September 14, 2010: Security workers reportedly stop Steve Jobs at Japan’s Kansai International Airport. The reason? The Apple CEO supposedly tried to bring ninja throwing stars onto his private plane while heading home from vacation. The “Steve Jobs ninja stars” story quickly becomes one of the most bizarre Jobs stories ever.

Apple, however, quickly spoils the internet’s fun. Cupertino issues a statement describing the reports as “pure fiction” (although Apple acknowledges that Jobs visited Japan over the summer).

The iPhone 17 Pro Max seems to be the favorite of those rushing to grab a new Apple device on the first day of preorders. Order this model now in the United States, and the wait for the delivery stretches out until October.

In contrast, the super-slim iPhone Air can still be ordered for delivery on launch day, September 19. The same is true for iPhone 17 Pro and the base model iPhone 17.

UPDATE: Two days after 2025 iPhone preorders began, the wait time to have most iPhone 17 Pro Max configurations delivered from the U.S. Apple Store has slipped to mid-October. But the situation hasn’t changed for the iPhone Air: You can still order the super-slim phone for delivery on launch day, September 19. Meanwhile, early stocks of the base-model iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro are starting to run out. 

It’s time for a pro showdown, pitting the iPhone 17 Pro vs. the iPhone 16 Pro.

The iPhone 17 Pro brings the biggest leap to iPhones we’ve seen in years, shaking up a lineup that’s often felt too familiar. If you own an iPhone 16 Pro, that raises a pressing question: Is the upgrade worth it? After all, Apple finally seems to be delivering the kind of changes fans have been asking for.

There’s better battery life, an improved camera and even more Pro features. So, time to ditch the iPhone 16 Pro for the iPhone 17 Pro? Find out in our comparison.

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: After Apple’s truly Awe Dropping event, we’re picking up the pieces and discussing iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro and the rest of the new hardware.

Also on The CultCast:

• Apple built iPhone 17 Pro like a tool for professionals. But is the cosmic orange color undeniably vibrant?
• The new Apple Watches look like solid additions, although the Apple Watch SE 3 gets the most meaningful upgrades.
• AirPods Pro 3 make one of our favorite Apple products even better.
• Somewhat surprisingly, Apple extends marquee features of Apple Watch Series 11 and AirPods Pro 3 to older devices.
• And finally, we go over the results of our Awe Dropping predictions game.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

There’s no need to wait: Shop the best iPhone 17 cases available now so you can slide your new device directly into one when it arrives. As you may know, new iPhones are pretty tough. And sure, lots of people go caseless to show off their handset’s sleek lines and cool color.

But imagine you drop it and break it, or crack the edge of the glass without even knowing how it happened — like I did recently with my iPhone 16 Pro (and just weeks ahead of likely trade-in!).

Yes, breakage can be crushing. But fortunately, even though the iPhone lineup 17 just came out, you can already choose from plenty of protective new cases — and avoid my sad fate.

Case makers plan for the new iPhone every year, with plenty of timely new releases. You could go minimal with a thin case that works well with iPhone Air’s sleek design. You might seek extreme impact resistance for the most damaging drops for your iPhone 17, or maybe you’d pick a luxurious leather that only looks better with age. For those looking for durable yet stylish protection for an iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max, you can find a variety of well-crafted options.

We gathered the best iPhone 17 cases you can buy right now — in addition to cases by Apple and its subsidiary Beats — with prices starting as low as $19.

Finding a reliable power bank that actually delivers on its promises isn’t always easy. For this Ugreen MagFlow power bank review, I put the potent, 10,000mAh Qi2.2 power bank through about two weeks of real-world testing with my iPhone and other devices. Whether you’re getting a new iPhone Series 17 model or not, this cutting-edge power bank could be a good choice.

Apple’s super-slim iPhone Air will not launch in China on September 19. The company also did not start accepting preorders for the device today in the country. 

The issue stems from the iPhone Air only supporting eSIM — it lacks a physical SIM slot. So, the company needs additional regulatory approval for the phone’s launch in China.

September 12, 2012: The Lightning connector replaces Apple’s aging 30-pin interface, a proprietary data and power connector that debuted on the iPod Classic in 2003. The slender and capable new Lightning port debuts in the iPhone 5, bringing big improvements — and no small amount of controversy.

Apple soon will build the Lightning connector into many other products, including iPad, iPod and accessories. Lightning cables can charge the mobile devices as well as transfer data to a Mac or PC.

Apple is now accepting preorders for the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. The devices will hit store shelves next Friday, on September 19 — the same day preorders get delivered.

Update: An hour after the pre-orders started, demand for the iPhone 17 Pro Max is already starting to exceed supply. An order placed now in the U.S. for most configurations of this top-of-line model won’t ship until late September, and others won’t arrive before October.        

Apple is already taking preorders for the AirPods Pro 3, Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3. All three will be available at retail starting September 19.

The critically acclaimed Apple TV+ sci-fi series Foundation, based on Isaac Asimov’s legendary stories about a galactic empire in its lengthy death throes, will live on for a fourth season, the streamer said Thursday. The welcome news comes ahead of the season-three finale on Friday. (And that usually means Thursday night after 6 p.m. PT, when the streamer often posts the next day’s fare).

“There is no series quite like Foundation and we feel lucky and honored to be carrying the torch forward as co-showrunners into season four,” said co-showrunners and executive producers Ian Goldberg and David Kob. “We look forward to continuing the epic, emotional storytelling that defined the first three seasons of the show, and to be working alongside some of the most talented, passionate creative partners in the business.”