The Smart Folio for iPad Generation 11 (A16) was identical to the model made for iPad Generation 10. It was “thin and light and offers front and back protection for your device.”
Apple also noted that it “automatically wakes your iPad when opened and puts it to sleep when closed. The Smart Folio attaches magnetically, and you can easily fold it into different positions to create a stand for reading, viewing, typing, or making FaceTime calls.”
This Smart Folio was available in Sky (light blue), White, Watermelon (dark pink), and Lemonade (bright yellow). This example is white.
The Apple Watch Alpine Loop band design was released along with the Apple Watch Ultra on September 7, 2022. The Apple Watch Ultra “brings a new bold design and a wide range of features built for endurance, exploration, and adventure.”
In the original press release, Apple described the Alpine Loop as one of its “New Bands Designed for the Great Outdoors.” Apple adds:
“With explorers in mind, the Alpine Loop band features two integrated layers made from one continuous weaving process that eliminates the need for stitching. The top loops, interspersed with high-strength yarn, provide adjustability and a secure attachment for the titanium G-hook fastener.”
Apple’s product page described the Alpine Loop:
“The rugged Alpine Loop is made from two textile layers woven together into one continuous piece without stitching. High-strength yarns reinforce the top loops, and the corrosion-resistant titanium G-hook slides easily into the loops for secure fit.”
This Alpine Loop is described as light blue, but the color more closely resembles slate blue in my opinion. With the announcement of the black Apple Watch Ultra 2 in September 2024, Apple began offering Alpine Loop bands with black titanium connector hardware to match the black titanium finish of the Black Titanium Apple Watch Ultra 2. A press release explained:
“To complement the new black finish, the popular Trail Loop, Alpine Loop, and Ocean Band have all been updated to offer a black hardware option in addition to natural titanium. Both black and natural finishes of Apple Watch Ultra 2 are made from 95 percent recycled titanium, and are carbon neutral with any Titanium Milanese Loop, Trail Loop, or Alpine Loop.”
The connectors and the “G-hook” closure are made of the same color titanium as the silver Apple Watch Ultra. Although splitting hairs, a more apt name for the hook would be a “g-hook” since it matches the shape of a lowercase—not uppercase—“g.”
All Apple Watch Ultra models fit the single-size 49mm case. The Alpine Loop is made primarily of polyester.
The Apple Watch Trail Loop was released along with the Apple Watch Ultra on September 7, 2022. Apple reported that the Apple Watch Ultra “brings a new bold design and a wide range of features built for endurance, exploration, and adventure.”
In the original press release, Apple described the Trail Loop as one of its “New Bands Designed for the Great Outdoors.” Apple added:
“Designed specifically for endurance athletes and runners, the Trail Loop band is the thinnest Apple Watch band to date. The lightweight woven textile is both soft and flexible, allowing it to cinch to the optimal fit, and the convenient tab is designed for quick and easy adjustment.”
Apple’s product page described the Trail Loop:
“The thin, lightweight Trail Loop is made from a nylon weave creating a soft band with increased elasticity for a comfortable fit. The band is infinitely adjustable with a convenient pull tab for quick adjustments on the go.”
This Trail Loop is Green/Neon Green. The band is primarily dark green with a dark green pull-tab. The outer edges of the band are neon green with a distinctive triple-stitch border in white thread that separates the dark green from the neon green.
All Apple Watch Ultra models fit the single-size 49mm case. The Trail Loop is made primarily of nylon.
Apple released the Apple Pencil Pro on May 7, 2024, along with the M4 iPad Pro. The Pencil Pro introduced several new features compared to previous Apple Pencil models:
“Apple Pencil Pro adds even more magical capabilities to help bring your ideas to life. Advanced features like squeeze, barrel roll, and haptic feedback make marking up, taking notes, and creating a masterpiece more intuitive than ever. Use Apple Pencil hover to preview exactly where Apple Pencil Pro will touch down on the display, and double-tap to quickly switch tools.”
Apple Pencil Pro also included a Find My feature, and retained previous features, such as the ability to pair, charge, and store magnetically on the side of the iPad.
In the press release, Apple detailed the new functions:
The barrel can sense a user’s squeeze, bringing up a tool palette to quickly switch tools, line weights, and colors.
A custom haptic engine delivers a light tap that provides confirmation when users squeeze, use double-tap, or snap to a Smart Shape
A gyroscope allows users to rotate the barrel to change the orientation of shaped pen and brush tools, just like pen and paper.
Hover allows users can visualize the exact orientation of a tool before making a mark.
