This take on a vesper martini or white negroni is lighter and more aromatic than the traditional drink, making it an ideal aperitif, especially as the nights start to draw in. It’s a brilliant example of how even a few clever tweaks can evolve a classic cocktail into something completely new and interesting.
Alpine vesper
Serves 1
25ml vodka – we use Konik’s Tail 25ml dry vermouth – we use Noilly Prat 25ml Luxardo Bianco bitter 2 dashes Italian amaro – I like Braulio for its herby alpine notes 1 green olive, to garnish
Measure all the liquids into a mixing glass filled with ice, stir to chill and dilute, then strain into a coupette and garnish with the olive.
The United Nations Security Council has condemned Israel’s strikes on a residential compound in the Qatari capital Doha, which targeted senior members of Hamas.
The statement – which did not directly name Israel – was backed by all 15 Security Council members, including the US, which traditionally blocks actions against its close ally.
“Council members underscored the importance of de-escalation and expressed their solidarity with Qatar,” read the statement, drafted by the UK and France. Israel defended its decision to mount the attack.
Qatar has played a key role in brokering diplomatic efforts to end the Israel-Gaza war, serving as a mediator of indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel.
It has hosted the Hamas political bureau since 2012 and is a close US ally, hosting a large American airbase in the desert south-west of Doha.
The emergency meeting was requested by Qatar, Algeria, Pakistan and Somalia. Qatar’s Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani travelled to New York to attend.
“This attack puts the international community before a test,” al-Thani told the council.
“Israel, led by blusterous extremists, has gone beyond any borders, any limitations when it comes to behaviour. We are unable to predict what Israel will do. How can we host Israeli representatives when they have committed this attack?”
Pakistan’s ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said: “It is evident that Israel, the occupying power, is bent on doing everything to undermine and blow up every possibility of peace”.
Meanwhile, Algeria’s ambassador Amar Bendjama said the Security Council remained “constrained” as it was “unable even to name the aggressor, to qualify aggression as a violation of international law”.
Israel’s representative, Danny Danon, defended the attack, telling the meeting: “This strike sends a message that should echo across this chamber. There is no sanctuary for terrorists, not in Gaza, not in Tehran, not in Doha.”
For a Security Council statement to be issued, all 15 members must sign off on the text. The US has long-blocked statements critical of Israel – making its backing of this one, though Israel is not named, notable.
US President Donald Trump earlier criticised Israel’s strikes, writing that unilaterally striking inside Qatar “does not advance Israel or America’s goals”.
However, he added that “this unfortunate incident could serve as an opportunity for PEACE”, and that the elimination of Hamas was a “worthy goal”.
The strikes on Doha shocked many in the region, who had long assumed that close relations with the US would offer security.
In May, Trump announced a “historic” economic agreement signed between Qatar and the US that he said was valued at least $1.2 trillion (£890bn).
Qatar also recently gifted Trump a plane – valued at $400m – as an “unconditional gift” to be used as the new Air Force One, the official aircraft of the US president.
Hamas said that its negotiating team survived the strikes on Tuesday, but that five of its members were killed, including the son of the group’s chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, whose fate remains unclear. A Qatari security officer was also killed.
The dollar is on track for its sharpest weekly drop in more than a month ahead of a Federal Reserve meeting that’s expected to launch a series of interest-rate cuts.
The Bloomberg Spot Dollar Index is down 0.2% in the week, the most since August. Lackluster US labor market data have cemented bets for 75 basis points of rate cuts by year-end, even as relatively sticky inflation suggests the greenback won’t face a sudden slump and options traders remain split on the dollar’s next leg.
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Apple pulled back the curtain on its latest product lineup during its “Awe Dropping” keynote in Cupertino this week. The hour-long event revealed a host of new products, including the iPhone 17 series, Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and AirPods Pro 3.
ZDNET was on-site to cover the announcements, and we’ve compiled a summary of the biggest news from the event. We’ll continue to provide updates as we get them.
What major products were announced?
iPhone 17 series: Apple kicked things off with the standard iPhone 17 for $799, which now features a 120Hz ProMotion display, an enhanced front-facing camera for flexible recording, and an A19 chipset.
The showstealer, however, was arguably the new $999 iPhone Air model, Apple’s thinnest and lightest phone to date. According to Apple, it runs on a more powerful A19 Pro chip, has only one camera sensor due to its limited size, and is durably built.
Also: iPhone 17 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro: How to choose
The Pro and Pro Max models — which start at $1,099 and $1,199, respectively — also got a redesigned back cover, with a larger camera visor that houses an enhanced telephoto sensor. A new vapor chamber cooling system keeps the phones running at peak performance for longer, while prolonging the battery life.
Apple Watch Series 11: Apple highlighted how the $399 Apple Watch is an essential piece of personal health and safety technology by sharing real-world, life-saving testimonials. The upcoming Apple Watch Series 11 will be the thinnest and most comfortable watch yet, featuring 5G connectivity, new watch faces, and an extremely scratch-resistant ceramic design.
Apple Watch Ultra 3: The $799 Apple Watch Ultra 3 features a brighter, wider-angle OLED display with thinner bezels, allowing for a larger screen. It will be the first Apple Watch to offer satellite connectivity for emergency messaging and location syncing, along with 5G support. The Ultra 3 is also rated for the longest battery life of any Apple Watch, lasting up to 42 hours on a single charge.
Also: Excited about Apple Watch 11’s hypertension feature? It’s coming to older models too
Apple Watch SE 3: The third-generation $249 Apple Watch SE runs on an S10 chip and now includes a new always-on display. This model also introduces fast charging for the first time, giving users up to eight hours of battery life with just a 15-minute charge. It maintains an 18-hour overall battery life and is compatible with iOS 26, which unlocks advanced features.
AirPods Pro 3: The event began with the launch of the $249 AirPods Pro 3, which feature a multi-port acoustic architecture for improved sound quality on both music and calls.
The new earbuds have twice the active noise cancellation of previous models and a battery life of up to eight hours with ANC on, a four-hour increase. They will also support Live Translation powered by Apple Intelligence and come with new ear tips in five sizes for a better fit.
