Apple Store Encounters Downtime Prior to Preorders for iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone Air

**iPhone 17 Series: Highlights of Preorder Day and Main Features**

Today signifies the eagerly awaited preorder day for the latest iPhone series, with Apple momentarily suspending its online store in preparation for the release. The store will resume operations at 5 AM Pacific Time, enabling enthusiastic buyers to place orders for the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone Air, all aimed for delivery on September 19. Moreover, the new AirPods Pro 3 and Apple Watch models are available for purchase.

**Pricing and Storage Variants**

The fresh iPhone series begins with prices between $799 and $1199, offering all models with a standard storage option of 256 GB. This update means that the base iPhone 17 provides twice the storage compared to earlier models at the same introductory price.

**Features of the iPhone 17**

The iPhone 17 features several significant improvements, including:
– A ProMotion display with a high refresh rate and always-on functionality.
– A larger display size, increasing from 6.1 inches to 6.3 inches, with reduced bezels.
– The robust A19 chip for enhanced performance.
– A more resilient Ceramic Shield 2 glass front.
– A 48-megapixel ultra-wide camera lens.
– An upgraded Center Stage front camera.

**Innovations in iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max**

The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max reveal a new aluminum unibody design, accessible in eye-catching orange and blue hues with a two-tone back. Key attributes include:
– A camera bump that extends across the width of the device, accommodating a larger battery.
– The A19 Pro chip, delivering up to 40% superior sustained performance compared to its predecessor, the iPhone 16 Pro.
– Improved heat dissipation through the aluminum casing and a newly integrated vapor chamber.

**Introducing the iPhone Air**

The highlight of this year’s collection is the iPhone Air, described as Apple’s slimmest iPhone to date at merely 5.6mm. Notable features consist of:
– Titanium sides and a glass front and back for increased durability.
– A 6.5-inch screen driven by the A19 Pro chip.
– eSIM-only capability.
Despite its streamlined aesthetics, the iPhone Air comes with compromises, such as a single rear camera, one speaker, and possible concerns about battery life endurance.

**Pricing Summary**

– iPhone 17: Begins at $799
– iPhone Air: Begins at $999
– iPhone 17 Pro: Begins at $1099
– iPhone 17 Pro Max: Begins at $1199

It’s important to note that the starting price for the iPhone 17 Pro has risen from $999 to $1099, but this adjustment coincides with the removal of the 128 GB base storage option, aligning the price with the preceding 256 GB iPhone 16 Pro.

As preorder day progresses, customers are eager to claim their new devices, signifying yet another important milestone in Apple’s smartphone journey.

YouTube Music Unveils Dual-Pane Now Playing Overhaul for Android and iOS Users

YouTube Music has recently unveiled a major overhaul of its Now Playing interface on both Android and iOS devices, following the initial trials that commenced in November. This update is designed to improve user experience by reorganizing controls and functionalities within the application.

A key alteration is the repositioning of the Song/Video switcher, which has been shifted from the upper part of the Now Playing screen. Nevertheless, the Cast option is still conveniently located next to the three-dot overflow menu. The song title and artist details are now more prominently displayed, with the song name being tappable to access related materials.

The controls row has been refreshed, moving higher up on the screen while still ensuring usability for one-handed use. A newly designed boxy scrubber has replaced the former playhead design, becoming thicker when interacted with to enhance visibility and accessibility.

Alongside these modifications, the actions carousel has been condensed. Users will see controls for thumbs up/down, comments, and Save, followed by a newly introduced Lyrics feature. The bottom row of tabs has been removed, simplifying the interface. The Video/Song switcher remains available, as do options for Share, Download, and Radio.

Furthermore, a new drag handle has been added for the “Up Next” section, showcasing the current playlist or radio station. Users can tap to bring up a dual-pane view, which offers an efficient way to browse through forthcoming tracks. This view can display four or more songs in the queue, which is expandable, though it is not persistent and will close upon leaving Now Playing.

The Related and Lyrics sections have also undergone enhancements, allowing for complete expansion while still focusing on the song currently playing, with play/pause controls positioned at the top.

Podcast controls have received comparable enhancements, ensuring a unified experience across different audio content types.

This redesign is being rolled out through a server-side update, meaning that not all users may experience the changes right away. If the new interface is not appearing, users can attempt to force-stop the app from the App info settings or remove it from the multitasking menu to trigger the update.

Overall, the YouTube Music Now Playing redesign aspires to deliver a more user-friendly and visually attractive experience, reflecting the platform’s dedication to ongoing enhancement and responsiveness to user preferences.

FDA Offers Approval for Apple Watch’s Blood Pressure Notification Function

**Apple Unveils Hypertension Alerts with the New Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3**

This week, Apple has captured attention with its announcement of the latest in wearable tech, the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3. One of the standout features introduced is the hypertension alerts, created to assist users in effectively tracking their blood pressure. Following this reveal, Apple gained approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for this feature, which is set to debut next week.

