Apple's September 2025 Event: iPhone 17, AirPods Pro 3, and Apple Watch Ultra 3 Reviewed

Spotify's Lossless Audio and Apple's Ecosystem

• 🎶 After eight years of rumors, Spotify is rolling out lossless audio to all premium subscribers.
• 🎧 Competitors like Apple Music and Qobuz offer higher-resolution lossless audio (up to 24-bit 192 kHz), making Spotify's 24-bit 44.1 kHz offering less competitive.
• 📱 Listening to high-resolution audio on an iPhone typically requires external USB DACs, with options available for under $100.
• ✈️ There was no significant update regarding higher-res audio support for AirPods, despite expectations.

Apple's September Event: iPhone 17 Lineup

• ✨ The iPhone Air is introduced, described as a futuristic and cool-looking device that evokes the feeling of the iPhone X.
• 📸 A key debate revolves around the iPhone Air's single camera versus the Pro models' telephoto lens, particularly for photographing pets.
• 🔋 The iPhone Air's quoted battery life (27 hours of video playback) is the same as the iPhone 16 Pro, with speculation about improved thermals due to better heat dissipation in the camera module.
• 📱 The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max feature a new, industrial-looking design with a larger camera bump, which some find visually unappealing.
• 🍊 The iPhone 17 Pro is available in a new "Cosmic Orange" color, which is well-received by some hosts.
• 💰 The Pro Max model is highlighted for its potential to be the first $2,000 iPhone with a 2TB storage option.
• 💡 Apple Intelligence features are discussed, with a focus on on-device models and potential AI-powered camera features like improved person and scene recognition.

New Apple Accessories and Wearables

• 🛡️ A new "tech woven" case is introduced as a replacement for the controversial "fine woven" material, praised for its texture and durability.
• 👟 Beats introduces innovative cases for the iPhone 17 Pro, including a "kickstand case" with a built-in stand and lanyard attachment.
• ⌚ The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is announced with a slightly larger screen, 5G connectivity, and updated sensors, bringing it in line with other Apple Watch models.
• 🎧 AirPods Pro 3 feature improved active noise cancellation, better battery life in the buds, and new health-tracking capabilities, including a heart rate monitor for workouts.
• 🏃‍♂️ The AirPods Pro 3 can now track a subset of workouts without an Apple Watch, offering a pathway into Apple's health ecosystem.

The "Rickies" Game and Predictions

• 🏆 The hosts play the "Rickies" game, predicting future Apple product announcements and features.
• 🎯 Federico wins the "Keynote Ricky" title, while Mike and Stephen also participate in the "Flexis" game with their own predictions.
• 💸 Losers of the Flexis game are required to donate to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, with Federico making a significant donation based on his incorrect picks.
• 🧡 The discussion touches on the new iPhone colors, with hosts debating their purchasing decisions and the appeal of the new "Cosmic Orange" Pro model and the iPhone Air.

St. Jude Partnership and Charity

• ❤️ September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and the podcast highlights its ongoing partnership with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
• 💰 The community has raised over $4.3 million for St. Jude since 2019, with ongoing efforts to support their global mission.
• 🎗️ A Podcastathon for St. Jude is scheduled, featuring live streams, games, and activities to encourage donations.
• 🎁 Donors can receive digital wallpapers and sticker packs, with options for employer matching gifts to increase contributions.