Also: You can preorder Apple’s new devices this week: iPhone 17, Watch 11, AirPods Pro 3 and more
For more on-site coverage of Apple’s iPhone 17 event, check out our sibling sites’ live blogs at CNET, PCMag, Mashable, and Lifehacker.
The latest updates
By Nina Raemont, Wearables Editor at Sept. 12, 7:53 a.m. ET
Apple unveiled Hypertension Detection at its Tuesday event, where it announced that the feature would receive FDA clearance by the end of the month. Well, the FDA clearance came sooner than expected. The Apple Watch feature received clearance Thursday night, and users can expect to see the feature arrive on their smartwatches starting next week.
Hypertension Detection is available on Apple Watch Series 9 or later and Ultra 2 or later. It skips the SE smartwatch model.
This is the third health feature Apple has received FDA clearance for, with the others including hearing loss detection and sleep apnea detection. It now has more FDA-cleared features than Samsung and Google.
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ByKerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 12 at 7:00 a.m. ET
Preorders for the new iPhone 17 series start today at 5 a.m. PT/8 a.m. ET on Apple’s website and at partnering carriers and retailers. Are you placing an early order? If so, which model and what configuration?
iPhone 17: Starts at $799
iPhone Air: Starts at $999
iPhone 17 Pro: Starts at $1,099
iPhone 17 Pro Max: Starts at $1,199
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ByKerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 11 at 4:55 p.m. ET
ZDNET got a chance to test out the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max cameras while at Apple Park this week, and early samples are looking good so far.
My colleague Jason Hiner captured the image above with the new 48MP telephoto sensor at 8x optical zoom. For how bright the Cupertino office can be, there’s surprisingly no harsh glare or overexposed areas.
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ByKerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 11 at 4:42 p.m. ET
and…it survived!
In a recent interview with Apple’s senior leadership, Tom’s Guide editor-in-chief Mark Spoonauer was permitted to forcefully bend the iPhone Air. The device, reinforced with a titanium band similar to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, showed a slight flex but quickly returned to its original shape.
The new design keeps the phone lightweight and sturdy. While the iPhone Air appears to have avoided a “bendgate” repeat, its true durability will be seen when it’s in consumers’ hands.
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ByKerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 11 at 12:30 p.m. ET
If you preordered cases and accessories for your new iPhone 17 — and you happen to reside near a local distribution center — there’s a high chance they’ll be delivered as early as today.
My colleague Jason Hiner received his order of TechWoven cases for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max just this morning!
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ByKerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 10 at 7:19 p.m. ET
One of the best new camera features on the iPhone 17 series lets you capture with the rear and front cameras simultaneously. It’s a vlogging feature I’ve seen on competing Android phones, and I can see a lot of people using it when recording live performances and concerts. After all, the reactions to those moments are just as valuable as what’s in front of the camera.
Check out Jason Hiner’s test footage below.
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ByKerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 10 at 2:40 p.m. ET
According to Apple’s technical specs page for the new AirPods Pro 3, the wireless earbuds will ship without a charging cable in the box. This means users will have to use an existing USB-C cable or wireless charging dock to power the accessories.
At this point in time, are we more forgiving of these omissions? I personally stash away most of my new USB-C cables, as one or two are enough to power my primary devices. But if you’re upgrading from the original AirPods Pro, expect to have to buy a charger to go with it.
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ByKerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 10 at 1:29 p.m. ET
Ahead of Friday’s preorder window, I’m seeing several carrier promotions starting to surface, including this latest one from Verizon. It slashes off $1,100 — equal to the cost of an iPhone 17 Pro at retail price — when you trade in an eligible smartphone and are on an Unlimited data plan.
This is par for the course when it comes to carrier deals, as AT&T and T-Mobile are running similar packages. As always, you should read the fine print when accepting carrier deals, as the smallest of errors can accrue fees and other expenses.
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ByKerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 10 at 11:05 a.m. ET
We officially live in a world where you can buy an iPhone from the Apple store for $2,000. The configuration is an iPhone 17 Pro Max with 2TB of internal storage. That’s not including Apple Care and any accessories.
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ByKerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 10 at 9:42 a.m. ET
We’ve been speculating all year whether or not Apple would increase the prices of iPhones, and it did! But also, not really.
The $999 iPhone Air has replaced the $899 iPhone 16 Plus, but I wouldn’t consider the Air a direct successor to the latter — it’s a totally different concept of a phone, with an innovation tax to go with.
The $1,099 iPhone 17 Pro costs $100 more than its predecessor but now comes with 256GB of base storage instead of 128GB. Apple has essentially removed the 128GB configuration this year. That’s all.
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ByKerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 10 at 6:46 a.m. ET
If you’re split between the latest iPhones and competing Android models, we’ve covered the biggest differences below. More stories to come!
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By Nina Raemont, Wearables Editor at Sept. 9, 9:34 p.m. ET
The Apple Watch SE 3 is the underdog that few expected Apple to announce at its annual hardware launch. It doesn’t have the advanced hardware that its siblings boast – Apple includes the S10 chip it developed for 2024’s Series 10 smartwatch lineup.
It lacks some of the hotter features the Apple Watch Series 11 or Apple Watch Ultra 3 pack, like Hypertension Detection or Satellite Connectivity. But it’s shaping up to be a good value for smartwatch curious consumers. I look forward to testing the watch out to find out for myself.
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ByKerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 8:20 p.m. ET
Every year, when a new iPhone launches, I get asked, “Should I upgrade from my current phone?” And every year, I answer by asking if the latest features make a dramatic difference to how they use their phone.
Here are the biggest new features you’ll get by upgrading to the iPhone 17 series compared to previous generations.
From iPhone 16 series: A better selfie camera that can auto-frame the subject, a 120Hz display on the base model, improved thermal cooling (Pro only), and a sharper telephoto lens (Pro only).
From iPhone 15 series: A Camera Control button, slimmer bezels and larger displays, faster USB-C charging speeds, and all the above.
From iPhone 14 series: An Action button, USB-C charging, an aluminum-forward design (Pro only), and all the above.