### Global Reach

The hypertension alerts will be available in more than 150 countries and regions, including the United States, European Union, Hong Kong, and New Zealand. This extensive launch highlights Apple’s dedication to improving health monitoring options for users globally.

### Compatibility

The new hypertension alerts feature will not be limited to the latest devices, the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3, but will also be accessible on earlier models, such as the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2. This ensures that a broad spectrum of Apple Watch users can take advantage of this groundbreaking health feature.

### Functionality

Apple explains that the hypertension alerts feature employs data from the optical heart sensor to gauge how blood vessels react to heartbeats. The algorithm runs quietly in the background, evaluating data over 30-day intervals. If it identifies consistent indicators of hypertension, users will receive alerts, offering them vital insights into their wellbeing. This forward-thinking approach enables users to make educated decisions concerning lifestyle adjustments or seek medical advice to reduce the risks linked with hypertension.

### User Impact

Apple estimates that the hypertension alerts could notify nearly half of the individuals with high blood pressure, particularly those experiencing more severe Stage 2 hypertension. It’s crucial to understand that the feature is not designed as a formal diagnostic tool; instead, it seeks to increase awareness and inspire users to discuss potential long-term health threats, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems, with healthcare professionals.

In trials, the feature exhibited a 95.3% specificity rate in recognizing normal blood pressure categories, suggesting that while many flagged users may not have full hypertension, they still showed elevated readings. This underscores the feature’s capacity to foster health awareness and encourage proactive health management.

### Projected Effects

Apple expects that within the first year of the feature’s rollout, it could alert over 1 million individuals with undiagnosed hypertension. This could facilitate early interventions and improved health results for many users, highlighting the significance of consistent monitoring and awareness of blood pressure levels.

In summary, the launch of hypertension alerts on the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 marks a notable leap in wearable health technology. By utilizing advanced algorithms and passive monitoring, Apple aims to empower users to take charge of their health and address hypertension in a proactive manner.

DOJ and States Seek Court Directive for Apple to Disclose Documents in Antitrust Litigation

**Apple’s Antitrust Case: Dispute Over Document Submission with the DOJ**

Apple finds itself in a pivotal antitrust case put forth by the Department of Justice (DOJ) in 2024. The lawsuit charges Apple with participating in antitrust activities across several app categories, including super apps, messaging applications, cloud gaming, and concerns regarding third-party smartwatches and digital wallets.

### Background of the Case

The DOJ’s complaint against Apple arises from accusations that the company has established a monopoly through its design selections, which allegedly suppress competition and restrict consumer choices. Apple has countered by striving to dismiss the claims, asserting that the DOJ fundamentally misinterprets the essence of its operational practices. In a document filed in July 2025, Apple contended that the lawsuit focuses on its design choices, which are intended to improve user experiences rather than eliminate competition.

### Current Status of Document Production

Recently, the DOJ submitted a status report revealing that Apple has fallen short in its document submission related to the case. Although the DOJ has supplied over 115,000 documents to Apple, the tech company has only provided around 10,000 documents. The DOJ claims that most of the documents received from Apple mainly consist of user manuals and legal documents from unrelated litigation, with scant relevant materials pertinent to the main issues at hand.

The DOJ has pointed out specific documents that Apple is allegedly withholding, including six human resources spreadsheets that detail staff roles and responsibilities over a period of six years. These documents are vital for the DOJ to pinpoint relevant custodians for the case. Additionally, the DOJ notes inconsistencies in the number of custodians Apple is willing to share, initially agreeing to 22 and subsequently raising the number to 34, while the DOJ is seeking access to over 60 custodians.

### Disputes Over Document Relevance

Another source of disagreement is Apple’s method of document provision. The DOJ claims that Apple is only supplying documents it considers “sufficient to demonstrate” relevant information, creating uncertainty regarding which other documents may be kept back. This selective submission could impede the DOJ’s capability to construct a thorough case against Apple.

In view of these challenges, the DOJ has asked Judge Leda Wettre to step in and compel Apple to:

– Produce the HR spreadsheets.
– Broaden the list of custodians.
– Supply all board-level and regulatory-related documents.
– Clarify which documents are being withheld.
– Provide global records instead of restricting production to the U.S.

The DOJ argues that, without judicial intervention, Apple’s current strategies could postpone the discovery process and obstruct the timely advancement of the case.

### Conclusion

As the antitrust case against Apple progresses, the ongoing disputes concerning document production underscore the intricacies of legal processes in the technology sector. The resolution of this case could significantly impact Apple’s business operations and the overall competitive landscape in the technology industry.

iMazing 3 Provides Full Command of Your iPhone with a 20% Price Cut

### iMazing: The Premier Solution for Apple Device Management

iMazing originated as a strong substitute for iTunes, transforming into a full-fledged desktop application for overseeing Apple mobile devices across various scenarios, including personal, educational, and professional environments. With the debut of the iPhone 17, iMazing is providing a temporary 20% discount on all licenses with the code **9to5mac-20off**.

