Apple CEO Tim Cook delivered on his promise of a "big week" with the launch of several new products including the budget-friendly iPhone 17e and the company's first entry-level MacBook Neo. The tech giant also introduced updated iPad Air models, refreshed MacBook Pro laptops, and new 5K display monitors during media events in New York, London, and Shanghai.
NEW YORK (AP) — Apple’s chief executive Tim Cook delivered on his commitment to a “big week” of announcements, unveiling multiple new devices including an affordable iPhone model, a starter-level MacBook, refreshed iPad Air versions, updated displays, and advanced processing chips. The company showcased these products during hands-on demonstrations for media representatives on Wednesday across three cities: New York, London, and Shanghai.
The technology giant recently achieved record quarterly revenue driven by robust iPhone 17 sales, despite not yet fulfilling its 2024 commitment to enhance Siri with artificial intelligence capabilities.
Seemingly aiming to build on this sales success, Apple kicked off the week by revealing the iPhone 17e, its latest affordable smartphone option, followed by the MacBook Neo, a starter laptop that marks the company’s most ambitious push into the budget computer market.
All announced products become available for pre-purchase beginning Wednesday. For those seeking details before making purchases, here’s what you need to know:
This newest budget-oriented iPhone model features the same A19 processor found in the standard iPhone 17 and provides twice the storage capacity (256GB) compared to its predecessor, the 16e model (128GB).
The device includes an upgraded 48-megapixel camera system and a C1X modem designed for enhanced cellular connectivity speeds.
Regarding the screen, the 17e features a somewhat smaller display than the standard 17 version, operates at a marginally lower refresh rate, and may appear slightly less bright, though it maintains the super retina display technology used throughout the product line and Apple’s Ceramic Shield 2 protection against damage.
The company also incorporated MagSafe with Qi2 compatibility for users seeking more convenient wireless power options.
Priced at $599, the iPhone 17e costs $200 less than the standard iPhone 17. Available colors are black, white, and light pink.
The updated mid-tier iPad operates on the somewhat older M4 processor — in comparison, the premium iPad Pro model utilizes the newer M5 chip. However, it remains capable of handling streaming content, internet browsing, email, and video production tasks. Cellular-enabled Air models also feature the upgraded C1X modem for improved connectivity.
Apple significantly increased the Air’s memory from 8GB to 12GB without raising the price.
The 11-inch iPad Air begins at $599 while the 13-inch model starts at $799, both including 128GB of storage.
Apple’s premium laptop series received newly announced processor improvements (the M5 Pro and M5 Max), promising enhanced performance for demanding applications and better battery life. However, these enhancements come with increased pricing.
The 14-inch MacBook Pro featuring the M5 Pro processor includes 24GB of memory and 1TB of storage. It costs $2,199, representing a $200 price jump from the 2024 base M4 Pro model. Additional upgrades to higher-tier M5 Pro or M5 Max processors are available for extra cost. Memory can be expanded to 48GB.
The 16-inch MacBook Pro includes the top-tier M5 Pro processor as standard, beginning with 24GB of memory and 1TB of storage. It’s priced at $2,699, a $200 increase from the previous version. Upgrades to the M5 Max processor and additional memory are optional.
Both models retain their existing displays and front cameras. Apple enhanced their networking features to accommodate Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.
The completely new starter-level MacBook Neo was revealed at Wednesday’s live presentation. This 13-inch computer contains Apple’s A18 Pro processor (identical to the iPhone 16 Pro), 256GB of storage, dual USB-C connections, but only 8GB of memory. The enhanced 512GB version includes a TouchID feature.
The 256GB version costs $599, while the enhanced model is $699. Educational customers can pre-order either version with a $100 reduction.
An updated MacBook Air was also revealed. This more affordable computer has been enhanced with the company’s standard M5 processor. Basic storage has been doubled from 256GB to 512GB. It maintains 16GB of memory but now includes the same connectivity improvements as the Pro versions.
Due to these enhancements, the 13-inch Air costs $1,099, $100 more than the M4 Air version. The 15-inch Air begins at $1,299.
Apple’s major surprise for the week was revealing its dual 5K display monitors, the 27-inch Studio Display and Studio Display XDR.
Both 27-inch screens offer 5,120 x 2,880 resolution, built-in 12MP Center Stage cameras, six-speaker sound systems, dual Thunderbolt 5 connections, and dual USB-C ports.
The newer, pricier XDR version adds mini-LED backlighting, superior contrast and dimming capabilities, and an enhanced 120Hz refresh rate (the standard model maxes out at 60Hz) — improvements that should appeal to Apple gaming enthusiasts and HDR content consumers.
The standard Studio display costs $1,599, while the XDR version is priced at $3,299. Enhancement options are offered for both screens.