From iPhone 13 series: A Dynamic Island punch-hole camera, eSIM support, and all the above.
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ByKerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 3:42 p.m. ET
The hands-on photos I’ve seen so far of the iPhone 17 Pro in Cosmic Orange are giving me immense FOMO. It’s so refreshing to see Apple branch out of the standard black, white, and grayish hues and be more experimental. But as always, if consumers want more of this, they’ll have to vote with their wallets.
By Sabrina Ortiz, Senior Editor / Sept. 9 at 4:31 p.m. ET
While I am not an orange person and own not one ounce of orange in my wardrobe or accessories, the Cosmic Orange color is absolutely stunning. As we discussed in the office, the hands-on footage makes it evident that the color is much less of a traffic cone orange and more of a copper-like shade.
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ByKerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 3:00 p.m. ET
Apple CEO Tim Cook is on the floor and taking photos with members of the press. Clearly, the ultraportability of the iPhone Air makes it quite easy to lift up and take group selfies.
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By Sabrina Ortiz, Senior Editor / Sept. 9 at 2:16 p.m. ET
That’s a wrap for the Apple launch livestream and event. Now, our ZDNET crew on the ground is heading to the devices to get hands-on footage and insights. We will continue to update this live blog as those photos, videos, and articles come in; plus, stay tuned for our event day analysis.
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By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 2:15 p.m. ET
Here are the iPhone 17 starting prices, all of which come with a base storage of 256GB now:
iPhone 17: $799
iPhone Air: $999
iPhone 17 Pro: $1,099
iPhone 17 Pro Max: $1,199
You can preorder starting this Friday, Sept. 12, at 5:00 am PT, and all phones will be available for sale starting on Friday, Sept. 19.
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By Nina Raemont, Editor / Sept. 9 at 2:09 p.m. ET
I’ve been wishing for sleep scores on the Apple Watch for a long time, and I look forward to testing out the feature on the Series 11. The feature brings a common health tracking feature to Apple’s latest lineup of devices, and keeps the tech giant in competition with its wearable rivals that have already implemented the feature into their devices.
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ByJason Hiner, Editor in Chief / Sept. 9 at 2:07 p.m. ET
All three iPhone 17 Pro cameras are now 48MP and Fusion cameras, meaning they have multiple effective lengths. So the zoom camera is now 4x with an 8x “optical-quality” zoom. That means Apple has actually downgraded the optical zoom from 5x to 4x. I’m not sure how I feel about that, but I’ll withhold judgement until I try it.
That said, Apple noted it used the iPhone 17 Pro to film the launch event, due to its advanced video capabilities. The iPhone 17 Pro supports the highly anticipated ProRes RAW capture and Genlock.
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ByKerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 2:00 p.m. ET
Finally, the iPhone 17 Pro is here. This time, it’s made with aluminum instead of titanium for a lighter yet more durable build. The phone features “the biggest battery in an iPhone,” Apple says, runs on the same A19 Pro chip as the iPhone Air, and features an improved thermal cooling system that spreads throughout the phone body.
Water is sealed within the vapor chamber to dissipate heat and sustain performance (a 40% improvement from the iPhone 16 Pro). In other words, the iPhone will run at peak levels for longer while retaining more battery life over time.
On the front, a new anti-reflective coating should improve the screen’s viewing angles, especially when outdoors. All three cameras are 48MP fusion sensors, meaning they can flex between various zoom ranges. The telephoto sensor, in particular, can capture at 8X optical quality, thanks in part to the tetraprism design.
iPhone 17 Pro models will also feature the same Center Stage Front Camera as the iPhone 17. The anodized aluminum appears to be a unibody design, with curves that blend into every little corner of the iPhone. On the back is a Ceramic Shield layering that’s more durable than previous generations.
The iPhone 17 Pro will launch in only three colors: Silver, Cosmic Orange, and Deep Blue.
Apple used Ceramic Shield on the back of the 17 Pro, just like the Air. It’s 4x more resistant to cracks while being thinner overall, offering more room for the battery, which is the best (and biggest) in any iPhone.
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ByJason Hiner, Editor in Chief / Sept. 9 at 1:57 p.m. ET
I always loved the bumper cases on the iPhones — minimal, light, and great protection — and I was seriously bummed when Apple stopped making them. No third-party case maker ever picked up the gauntlet, which was a shame. Those bumper cases also allowed the back of the phone to show through and display Apple’s design. I’m thrilled that Apple is bringing back the bumper case for the iPhone Air — perfect choice! Let’s see if they bring it to the Pro models as well.
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By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 1:54 p.m. ET
Apple is making a big deal about the iPhone Air’s support for eSIM. In fact, it’ll be the first iPhone to launch with eSIM only globally. Previously, only the US versions launched with eSIM, while other countries’ iPhones supported physical SIM cards. By reducing the components within the phone, Apple says it was able to squeeze in a larger battery.
Apple’s decision to make the iPhone Air eSIM-only is partly logistical — there’s simply not enough room in the device to fit in a traditional SIM card next to the battery.
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By Sabrina Ortiz, Senior Editor / Sept. 9 at 1:51 p.m. ET
iPhone Air has a 48MP fusion camera system that is meant to function like multiple cameras in one, including a 12MP 2X telephoto. Some other camera features include focus control, photographic styles, and custom 28MM and 52MM lenses, which add four lenses to your camera. The front features the aforementioned center stage camera at 12MP.
The battery life on the iPhone Air, supported by iOS 26 features and a thoughtful under-the-hood design, supports all-day battery life, according to Apple. This includes 40 hours of video playback when using the Air’s specially designed MagSafe battery pack.
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By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 1:48 p.m. ET
The iPhone Air will feature a new N1 chip, Apple’s in-house silicon that supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. This comes just six months after Apple released the C1 modem with the iPhone 16e. The iPhone Air will also feature an upgraded C1X variant, which the company says is much more power efficient, but just as strong in network connectivity.
