The MacRumors Show 177: Apple’s 2025 Year-in-Review
Dec 19, 2025
01:01:39
On this year's final episode of The MacRumors Show, we take a look back at all of Apple's major announcements and new products from 2025.
In February, Apple introduced the iPhone 16e, positioned as a replacement for the iPhone SE as a lower-cost model, starting at $599. It offers the A18 chip and a 48-megapixel camera in an iPhone 13-style design, but with matte back glass, a USB-C port, and no MagSafe. The device debuted Apple's custom C1 5G modem, replacing components from Qualcomm for the first time.
In March, Apple refreshed several iPads and Macs. The standard iPad was updated with there A16 chip, and noticeably still lacks Apple Intelligence support. The 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air was refreshed with M3 chip, and Apple released redesigned Magic Keyboard for it. Apple also updated the MacBook Air with the M4 chip and introduced a new Mac Studio with M4 Max and M3 Ultra chip options.
At WWDC in June, Apple previewed its major software updates for the year. The biggest announcement was the introduction of Liquid Glass, an all-new design language for all of Apple's software platforms.
iOS 26 redesigned apps such as Phone and Photos, and added Live Translation with AirPods, a host of new features for Messages, and a new Games app. iPadOS 26 introduced a new, Mac-like multitasking system with windows, while macOS 26 Tahoe revamped Spotlight with a clipboard history feature and quick commands.
In September, Apple released its annual iPhone lineup update. The iPhone 17 features a larger display with ProMotion for refresh rates up to 120Hz and a 48-megapixel Fusion ultra-wide camera.
The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max tout a completely new aluminum unibody frame with a large, full-width camera plateau and vapor chamber cooling. The telephoto camera received a major upgrade to 48-megapixels, with options for 4x and 8x optical zoom.
The iPhone Air arrived as a totally new iPhone option, replacing the "Plus" model in the lineup. Sitting between the iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Pro, the iPhone Air has a radically thin design with a polished titanium frame, and uses Apple's custom C1X and N1 connectivity chips. The device only has one rear camera, a single speaker, and supports eSIM only.
All of the new iPhones feature an A19 or A19 Pro chip, Ceramic Shield 2, a 18-megapixel Centre Stage front-facing camera with a square sensor, and new color options. Apple also released updated charging and accessory products, including a new MagSafe battery designed specifically for the iPhone Air, TechWoven cases, and crossbody straps.
Apple refreshed its wearable and audio lineups in the same month. Apple Watch SE was updated with the S10 chip and an always-on display. The aluminum Apple Watch Series 11 gained stronger front glass and a slightly bigger battery, while the Apple Watch Ultra 3 gains satellite connectivity for the first time. Cellular models of the new Apple Watches feature 5G connectivity.
Apple also released the third generation of AirPods Pro, with improved active noise cancellation, a more refined design with ear tips that include foam, and heart-rate sensing.
In October, Apple updated the iPad Pro, 14-inch MacBook Pro, and Vision Pro with the M5 chip. The new Vision Pro also gained a new dual knit headband, promising improved comfort, along with better battery life, higher-refresh rate displays, more rendered pixels.
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In February, Apple introduced the iPhone 16e, positioned as a replacement for the iPhone SE as a lower-cost model, starting at $599. It offers the A18 chip and a 48-megapixel camera in an iPhone 13-style design, but with matte back glass, a USB-C port, and no MagSafe. The device debuted Apple's custom C1 5G modem, replacing components from Qualcomm for the first time.
In March, Apple refreshed several iPads and Macs. The standard iPad was updated with there A16 chip, and noticeably still lacks Apple Intelligence support. The 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air was refreshed with M3 chip, and Apple released redesigned Magic Keyboard for it. Apple also updated the MacBook Air with the M4 chip and introduced a new Mac Studio with M4 Max and M3 Ultra chip options.
At WWDC in June, Apple previewed its major software updates for the year. The biggest announcement was the introduction of Liquid Glass, an all-new design language for all of Apple's software platforms.
iOS 26 redesigned apps such as Phone and Photos, and added Live Translation with AirPods, a host of new features for Messages, and a new Games app. iPadOS 26 introduced a new, Mac-like multitasking system with windows, while macOS 26 Tahoe revamped Spotlight with a clipboard history feature and quick commands.
In September, Apple released its annual iPhone lineup update. The iPhone 17 features a larger display with ProMotion for refresh rates up to 120Hz and a 48-megapixel Fusion ultra-wide camera.
The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max tout a completely new aluminum unibody frame with a large, full-width camera plateau and vapor chamber cooling. The telephoto camera received a major upgrade to 48-megapixels, with options for 4x and 8x optical zoom.
The iPhone Air arrived as a totally new iPhone option, replacing the "Plus" model in the lineup. Sitting between the iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Pro, the iPhone Air has a radically thin design with a polished titanium frame, and uses Apple's custom C1X and N1 connectivity chips. The device only has one rear camera, a single speaker, and supports eSIM only.
All of the new iPhones feature an A19 or A19 Pro chip, Ceramic Shield 2, a 18-megapixel Centre Stage front-facing camera with a square sensor, and new color options. Apple also released updated charging and accessory products, including a new MagSafe battery designed specifically for the iPhone Air, TechWoven cases, and crossbody straps.
Apple refreshed its wearable and audio lineups in the same month. Apple Watch SE was updated with the S10 chip and an always-on display. The aluminum Apple Watch Series 11 gained stronger front glass and a slightly bigger battery, while the Apple Watch Ultra 3 gains satellite connectivity for the first time. Cellular models of the new Apple Watches feature 5G connectivity.
Apple also released the third generation of AirPods Pro, with improved active noise cancellation, a more refined design with ear tips that include foam, and heart-rate sensing.
In October, Apple updated the iPad Pro, 14-inch MacBook Pro, and Vision Pro with the M5 chip. The new Vision Pro also gained a new dual knit headband, promising improved comfort, along with better battery life, higher-refresh rate displays, more rendered pixels.
Try Notion, now with Notion Agent, at notion.com/macrumors
Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/mac #rulapod