
  • Chips: A19 Pro, new N1 wireless chip, and C1X modem.
  • Cameras: 48 MP Fusion system with enhanced telephoto and Dual Capture video (front and back).
  • Battery: All-day life; with new MagSafe Battery up to 40 hours video playback.
  • Price: Starts at $999.

iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max

  • Design: Forged aluminum unibody with vapor chamber cooling.
  • Chip: A19 Pro with Neural Accelerators in every GPU core.
  • Battery: Up to 39 hours video playback on Pro Max.
  • Cameras: Three 48 MP Fusion sensors, telephoto with 4× (100 mm) and 8× (200 mm) optical-quality zoom, up to 40× digital zoom.
  • Video: ProRes RAW capture and Genlock support for professional workflows.
  • Price: Starts at $1099, with a 2 TB option on Pro Max.

I am torn again here. I produce video, and the features for video on the Pro models are amazing. But I also can’t stop thinking about the thinness and elegance of the iPhone Air. I am not sure what I will do yet.

Final Thoughts

This year’s Apple lineup is overwhelming in the best way. AirPods Pro 3 alone could justify an upgrade. Apple Watch Series 11 feels like the everyday health champion, while Ultra 3 is unmatched for outdoor safety. The iPhone family is split between the elegant thinness of iPhone Air and the powerhouse cameras of the iPhone 17 Pro.

My honest problem: I want all of them. I don’t actually use earbuds consistently, but these new AirPods Pro 3 make me want to give them another try, especially with the improved fit and Apple ecosystem integration. If I had to decide today, I would start with the iPhone because that is the device I rely on the most every day. From there, Series 11 is a strong contender for the health features, and I would still be torn between the thin elegance of iPhone Air and the brute force of iPhone 17 Pro.

Pre-orders open September 12, with devices shipping September 19.

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What I thought About Everything Announced at WWDC 2025

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Apple Intelligence: AI That Respects Your Privacy

Apple took a bold step into the AI space with Apple Intelligence—its new on-device AI framework aimed at redefining productivity, creativity, and daily tasks. The most notable aspect? It does all this while fiercely protecting your privacy.

I’m personally intrigued by how Apple’s foundation models will compare to giants like OpenAI and Anthropic. Will the quality match or even exceed what we’ve come to expect from industry leaders? Only time and real-world usage will tell.

As a developer myself, I’m thrilled about the new Foundation Models framework that enables apps to tap into Apple Intelligence directly. I’ll be installing every beta available—this is too exciting to wait.

Some standout features include:

– Smart Summaries for emails, notifications, and notes.

– Genmoji and Image Playground for custom, expressive content.

– Clean Up tools to declutter photos.

– Smart Replies for context-aware communication.

– Private Cloud Compute to ensure no sensitive data leaves your device.

iOS 26: A Radical Redesign with Liquid Glass

This is the biggest visual overhaul since iOS 7. Apple introduces Liquid Glass, a UI material that reimagines interface depth, interactivity, and responsiveness.

Major highlights:

– Dynamic Lock and Home Screens with adaptive typography.

– Recrafted app icons and widgets that reflect environment and usage.

– Realistic spatial photo effects.

– Streamlined Camera and Photos apps.

– Floating UI elements in Safari and FaceTime.

CarPlay and CarPlay Ultra: Smarter Driving

– Integrated widgets and Live Activities for real-time info.

– Messaging improvements including Tapbacks and pinned threads.

– CarPlay Ultra allows deep integration with vehicle functions like climate control and infotainment layouts.

Phone App and Messages: Communication, Evolved

– Unified call view simplifies access to Favorites and Voicemails.

– Call Screening quietly identifies unknown numbers—a game-changer for someone like me who gets spammed daily.

– Hold Assist can save time for people stuck in queues, like when calling Social Security or utility services.

– Messages get group polls, customizable backgrounds, and Apple Cash integration for groups.

– New spam filters and sender screening keep your inbox clean.

Live Translation: Real-Time, On-Device Language Support

– Works in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone—entirely on-device.

This could be a lifeline for communicating when English isn’t shared—Apple is finally making global conversation seamless.

Music, Maps, Wallet: Smarter Everyday Apps

Apple Music now includes Lyrics Translation and AutoMix for DJ-style transitions.

Apple Maps supports smarter commute predictions and lets you revisit previously visited locations with full privacy.

Apple Wallet now supports U.S. passports—though I really wish Texas would implement digital IDs already.

I use Apple Pay constantly, so order tracking and installment options are a welcome upgrade.

Introducing the Games App

– Personalized game suggestions, real-time competitions, and social gaming return in a modern reimagining of Game Center.