ByJason Hiner, Editor in Chief / Sept. 9 at 1:48 p.m. ET Integrating Apple’s N1 and C1X chips into the iPhone Air and calling it the most efficient iPhone ever definitely gives this product the feeling of being the futuristic iPhone, reminiscent of the iPhone X back in 2017.
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ByJason Hiner, Editor in Chief / Sept. 9 at 1:45 p.m. ET
The announcement of the iPhone Air got, by far, the biggest reaction out of the crowd inside Steve Jobs Theater for the Apple Event. There’s genuine enthusiasm for this product. The crowd especially hollered — and there were even some audible gasps — when the video came up with the iPhone Air balancing on top of a finger. I’m not sure people are going to be as excited when they learn the camera and battery life compromises, but the design itself generated plenty of strong reactions.
By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 1:45 p.m. ET Sabrina Ortiz, sitting next to me, cannot get over how thin the iPhone Air is — 5.6mm and with a 6.5″ always-on display — and I’m expecting many consumers to feel similarly. For the first time, the phone is covered with ceramic for improved durability, making it up to five times more resistant. Impressively, the camera module is sculpted into the back cover, so it melts into the rest of the glass, reducing the size and bulk of the device. It’s “a paradox you have to hold to believe,” says Apple.
The frame is made out of titanium for a thin design. These materials make the iPhone Air more durable than any other model. The iPhone Air features the just-announced A19 Pro chip.
Apple said the phone contains “MacBook Pro-levels of compute” and that it’s “the most power efficient iPhone we’ve ever made.”
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By Jason Hiner, Editor in Chief / Sept. 9 at 1:38 p.m. ET
Apple using AI and Center Stage to automatically frame your selfies got a huge reaction from the live audience inside the Steve Theater. There are clearly a lot of creators in this crowd.
This is the first big AI feature Apple announced at the event. It’s more like machine learning and not generative AI, but it’s good to see Apple integrating quality-of-life features in smart ways.
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By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 1:46 p.m. ET
The iPhone 17 will run on an A19 chip with a 16-core Neural Engine, 5-core GPU, and improved on-device computing. The improvements to how the iPhone computes lend themselves to more gaming workloads, faster on-device AI tasks, and more. A more efficient processor also extends the iPhone 17 battery by 8 hours of video playback.
Apple says the next-gen 5-core GPU is designed to support better gaming, especially paired with the display’s upgraded 120Hz refresh rate.
Then there’s the new A19 Pro chip, which features a 6-core CPU. Apple claims it is the fastest CPU in any iPhone. It is supposed to enable battery efficiency for more everyday tasks. The 5-core GPU also got a performance boost, which makes it best for AI compute. There is a neural accelerator built into each GPU core, ideal for GPU-intensive AI workloads.
The A19 Pro generates heat, Apple admits — requiring an all-new cooling system to account for it.
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By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 1:42 p.m. ET
The iPhone 17 will feature a 48MP main camera (that captures at 24MP binned, by default). It’s still a 2x optical zoom — nothing more — but I’ve always found the base iPhone camera good enough for zoom shots.
Apple has also upgraded the selfie camera, calling it the “Center Stage Front Camera,” with a wider field of view and a larger sensor than last year. Capturing a wider area allows users to reframe their shots, such as swapping from landscape and portrait mode without needing to rotate the phone. Allowing you to hold the phone vertically keeps your eyes more naturally focused on the lens.
By Jason Hiner, Editor in Chief / Sept. 9 at 1:38 p.m. ET Apple using AI and Center Stage to automatically frame your selfies got a huge reaction from the live audience inside the Steve Theater. There are clearly a lot of creators in this crowd. This is the first big AI feature Apple announced at the event. It’s more like machine learning and not generative AI, but it’s good to see Apple integrating quality-of-life features in smart ways.
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By Jason Hiner, Editor in Chief / Sept. 9 at 1:40 p.m. ET
The introduction of a 120Hz ProMotion display in the iPhone 17 got a big reaction from the live audience inside Steve Jobs Theater. This has been long overdue. Far cheaper competitive phones have featured 90Hz and 120Hz screens for years while the standard iPhone has been stuck on 60Hz, which was just not as nice to look at every day. The 120Hz screen makes the base-level iPhone 17 a lot more competitive.
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By Sabrina Ortiz, Senior Editor / Sept. 9 at 1:37 p.m. ET
Apple Launches its iPhone 17 in five colors: Lavender, Mist Blue, Black, White, and Sage. The new phone features:
A 6.3″ display with thinner borders
120 Hz refresh rate (a major deal, for the first time ever)
3,000 nits peak outdoor brightness, the highest ever on the base model
Ceramic Shield 2, gives it three times more scratch resistance
Seven-layer anti-reflective coating to reduce glare and distractions
A19 chipset, which should help on-device generative and large language models (LLMs) run faster
Apple said that if you are upgrading from an older iPhone, you should see incredible speeds. The company also recapped iOS 26 upgrades, including Live Translation and Visual Intelligence upgrades.
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By Sabrina Ortiz, Senior Editor /Sept. 9 at 1:36 p.m. ET
Apple wraps up its Apple Watch announcements:
Apple Watch SE 3 $249
Apple Watch Series 11 $399
Apple Watch Ultra 3 $799
You can pre-order all versions of the watch starting today, and they’ll be available on Sept. 19.
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By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 1:35 p.m. ET
It’s Apple Watch Ultra 3 time. This year, the wearable features a new display that uses a wide-angle OLED and LTPO 3, making it brighter to view. Apple says the bezels are thinner, too, allowing the watch to have a larger screen within the same body as last year.
Like the Watch Series 11, Ultra 3 supports 5G connectivity. But it goes a step further by using satellites for emergency messages, pings. and Find My syncing. The Watch Ultra 3 can last up to 42 hours, the longest rating of any Apple Watch.
ZDNET Editor in Chief Jason Hiner says he’s “been wearing Apple Watch Ultra every day for the past two years, and I’ll definitely be upgrading to Apple Watch Ultra 3 for the bigger screen, the stronger 5G and satellite connectivity, and the black color.”