### Full Compatibility with iOS 26 and iPhone 17

iMazing is entirely compatible with iOS 26, which will be released alongside the iPhone 17 series. Frequent updates guarantee that users can manage new devices and operating system updates effortlessly, avoiding delays or issues.

### A Developing Platform Beyond Basic Functionality

The framework introduced with iMazing 3 supports a continuous influx of new features and enhancements. This development strives to establish a dependable and expandable platform that evolves with user interactions with their Apple devices over time.

### Extensive Feature Offering

iMazing grants users access to their devices in ways that Apple’s default tools do not allow. The software encompasses a broad spectrum of features, including exports of messages and photos, backups of WhatsApp and voicemails, diagnostics for battery health, and local backups reminiscent of Time Machine snapshots.

### Versatile Data Transfer and Management

Besides its acclaimed backup features, iMazing enables flexible data transfer between devices and computers. Users can move photos, music, documents, messages, apps, and more selectively and without relying on cloud synchronization. For business users, iMazing facilitates device management operations, including renaming devices, configuring supervision, managing apps, and consistently setting up multiple devices.

### Cross-Platform Desktop Availability

iMazing can be used on both macOS and Windows, fulfilling a vital requirement for iPhone users managing their devices from a PC. On macOS, it exceeds Finder’s limited synchronization features, while on Windows, it covers a major gap that Apple overlooks.

### Exclusive Offer for 9to5Mac Readers

In celebration of the iPhone 17 series launch, iMazing is extending a temporary 20% discount on all licenses using the code **9to5mac-20off**. Users have the opportunity to try the software for free and take advantage of their discount.

In summary, iMazing emerges as a flexible and robust tool for managing Apple devices, making it a critical application for both personal and professional use.

Google Maps Faces Significant Disruption, Now Fixed

**Google Maps Disruption: What Occurred and Its Impact on Users**

On Thursday, around 1 p.m. PT, Google Maps faced a major disruption, affecting users on both Android and iOS systems. The issue primarily centered on the map layer not loading properly, leading users to see only basic outlines of maps, with no visible locations or listings in regions where the map was stored. This malfunction significantly impaired navigation and directions, leaving numerous users unable to proceed.

Reports of the disruption poured in from users worldwide, demonstrating the extensive nature of the problem. Importantly, the Google Maps website stayed operational during this time, enabling users to access maps through their web browsers as an alternative.

As the disruption progressed, it was observed that other Google services, such as Google Workspace (Gmail, Drive, Docs, etc.), YouTube, Search, and Gemini, remained unaffected. Nonetheless, some isolated incidents concerning NotebookLM surfaced around 12:30 p.m., suggesting that not all Google services were completely unaffected.

**Situation Updates**

By 1:30 p.m., Google Maps started to recover on Android devices, with users reporting that the loading issues had been fixed. However, by 1:45 p.m., iOS users still faced challenges, particularly with a “Can’t reach the internet” error when trying to access directions. Furthermore, the search feature was reportedly entirely nonfunctional on iOS devices, and some users observed that the app lacked its bottom navigation bar.

By approximately 3 p.m., reports confirmed that Google Maps for iOS had also restored its normal functionality, resolving the issues that had troubled users earlier in the day.

**Summary**

The Google Maps disruption highlights the dependence many users have on digital navigation tools in their everyday routines. Although the service was reinstated relatively quickly, the event emphasizes the necessity of having alternative navigation options available, such as utilizing the Google Maps website or other mapping services. As technology continues to advance, ensuring the dependability of such vital services remains a key priority for companies like Google.

9to5Mac Daily: September 11, 2025 – Perspectives on iPhone Air and Other Developments

### 9to5Mac Daily: Your Destination for Daily Apple Updates

In today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape, keeping abreast of the latest Apple developments is crucial for both fans and professionals. The **9to5Mac Daily** podcast acts as a trusted resource for daily summaries of the most significant events within the Apple ecosystem. Accessible on multiple platforms such as [iTunes](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/9to5mac-daily/id1331816080), [Stitcher](https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/9to5mac-daily), [TuneIn](https://tunein.com/radio/9to5Mac-Daily-p1089524/), [Google Play](https://play.google.com/music/m/I5d4dzs7dauazmfxvvrynyiuram?t=9to5Mac_Daily), and through a [dedicated RSS feed](https://feedpress.me/9to5macdaily), listeners have the convenience of accessing new episodes every weekday.

#### What to Anticipate from 9to5Mac Daily

Each installment of **9to5Mac Daily** delivers a succinct overview of the leading stories impacting Apple users, encompassing product launches, software releases, and market trends. The podcast caters to those who wish to stay knowledgeable without the need to navigate through a multitude of articles or news outlets.

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For those seeking a premium experience, subscribing to **9to5Mac Daily Plus** provides various advantages, such as ad-free episodes and exclusive additional content. This subscription not only supports the podcast but also enhances the overall listening experience.

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Listeners are invited to share their insights and opinions. You can get in touch via email at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) or leave a review on [Apple Podcasts](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1331816080?at=10laZc&pt=11l8808) or