This is nostalgic and functional—I love that Apple is bringing Game Center’s soul back.

Visual Intelligence: Search Anything on Your Screen

– AI-driven visual search lets you take action on anything visible—screenshots, app content, or live camera views.

– ChatGPT integration provides smart follow-ups and questions without app switching.

Apple Watch and watchOS 26: Motivated by Design

– Liquid Glass brings a richer look and feel.

– Workout Buddy analyzes trends to motivate with personalized audio feedback.

– Wrist Flick gesture expands accessibility.

– Context-aware suggestions like sharing your location in Messages is smart design.

tvOS 26: A Cinematic Experience

– Enhanced visuals with Liquid Glass.

– Apple Music Sing turns your iPhone into a party mic.

– Auto Sign-In and personalized profiles streamline the viewing experience.

macOS Tahoe: Productivity and Personality

– Liquid Glass transforms macOS aesthetics while keeping it distinctly Mac.

– Spotlight now supports actions, clipboard history, and natural language—perfect for accessibility workarounds potentially.

– iPhone Mirroring and Live Activities enrich continuity between devices.

iPadOS 26: Pro-Level Multitasking and Content Creation

– Finally, real window management: resizable, tiled, and intuitive.

– Menu bar adds true desktop-style productivity.

– Preview and enhanced Files app boosts creative workflows.

– Local Capture and audio enhancements hint at a Loopback-style experience—could this be a dream come true for iPad content creators?

visionOS 26: A Spatial Future

– New widgets, spatial browsing, and more realistic Personas.

– Exciting accessory support including PlayStation VR2 and Logitech Muse.

– A future of immersive spatial experiences is taking shape faster than expected.

Developer Tools: Foundation Models and Xcode Assist

– Developers get direct access to Apple’s AI models.

– Xcode Assist + ChatGPT = coding joy.

– Swift enhancements and App Intents simplify app-building for everyone.

Final Thoughts

Apple’s WWDC 2025 was bold, broad, and deeply aligned with where tech is heading. I’ll be installing all the betas on day one—I need hands-on experience with everything Apple Intelligence promises.

As a dev and tech lover, this is the kind of evolution I live for. Can’t wait to see how the community leverages all this power.

If you’re considering jumping in, now’s the time. The future of Apple platforms is bright—and brilliantly intelligent.

Check more of my work on Substack

#iACast 149 – iPhone 12 Pro First Impressions

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Front and back of new iPhone 12 Pro Pacific Blue

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Show Description

On this episode, Michael, Leslie and Jason talk about upgrading to the new iPhones, and the accessories they would like to purchase for them. Leslie has already received her iPhone 12 Pro, and gives some of her first impressions of it. They also talk about the speculation of the iPhone 12 series having a secret reverse wireless charging feature that Apple may implement via a software update. Also mentioned was the ability to set default mail and browser apps in iOS 14, along with the latest price increase from Netflix. Jason talks about T-Mobile’s new streaming service called TVision. Next up is Apple One, allowing you to subscribe to Apple News+, Apple TV+, Apple Music, Apple Arcade and more. Finally, we discuss the Charlie Brown Peanut Holiday specials moving exclusively to Apple TV+.

Picks

Jason: iOS 14 Leslie: the iPhone 12 Pro Michael: Doom Patrol series

Providing Feedback

We love hearing from you, so feel free to send an email to feedback@iaccessibility.net. You can follow us on Facebook, and Twitter. You can also find us on Reddit, and all around the web. Also, don’t forget to check out our YouTube page, and for all things iACast, check out our iACast page. If you’d like to help support us, you can do so via our PayPal and Patreon pages. If you wish to interact with us during our podcasts live then please do join us on our Slack channel.

#iACast 131 – What’s New In iOS 13

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iOS 13 logo

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Show description

On this episode, Aleeha, Jason, Meaghan and Michael talk about and demonstrate some of the new Voiceover improvements and bugs in IOS 13.

Ad

App development services

News

New iPhones are out.
The release for IOS 13.1 has been pushed up to Sept. 24.
Apple Care is now subscription based.
Apple Care is now available for AirPods and Beats headphones.

Picks

Meaghan: IOS 13
Jason: Focus 40 Blue Braille Display
Aleeha: Telegram Messenger
Michael: iPhone 11 Pro Max

Providing Feedback

We love hearing from you, so feel free to send an email to feedback@iaccessibility.net. You can follow us on Facebook, and Twitter. You can also find us on Reddit, and all around the web. Also, don’t forget to check out our YouTube page, and for all things iACast, check out our iACast page. If you’d like to help support us, you can do so via our PayPal and Patreon pages. If you wish to interact with us during our podcasts live then please do join us on our Slack channel.

iACast 97: Device Usage Preferences

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iPhone XS Max Box

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On this episode of the iACast, Michael, Jason, and Aleeha discuss the latest hardware releases from Apple. We also discuss techniques in using different technology devices

News

Apple releases their new devices and software

Topic

We discuss how to use different devices and we talk about how to determine if a device is right for you.