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ByKerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 1:33 p.m. ET
The Apple Watch Series 11 can last up to 24 hours, comes in Jet Black, Rose Gold, and Space Gray, and is made with 100% aluminum. We’re seeing some classic watch bands available, including Nike and Hermes-branded accessories.
The lineup has a host of updated watch bands, including some from popular brands like Nike, and a Hermes band with a unique branded animated wallpaper.
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By Sabrina Ortiz, Senior Editor / Sept. 9 at 1:32 p.m. ET
Apple launched its third-generation Apple Watch SE. It features the S10 chip that supports a new always-on display. You can play music directly through the speaker.
The Apple Watch SE also features an 18-hour battery life and fast charging for the first time — in 15 minutes of fast charging, users can get up to eight hours of normal use. It is compatible with iOS 26, which opens it up to advanced features on par with the rest of the lineup too.
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By Sabrina Ortiz, Senior Editor / Sept. 9 at 1:30 p.m. ET
Apple Watch Series 11 now has Sleep Scores, which analyzes how you sleep using complex algorithms. You can see a detailed analysis of how the score was concluded.
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By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 1:24 p.m. ET
The Apple Watch Series 11 uses the optical blood sensor to track and review data over a 30-day period to find signs of hypertension. Apple says it’s expecting FDA clearance “soon.”
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ByKerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 1:20 p.m. ET
Apple highlights how the Apple Watch offers life-saving features, ahead of unveiling its new smartwatch lineup.
The company’s marketing for the Apple Watch is powerfully effective, moving beyond technical specs to share real-world testimonials of how the device has literally transformed lives. This approach transforms the watch from a gadget into an essential piece of personal health and safety technology.
The Apple Watch Series 11 will be the first of the wearable line to support 5G connectivity. It also features several new watch faces, including Flow (based on Liquid Glass, the design aesthetic used across iOS 26) and “Exactograph,” a unique design that separates hours, minutes, and seconds.
The new release is Apple’s thinnest and most comfortable watch yet, with a custom ceramic design coating applied at the atomic level that’s twice as scratch-resistant.
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By Jason Hiner, Editor in Chief and Nina Raemont, Editor / Sept. 9 at 1:17 p.m. ET
Apple is adding heart rate sensing to the AirPods Pro 3, which was already in the Powerbeats Pro 2.
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 did not get the rumored temperature tracking, which is a bummer since temperature can be taken very accurately from the ear. The wrist temperature tracking on Apple Watch is not easy to access and can be inaccurate. Adding temperature to AirPods Pro 3 would have given Apple’s health ecosystem a better opportunity to compete with smart rings like Oura on this metric, so it’s a missed opportunity.
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By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 1:10 p.m. ET
Impressively, Live Translation works between multiple AirPods Pro users, with the translated audio broadcasting in their desired language. The feature runs on the iPhone’s existing AI models.
Live translation on the AirPods Pro will lower the volume of the speaker and provide a contextual translation, not just individual words. When paired with the iPhone, you can speak naturally and get a translation to display on the screen to the speaker.
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By Sabrina Ortiz, Senior Editor / Sept. 9 at 1:07 p.m. ET
The event kicked off with the AirPods Pro 3 launch. The earbuds were designed with a multi-port acoustic architecture which better controls air flow, producing better overall sound across music and calls alike.
The AirPods Pro 3 also have double the active noise cancellation (ANC) from previous models, and the feature is four times more effective than the original AirPods Pro. Live Translation powered by Apple Intelligence is also coming to the new AirPods Pro.
Apple says AirPods Pro 3 will last up to 8 hours with ANC on and 10 hours with Transparency mode on. That’s four more hours than the previous generation. They’ll be available starting Sept. 19.
The new AirPods Pro will have a better in-ear for users. This includes new ear tips in five sizes.
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By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 1:03 p.m. ET
Apple CEO Tim Cook kicks off the live event with his signature “Good morning.” He hints that today’s announcements will include the AirPods, Apple Watch, and iPhone.
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By Nina Raemont, Wearables Editor / Sept. 9 at 12:45 p.m. ET
We’ve made it to Steve Jobs Theater, where Apple will unveil its latest hardware lineup in just minutes. The theater is buzzing with excitement as media and industry leaders fill in.
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ByKerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 12:22 p.m. ET
While the official sales dates remain unconfirmed, Apple has traditionally opened up preorders on the second Friday of Sept. (or Sept. 12 this year). The official launch, meaning when the phones can be demoed and purchased in stores, happens the following Friday (or Sept. 19 this year).
Note that Apple may adjust these dates and times based on product availability and inventory.
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By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 11:34 a.m. ET
Leaker Instant Digital on Weibo recently posted an image depicting every new iPhone 17 color, from the Air to the Pro Max, and it coincides with other renders and case listings we’ve seen. If true, we may be looking at the first orange-colored iPhone Pro, a sky blue finish for the Air, and some pastel options for the standard model.
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By Sabrina Ortiz, Senior Editor / Sept. 9 at 10:54 a.m. ET
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman predicted that there won’t be a lot of new AI launched at Apple’s event. Specifically, he said the company did not “have a lot up its sleeve in terms of AI — at least not in the near future.”
If you’re waiting for significant new AI features and upgrades, you may have to do so until the launch of the highly anticipated Siri 2.0 — which isn’t slated to occur until spring of next year. In the meantime, there are also the iOS 26 AI features announced at WWDC to look forward to (more on that in previous entries below).
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By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 10:32 a.m. ET
The successor to the world’s most popular Bluetooth tracker is expected to launch at today’s Apple event. Notable upgrades include a new Ultra Wideband chip for more precise tracking, enhanced privacy features, and a longer-lasting battery. Hopefully, Apple keeps the price in the same ballpark.
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By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 9:47 a.m. ET
A Reddit user has discovered a Best Buy promotion that suggests that new AirPods are, in fact, coming. The offer, valid from Sept. 9 to Oct. 5, gives My Best Buy members a $20 discount on the AirPods Pro 3, which are expected to be unveiled during the Apple keynote today.
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By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 8:55 a.m. ET
The biggest question mark going into today’s event is iPhone pricing; whether or not we’ll see the first increase to Apple’s handsets since the iPhone 15 Pro Max (though it was justified with a storage upgrade).