This Apple Pencil was used with the iPad Air 13-inch (M3, 2025) and photographed in the Symmetry Series Folio case (for iPad Air 13-inch M2 and M3) by OtterBox in their “Starry Night” (black, clear, grey) color. The hinged folio design folded around the Apple Pencil attached by magnets, providing both protection and charging.
The iPhone Crossbody Strap was a new accessory in 2025 among a couple brand new additions released along with the iPhone 17 family of iPhones. Apple noted in the iPhone 17 Pro press release:
“The new Crossbody Strap can be paired with the TechWoven Case and Silicone Case, giving users a hands-free way to wear iPhone. Crafted from 100 percent recycled yarn, the smooth strap drapes comfortably, with embedded flexible magnets and stainless steel sliding mechanisms to easily adjust the length and keep both straps securely aligned.”
Impressively, the Crossbody Strap was available in 10 colors(!), including black, light gray, blue, light blue, purple, sienna, green, neon yellow, tan, and orange. This example is black. To my eye, this color lends a certain Star Trek: The Original Series tricorder vibe when paired with a black TechWoven iPhone 17 Pro case, but I digress.
Apple’s product page offered more details and reported it was “Beautifully crafted from 100 percent recycled PET yarns, the smooth, narrow woven straps drape comfortably across the body.” Further, “Embedded flexible magnets with stainless steel sliding mechanisms allow you to effortlessly adjust the length for the perfect fit, while keeping both straps securely and neatly aligned.”
While some reviewers initially viewed the Crossbody Strap with “bemusement,” others, such as Jess Weatherbed at Verge noted:
“Pockets have been a longstanding issue with women’s clothing in particular—fashion designers started shrinking or removing them entirely in the late 1940s because they interfered with the form-fitting silhouettes popularized by Christian Dior’s ‘New Look.’ Bags and purses became the de facto replacement, but phones have since evolved to replace most of the stuff we carry. You can use an iPhone to make payments, check your makeup, read a book, and even unlock doors. You don’t need to carry a bag, but most still need to carry that phone.”
At its release, the iPhone Crossbody Strap was compatible with seven different iPhone cases:
iPhone Air Bumper
iPhone Air Case with MagSafe
Silicone Case with MagSafe (iPhone 17)
TechWoven Case with MagSafe (iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max)
Silicone Case with MagSafe (iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max)
Apple lists that the maximum strap length is 81.9 inches (2080 mm), and may be shortened to a minimum strap length of 42.5 inches (1080 mm).
This black Crossbody Strap is photographed along with Apple’s purple TechWoven Case for the iPhone 17 Pro.
The iPhone Crossbody Strap was a new accessory in 2025 among a couple brand new additions released along with the iPhone 17 family of iPhones. Apple noted in the iPhone 17 Pro press release:
“The new Crossbody Strap can be paired with the TechWoven Case and Silicone Case, giving users a hands-free way to wear iPhone. Crafted from 100 percent recycled yarn, the smooth strap drapes comfortably, with embedded flexible magnets and stainless steel sliding mechanisms to easily adjust the length and keep both straps securely aligned.”
Impressively, the Crossbody Strap was available in 10 colors(!), including black, light gray, blue, light blue, purple, sienna, green, neon yellow, tan, and orange. This example is light blue.
Apple’s product page offered more details and reported it was “Beautifully crafted from 100 percent recycled PET yarns, the smooth, narrow woven straps drape comfortably across the body.” Further, “Embedded flexible magnets with stainless steel sliding mechanisms allow you to effortlessly adjust the length for the perfect fit, while keeping both straps securely and neatly aligned.”
While some reviewers initially viewed the Crossbody Strap with “bemusement,” others, such as Jess Weatherbed at Verge noted:
“Pockets have been a longstanding issue with women’s clothing in particular—fashion designers started shrinking or removing them entirely in the late 1940s because they interfered with the form-fitting silhouettes popularized by Christian Dior’s ‘New Look.’ Bags and purses became the de facto replacement, but phones have since evolved to replace most of the stuff we carry. You can use an iPhone to make payments, check your makeup, read a book, and even unlock doors. You don’t need to carry a bag, but most still need to carry that phone.”
At its release, the iPhone Crossbody Strap was compatible with seven different iPhone cases:
iPhone Air Bumper
iPhone Air Case with MagSafe
Silicone Case with MagSafe (iPhone 17)
TechWoven Case with MagSafe (iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max)
Silicone Case with MagSafe (iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max)
Apple lists that the maximum strap length is 81.9 inches (2080 mm), and may be shortened to a minimum strap length of 42.5 inches (1080 mm).