Picks

Please leave us feedback at feedback@iaccessibility.net or mention our hashtag of #iACast or our twitter name of @iaccessibility1

#iACast 96: Picking a Device

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Apple Store Memorial City Houston

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On this episode of the iACast, Michael, Aleeha and Jason discuss techniques in determining which device is right for you before you even get to the store.

News

Picks

Please leave us feedback by emailing feedback@iaccessibility.net or by sending us a message on twitter at @iaccessibility1

Beyond The Gallery: Convert Video to Audio

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Shortcuts app icon

Sometimes you may just want a video to be converted to audio, or you might want to convert your stereo videos on your new iPhone XS or XS Max to audio because stereo recording is not supported yet in other apps, well you can now with this shortcut.

This shortcut takes input from your share sheet, Photos or iCloud Drive, and it will convert the selected video to an audio file which is .m4a, and save it to the location of your choosing.

Download Shortcut: Convert Video File To Audio

#iACast Special – Hands On With the New iPhones and Apple Watch

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Apple Store Memorial City Houston

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On this special iACast, Jason, Lauren, Aleeha and Michael are at the Apple store to get a hands on look at the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and Apple Watch Series 4.

#iACast 93 – 2018 iPhone Predictions

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Picture of iPhone X with gradient wallpaper

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On this episode of the #iACast, Jason, Aleeha, Scott, and Michael discuss predictions for what the next Apple iPhones will bring in 2018.

In the News, there are rumors of an update to the Mac Mini coming this fall.

This week’s add features PocketBraille for iOS and Android.

Our main topic this week was our predictions for what could be coming in the iPhone lineup for 2018. We discussed possible dates for the Apple unveiling event. We also talked about what we could see for other hardware and software upgrades this year.

For our picks this week,

Feel free to send feedback about the show by emailing feedback@iaccessibility.net. You can also find us on twitter at iAccessibility1, and you can support our efforts to produce even more quality content by donating to our Patreon site.

#iACast 83 – WWDC PreShow

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WWDC 2018

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On this episode of the #iACast, Allison, Jason, Aleeha, Scott and Michael discuss what we would like to see announced at Apple’s WWDC 2018.

In the news, we discussed a critical T-Mobile bug that allowed hackers to hijack users’ accounts. Another hack we talked about was the ability for Comcast routers to be exposed so that SSID’s and passwords could be compromised. For rumors, we discussed an article from AppleInsider suggesting delays on the shipment of Mac orders until June 6th, and rumors regarding Apple’s Project Star. We also discussed an article fromThe Verge asking if Apple will talk about its problems with the Butterfly keyboards on the Mac line. We also talked about issues using function keys in Windows on a Mac with touch bar. We ended by talking about issues experienced while trying to run Windows through Boot Camp after Apple switched to APFs.

Our featured Ad was Michael’s book, “Finding Success in the Digital Age through Problem Solving”, which is currently being written.

We discussed what we would like to see at WWDC from iOS 12, macOS 10.14, and watchOS 5. We also talked about hardware changes we’d like to see and the rumors that NFC might be unlocked on supported devices. We even touched on improvements we would like to see with Siri.

For this week’s picks, Aleeha talked about Timecrest. Jason told us about his Logitech Slim combo case with keyboard for 10.5 inch iPad Pro. Scott talked about one of his favorite food ordering Apps, Grubhub. Allison mentioned an app she was playing with multiple games, Dice World. Last but not least, Michael told us about his latest purchase, the iPod touch. Be sure to send us feedback by emailing feedback@iaccessibility.net. You can also follow us on Twitter @iAccessibility1. If you enjoy what we are doing, please consider donating to our Patreon and help keep good content coming.

#iACast 65: Blindness VS Mainstream Devices

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BrailleNote Touch with Google on the screen.

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In this episode of the iA Cast, Michael, Aleeha, Matt, and Jason discuss what accessibility or mainstream devices are right for different situations.

We also discuss what each person on the panel uses to complete certain day to day tasks whether it is mainstream or an accessibility related device.

This episode contains a tribute to an amazing tech enthusiast who left us in November. Jason Earls plays keyboard and created a tribute to Rich called the iPhone Man which is a parody of the song Piano Man. Please listen to the end as we pay tribute to such an amazing person.

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