This weekend, leaked training documents from a South Korean carrier company suggested that iPhone 17 prices will stay mostly the same as last year’s models. Here’s the breakdown after conversions:
iPhone 17: $799
iPhone 17 Air (which replaces the Plus): $899
iPhone 17 Pro: $999
iPhone 17 Pro Max: $1,250
Notably, the Pro Max variant costs $50 more, though these prices may be specific to certain countries and regions, like South Korea.
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By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 8:37 a.m. ET
While I no longer expect Apple to make major shifts to the iPhone Pro’s camera system — it’s a law of diminishing returns kind of thing — the rumored 48MP telephoto sensor does put a smile on my face.
The improved optics should greatly benefit photographers and videographers wanting to capture at farther distances, with the potential of 8x optical zoom (versus digital) paving the way for crisper and more realistic shots.
If Apple nails the telephoto camera, the iPhone 17 Pro may compete well with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and Google Pixel 10 Pro, both of which have proven to be reliable long-distance shooters.
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By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 9 at 8:27 a.m. ET
In Apple tradition, the web store is down temporarily in preparation for today’s product releases. You can expect the store to be down — as in you won’t be able to buy and check out anything — until the end of the keynote. Consider it as protection for impulse purchasing habits!
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By Jason Hiner, Editor in Chief / Sept. 8 at 9:21 p.m. ET
ZDNET’s Nina Raemont and I have landed in Cupertino and are ready for this week’s big event. Stay tuned for more live coverage, including hands-on photos and videos.
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By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 8 at 5:01 p.m. ET
Someone has apparently discovered an unofficial iPhone 17 accessory, and it’s one you’d least expect. X user Sonny Dickson recently posted images of what looks to be a crossbody strap for the iPhone 17 series, with a loop that likely attaches to the bottom of a phone case. It’s orange, it’s fashionable, and it will unquestionably be expensive.
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By Sabrina Ortiz, Senior Editor / Sept. 8 at 3:17 p.m. ET
While the exact details on the new Apple hardware remain a mystery until the event begins tomorrow, we already got the scoop on all of the iOS 26 Apple Intelligence updates at WWDC back in June. The AI features may not be the flashiest, but many of them will be sure to improve how you interact with your phone. A quick round-up of the features I am looking forward to the most can be found below:
Visual Intelligence
Real-time translation
AutoMix in Apple Music
Shortcuts using Apple Intelligence
Hold Assist
Spatial Photos
Workout Buddy
The best part about the new features is that they aren’t just limited to iPhone 17 users; iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 series devices are supported too. You can read more about what each feature does, and some additional ones to look forward to here: 7 helpful AI features launching in iOS 26 next week.
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By Nina Raemont, Wearables Editor / Sept. 8 at 11:18 a.m. ET
Could Apple add heart rate monitoring to its newest AirPods lineup? The Apple-owned Powerbeats Pro 2 unveiled earlier this year with the feature, and the exercise earbuds share the AirPods Pro 2’s H2 chipset. It’s not unreasonable to predict the feature’s arrival in Apple’s latest earbuds.
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By Nina Raemont, Wearables Editor / Sept. 8 at 10:32 AM ET
Apple is releasing its new watch lineup amid a competitive landscape of health wearables. Its smartwatch launch tomorrow, which reportedly includes the release of the Series 11, Ultra 3, and possibly an SE 3, could keep its revenue momentum, which surpassed $100 billion in Q2, going, according to Counterpoint Research.
Counterpoint credits the “continuous evolution” of the brand’s health and health-monitoring features for its revenue achievements. Apple could unveil more health advancements at tomorrow’s event, as rumors about a new hypertension monitoring feature or AI-infused health coaches swirl.
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By Jason Hiner, Editor in Chief / Sept. 8 at 9:21 a.m. ET
Okay, so we’re doing this. Lots of Apple event coverage incoming on ZDNET this week. What are you anticipating the most from Apple, or what do you want to know coming out of tomorrow’s iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods launch? Sound off in the comments below.
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By Nina Raemont, Wearables Editor / Sept. 6 at 5:18 p.m. ET
Apple’s latest smartwatch software, WatchOS 26, has given us a few glimpses at what the Series 11 is capable of. Outside of those software updates, I’m keeping my eyes and ears open for rumors, murmurs, and whispers on Apple’s next wearable. Here are seven features we’re currently looking at.
Sleep scores
Increased brightness on the Series 11
A larger display on the Ultra 3
A new processor and faster chip
Satellite connectivity on the Ultra 3
A revamped Health app
Blood pressure tracking
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By Jason Hiner, Editor in Chief / Sept. 6 at 4:32 p.m. ET
While the iPhone has virtually all of the smartest AI apps available from the latest AI trailblazers, it lacks the kind of deep integration of AI features that are only available at the intersection of the operating system and the latest hardware.
Here are 7 competing services and features I’d like to see Apple adopt with the iPhone 17:
ChatGPT’s Voice Mode
Pixel 10’s Pro Res Zoom
Google’s Magic Cue
Anthropic’s Deep Research
Best Take from Google Photos
Much broader language support
Google’s Conversational photo editing
While the delay in rolling out Apple Intelligence features may not have seemed to hurt the iPhone during the past year, Apple will need to close the gap to avoid the iPhone 17 feeling like a device that’s a step behind. As of right now, Google can make a pretty strong case that it offers the smartest phone money can buy.
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By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 6 at 4:02 p.m. ET
Leaks and rumors have suggested that the upcoming series of Pro iPhones will feature a redesigned camera bar, with the same arrangement of cameras in the upper-left corner as previous models, flanked by additional sensors on the right side — all upheld by a protruding module. For phone enthusiasts, think Poco M4 Pro design.
There will also be a two-toned portion of the back panel that functions as a wireless charging area. If we get lucky, Apple may even give us reverse wireless charging, a feature prevalent on Android flagships that allows you to charge other Qi-supported devices when set on the back of the phone.