This is a somewhat rare example in my collection of a Beats accessory. Beats has been owned by Apple since 2014 as “a leading audio brand founded in 2006 by Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine” that primarily sells “premium consumer headphones, earphones, and speakers,” and now—for some reason—iPhone cases that have nothing to do with audio.
Because Beats is owned by Apple, it is no surprise that the cases feature Apple-specific features such as MagSafe and Camera Control (although third-party accessories also include these features).
Somewhat unusually, the Apple and Beats websites describe this product differently. Apple followed a format closer to its other case products with descriptions such as:
“The strong polycarbonate back is complemented by flexible sidewalls to optimize shock absorption, while making the case thin and light. The outer matte finish reduces signs of scratches, smudges, and fingerprints, and the inner microfiber lining gently reduces surface scratches and abrasion.”
Apple also noted that “undergone thousands of hours of testing throughout the design and manufacturing process,” a statement similar to the durability statement on Apple-branded cases.
Apple listed highlights as:
Durable double-shot design
Strong hardshell back
Shock-absorbing sidewalls
Soft microfiber lining
Matte finish
Compatible with MagSafe and Camera Control
On the other hand, the Beats website described the case primarily through videos, pictures, and short text snippets. For example, the text “Scratch & drop protection. Strong hardshell back with shock-absorbing sidewalls,” and a looping 5-second video showing its durability. 11 photos were included on the Beats website, while Apple only featured 6.
This case was offered in four colors: Bedrock Blue, Lime Stone, Pebble Pink, and the color of this example, Granite Gray.
This is a somewhat rare example in my collection of a Beats accessory. Beats has been owned by Apple since 2014 as “a leading audio brand founded in 2006 by Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine” that primarily sells “premium consumer headphones, earphones, and speakers,” and now—for some reason—iPhone cases that have nothing to do with audio.
Because Beats is owned by Apple, it is no surprise that the cases feature Apple-specific features such as MagSafe and Camera Control (although third-party accessories also include these features).
Somewhat unusually, the Apple and Beats websites describe this product differently. Apple followed a format closer to its other case products with descriptions such as:
“Built to protect your iPhone from scratches and drops, this case also features a convenient, removable lanyard that doubles as a kickstand for hands-free landscape viewing. To create the kickstand, an adapter at the end of the lanyard slides open and attaches to a magnetic point on the side of the case.”
Apple also noted that “The Beats iPhone 17 Pro Kickstand Case with MagSafe and Camera Control has undergone thousands of hours of testing throughout the design and manufacturing process,” a statement similar to Apple-branded cases.
Apple described the case: “The strong polycarbonate back, which is complemented by flexible sidewalls to optimize shock absorption, makes the case thin and light. The outer matte finish reduces signs of scratches, smudges, and fingerprints, while the interior microfiber lining gently reduces surface scratches and abrasion.
On the other hand, the Beats website described the case primarily through videos, pictures, and short text snippets. For example, the kickstand featured the text “Quick stand. The removable lanyard easily converts to a kickstand for hands-free landscape viewing,” and included a looping 5-second video showing the kickstand feature. 11 photos were included on the Beats website, while Apple only featured 6.
This case was offered in four colors: Bedrock Blue, Lime Stone, Pebble Pink, and the color of this example, Granite Gray.
The iPhone 17 Pro was introduced on September 9, 2025, during a pre-recorded Apple event titled “Awe Dropping” that featured an animated/interactive Apple logo on a black background. The Apple logo resembled a thermal image, perhaps hinting that one of the products introduced might feature a new type of cooling system. That idea became a reality with the iPhone 17 Pro’s new “vapor chamber that is laser-welded into a strong, light, and thermally conductive aluminum unibody” was introduced.
Other iPhone 17 Pro features highlighted in the press release included:
“Both models feature A19 Pro, the most powerful and efficient chip for iPhone yet, enabling the advanced camera systems, next-level mobile gaming, and Apple Intelligence.”
“Three 48MP Fusion cameras — Main, Ultra Wide, and an all-new Telephoto — offer the equivalent of eight lenses, including the longest optical-quality zoom ever on iPhone at 8x, and the innovative 18MP Center Stage front camera takes selfies to the next level.”
“Both models feature the Ceramic Shield 2 front cover with 3x better scratch resistance, and for the first time, Ceramic Shield protects the back of iPhone.”
The iPhone 17 Pro (and Pro Max) featured new colors including a silver that uses two “refined” tones with the camera body and ceramic shield, an “elegant” deep blue, and a “bold” cosmic orange.
I found the cosmic orange option difficult to resist because previous Pro-model iPhone devices have not been available in colors that were not dark, desaturated, or otherwise dull.
This event included Apple’s first mention of the “plateau” that houses the camera on the back of the phone—previously informally referred to as the “camera bump.” (The plateau was also mentioned in the introduction of the iPhone Air in this Apple event.) Apple explained the protruding feature on the iPhone 17 Pro: “On the back, the plateau creates additional space for internal components — making room for a larger battery.”
Apple further described the vapor chamber cooling system:
“Deionized water is sealed inside the vapor chamber, which is laser-welded into the aluminum chassis to move heat away from the powerful A19 Pro, allowing it to operate at even higher performance levels. The heat is carried into the forged aluminum unibody, where it is distributed evenly through the system, managing power and surface temperatures to deliver incredible performance while remaining comfortable to hold.”
The display of the iPhone 17 Pro is described as a Super Retina XDR display in 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch sizes. It includes a new protective layer called Ceramic Shield 2 that Apple describes as “tougher than any smartphone glass or glass-ceramic, with…3x better scratch resistance and improved anti-reflection to reduce glare.” The display is an Always-On ProMotion (up to 120Hz) delivering up to 3000 nits of brightness. The same Ceramic Shield technology on the display is also on the back of the device, delivering a stronger finish that allows better conductivity for the MagSafe connector.
In addition to the new A19 Pro chip that is up to 40% more powerful than the previous generation Pro chips, the device contains the N1, “a new Apple-designed wireless networking chip that enables Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread.”
Like many previous iPhone releases, the camera system was touted significantly throughout the release. Apple noted that the iPhone 17 Pro delivers “eight pro lenses in a user’s pocket.”
Back cameras:
3 48MP Fusion cameras for sharper, more detailed images
1 48MP Telephoto camera with a sensor 56% percent larger than the previous generation for brighter/more detailed photos
1 4x 100mm optical zoom lens
1 8x 200mm optical zoom lens
Front camera: 1 Center Stage front camera with “the first square front camera sensor on iPhone, offering a wider field of view and higher resolution — up to 18MP for photos — to capture more detail.”
Apple’s product website for the iPhone 17 Pro featured an impressive set of photos illustrating the various native zoom levels and equating them with their “8 pro lenses” claim:
8x = 200mm
4x = 100mm
2x = 48mm
1.5x = 35mm
1.2x = 28mm
1x = 24mm
0.5x = 13mm
Macro
The iPhone 17 Pro video capabilities were also discussed with features such as Dolby Vision HDR, 4K 120 fps, ProRes, and support for ACES. In addition, the iPhone 17 Pro now adds ProRes RAW, Log 2, and genlock—a technique to precisely synchronize video across multiple cameras by industry leader Blackmagic.
The iPhone 17 Pro measures 5.91 x 2.83 inches, and is 0.34 inch thick. It weighs 7.27 ounces.
The verbosely named “iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case with MagSafe” is similar to previous Apple Clear Case designs except for the conspicuous bright white, rounded-rectangle that covers the ceramic shield on the back of the iPhone 17 Pro (the same design is used on the iPhone 17 Pro Max version). The white rectangle on the Clear Case includes a light gray Apple logo. Although the rounded-rectangle design feature is not mentioned in the description of the product (and is nearly impossible to notice on the all-white packaging), it is presumably present to hide the MagSafe magnets that were in the shape of the partial circle/bar outline pattern in previous Clear Case models with MagSafe.
Apple describes the iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case with MagSafe:
“Thin, light, and easy to grip — this Apple-designed case shows off the brilliant colored finish of iPhone 17 Pro while providing extra protection. Crafted with a blend of optically clear polycarbonate and flexible materials, the case fits right over the buttons for easy use.”
Like the previous Clear Case, this one includes a sapphire crystal Camera Control button that “communicates finger movements.” Also like the previous Clear Cases, it is made “with a blend of clear polycarbonate and flexible materials with scratch-resistant coating on the interior and exterior.”
As an Apple Clear Case owner since the iPhone 11, this one has the best button design feel among all previous models. For the first time, the buttons do not require additional force to press, and you can feel a pronounced click. Further, the case exterior has an overall “silkier” feel than the previous versions.
And one final note, I have paired this “Clear” case with a Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro. Presumably, at least some buyers of the Cosmic Orange selected the color to enjoy looking at it. Purchasing a Clear Case, as opposed to a different color that would cover the orange, seems like an intentional choice to allow the Cosmic Orange to be seen. According to my calculations, the white rounded-rectangle covers just under 40% of the Cosmic Orange finish of the iPhone. This design seems somewhat counterproductive to the “Clear” concept.