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By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 6 at 3:27 p.m. ET
An ultra-thin and light iPhone would be refreshing to see from Apple, as its current four-iPhone lineup has remained in place since the iPhone 12 series in 2020.
The iPhone 17 Air will reportedly feature a large display size, a titanium frame, and a revamped camera bar with only a single sensor.
Also: If these iPhone 17 Air rumors are real, my old phone is about to be retired
Apple is also expected to replace the iPhone 17 Plus with the iPhone 17 Air, as consumers have shown the least interest in the former model. This potentially positions the Air model as both the best big iPhone that doesn’t cost as much as the Pro Max and the most portable for those who want that.
Zoom out a bit, and you might even be looking at the beginnings of what an iPhone Fold experience could be like in a year or two.
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By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 6 at 3:02 p.m. ET
While rumors of the upcoming products have been swirling over the past year, no preview is more official than Apple’s event invitation graphic, filled with enough Easter eggs to keep fans excited and journalists engaged.
This year, we’re seeing an Apple logo shimmering in blue, orange, red, and yellow, followed by the words “Awe dropping.” My three theories for what the design implies are…
iPhone 17 Pro colors: Expected to consist of Orange, Black, Silver, and Dark Blue
A vapor chamber for cooling: This year’s Apple event invitation also resembles a heat map — reds and oranges hint at warmth, while the cooler blues suggest temperature regulation. That could be a subtle nod to upcoming thermal improvements.
Other temperature features: We may potentially see body temperature and blood pressure monitoring across new AirPods and Apple Watches.
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By Sabrina Ortiz, Senior Editor / Sept. 6 at 3:00 p.m. ET
Apple has confirmed via social media that this year’s fall event will take place on Sept. 9 at Apple Park in Cupertino, California. Select members of the press, including ZDNET’s Jason Hiner and Nina Raemont, will attend in person, but the public will be invited to join virtually via livestream.
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While Apple’s September event was open to a live audience, consisting of members of the media, industry analysts, employees, and partners, the company also held a livestream so that the public could tune in and watch its newest products launch in real time.
The livestream was hosted on Apple’s main website and YouTube, opening up to viewers several minutes before start time. This year, the event kicked off at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET, with replays being broadcasted at this point.
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max officially hit stores in one week, but you can preorder your new phone now. Due to high demand, preorders often go out of stock quickly, so we recommend acting immediately if you find in-stock listings.
The latest Pro and Pro Max models boast advancements in battery life, improved camera systems, better scratch resistance, new video features, and other upgrades. Both models come in three finishes and have Ceramic Shield 2 protection. The Pros start at $1,099, and the Pro Maxes start at $1,199.
Preorders start at 8 a.m. ET/5 a.m. PT on September 12, and the phones will become available starting September 19. If you’re hoping to get your hands on one, we’ve got you covered. We’ll highlight how to preorder one from various retailers, including cellphone providers and Apple.
How to preorder the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max can be ordered directly through Apple or through a cellphone retailer. Carriers like T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T often offer trade-in deals and other savings opportunities.
What’s the trade-in value of my current phone at Apple?
iPhones are a bit pricey, but you can save some money if you trade in an older version. Trade-in value typically varies by condition, year, and configuration, and not every device will be eligible. We’ve highlighted some trade-in values below, but you can find a full list on the Apple website. All the carriers listed above will also be running trade-ins to save on your new iPhone 17 Pro preorder.
iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max colors
Screenshot via Apple
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max come in three colors, including classic silver. Unlike most previous iPhone Pro models, there’s no black option.
iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max storage
The iPhone 17 Pro offers three storage options: 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB. The Pro Max offers the same three options, in addition to a massive 2 TB option.
If you’re looking to preorder something else, you can check out our preorder guides for the AirPods Pro 3, Apple Watch Ultra 3, iPhone Air, and Apple Watch 11 and SE 3.
Lillian Brown
Senior Associate Editor of Streaming
Lillian Brown is the Senior Associate Editor of Streaming at Business Insider. A lifelong entertainment and media buff, she specializes in helping you find how to watch your favorite shows, movies, and sporting events.ExperienceLillian has been writing about entertainment, sports, TV, and film for over six years, starting her career in the Living/Arts department of The Boston Globe. She went on to write entertainment features, roundups, and conduct celebrity interviews for publications like Vulture, TV Guide, Esquire, Time, and The Daily Beast before joining Business Insider as a streaming specialist on the Reviews team.In her current role, she writes about everything from finding the right VPN for watching overseas soccer games to choosing between the endless number of streaming services out there. When she’s not writing, she is editing stories from freelancers or fellow Reviews team members. Lillian is also an expert deal hunter. She loves the thrill of sharing an amazing discount with readers, whether it be on her favorite streaming services or on products she knows our team loves and recommends. She plays an active role in writing about sales and deals for the Reviews team.Why you can trust LillianWhether she’s testing streaming platform interfaces or actively comparing channel offerings between services, Lillian always has her finger on the pulse of what’s new in entertainment. She has tested nearly every streaming service and is an expert when it comes to VPNs. She is the first person to know when a streaming service has changed its price, and whether or not it’s still worth paying for. As a sports fan, she also knows exactly where the next big playoff game is streaming, what time it starts, and where they’re playing. Expertise
Streaming services
How to watch your favorite films, TV, sports
VPN services for legal streaming
Deals
Outside of workMost of the time, you can find Lillian watching a horror movie, WNBA game, or long-distance running. She is located in Boston.
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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.
Windhoek ‒ Andra Chigova, a 10-year-old girl from Windhoek, Namibia, is encouraging other girls to get vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that causes most cervical cancers. “I just got my HPV vaccination today. Do not be scared ‒ the HPV vaccine will protect us in the future against cervical cancer,” she says.
Chigova is one of the thousands of girls who have received the HPV vaccine through the national campaign launched by the Ministry of Health and Social Services in August 2025, with support from World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners. The campaign targets around 232 000 girls aged 9 to 14 years across all 14 regions of Namibia. During the initial two weeks of the campaign, which ran from 4‒15 August 2025, around 65 000 girls were vaccinated.
Chigova’s parents educated her about the importance of the vaccine and how it will protect her from cervical cancer as she grows older. “Nothing makes me happier than knowing my daughter is now protected from cervical cancer,” says her mother, Temptation Chigova. “I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact this disease has on women, their families and entire communities. I am truly grateful to the Government of Namibia for ensuring that our daughters will not have to endure the same pain.”
Globally, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, with an estimated 660 000 new cases in 2022. Almost 94% of the 350 000 cervical cancer deaths that year occurred in low- and middle-income countries.
The disease remains a pressing public health challenge in Namibia, with an estimated 350 new cases and more than 200 deaths each year. To address this, Namibia has aligned with WHO’s Global Strategy to Accelerate the Elimination of Cervical Cancer, which sets ambitious targets: vaccinating 90% of girls against HPV by age 15; screening 70% of women by ages 35 and 45; and ensuring 90% of women with cervical cancer disease receive timely treatment. The national HPV vaccination campaign is key to Namibia’s strategy to reduce the burden of cervical cancer.
According to Ramona Mbadeka, a nurse at Groot Aub Clinic on the outskirts of Windhoek, health workers are reaching out to parents to provide information and dispel any misinformation about the vaccine. “Some parents who initially refused to allow their daughters to be vaccinated later consented after attending an information session on the vaccine,” he says. “The vaccine is voluntary and I encourage parents to educate themselves with accurate information.”
Dr Esperance Luvindao, Minister of Health and Social Services in Namibia, reiterates that the vaccine is safe and effective. “We are seeing far too many women affected by this preventable illness. The numbers speak for themselves,” she says. “We welcome questions and are here to provide accurate information so families can make informed decisions based on facts, not fear or misinformation.”
Before and during the two-week campaign WHO worked with health authorities to provide supportive supervision to monitor progress at service delivery points, including health facilities and schools. The Organization supported a technical mission to strengthen planning, logistics, training and community engagement, addressing misinformation and operational gaps. In addition, WHO supported the development of the National HPV Vaccine Introduction Plan and the vaccination communication strategy. As part of its risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) efforts, WHO contributed to the development of information materials, media monitoring and the delivery of training modules for health workers, regional RCCE officers and community health workers.
“The ongoing HPV vaccination campaign aims to prevent infection, protect health and save the lives of our young girls from cervical cancer in the years to come,” says Dr Richard Banda, WHO Representative in Namibia. “I congratulate the Government of Namibia in this milestone in its public health journey.”
For Chigova, the campaign is not just about numbers but rather the promise of a healthy future for herself and her peers. “Now I feel happy because I know I am protected,” she says.
The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) facility, in Hanford, Washington.Credit: IMAGO/Xinhua via Alamy
Ten years after the historic discovery of gravitational waves, and having spotted hundreds more of these space-time swells since then, physicists say they are only just getting started.
On 14 September 2015, the twin facilities of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO), in Hanford, Washington, and Livingston, Louisiana, sensed the passing of ripples in space-time that had originated more than a billion years ago in the cataclysmic merger of two black holes, many galaxies away.
Clearest gravitational wave detection yet confirms Hawking’s black hole theory
That milestone took more than four decades of breakthroughs and heroic improvements in experimental techniques. But seeing such black-hole ‘binaries’ has now become routine. The LIGO detectors — alongside their sister observatories Virgo, near Pisa, Italy, and KAGRA, under Mount Ikenoyama, Japan — have roughly doubled their sensitivity over the past ten years, enabling them to monitor a region of the Universe that is twice as wide and contains about eight times as many galaxies. “We see binary black holes every three days on average now, which is pretty amazing to me,” says David Reitze, a physicist at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena and longtime director of the LIGO observatories. “It’s only going to get better.”
Over the next decade, teams in both the United States and Europe are hoping to build bigger observatories that can spot gravitational waves from anywhere across the observable Universe. Nature takes a look at scientists’ plans for the next generation of gravitational-wave detectors.
Cosmic Explorer
US-based gravitational-wave researchers want to build the Cosmic Explorer (CE), an interferometer similar to LIGO, but with L-shaped arms that are ten times longer, stretching 40 kilometres. If it is built and works as planned, the CE should collect 100,000 black-hole mergers each year, essentially spotting them wherever they happen in the observable Universe. These will include events that happened more than ten billion years ago, when galaxies were at their busiest creating and destroying stars and making and merging black holes, says Reitze. “You really do want to be able to probe farther back.”
Five new ways to catch gravitational waves — and the secrets they’ll reveal
Each year, the CE would also pick up more than one million mergers of lighter objects called neutron stars — a rate of or one every several seconds, says Stefan Ballmer, a physicist at Syracuse University in New York.
But building it will not be cheap. With its arms stretching far beyond the horizon, the CE will run into the curvature of the Earth. If the endpoints are built at the ground level, the middle points will have to reach some 30 metres below the surface. Physicists have been scouting the United States for remote locations that are naturally bowl-shaped, which could reduce the need for digging. “We are winnowing the candidate sites down to a shortlist,” says Ballmer.
LIGO upgrades
Meanwhile, a planned set of upgrades called LIGO A# (A-sharp) could more than double the sensitivity of the existing observatory in the early 2030s, and help to test the cutting-edge technology that will eventually go into the CE. Improvements will include raising the power of the lasers that run down the interferometer arms. The LIGO team also plans to install heavier, more stable and more perfectly reflective suspended mirrors at the ends of those arms. (Interferometers detect gravitational waves by measuring tiny changes in the amount of time it takes for laser light to bounce between the mirrors.)
However, both the continued funding for maintaining LIGO and that for any upgrades — let alone new US-based facilities — could be at risk if President Donald Trump achieves his target of severely downsizing the US National Science Foundation, the agency that has funded most of LIGO’s construction and operation. Congress has hinted that it might prefer less-drastic cuts, however, and researchers remain hopeful. “I think we just have to wait and see,” Reitze says.
An artist’s impression of the Einstein Telescope — an underground gravitational-wave observatory with three 10km-long arms arranged in a triangle. Credit: Marco Kraan (Nikhef)
