WSJ Tech News Briefing

Episode: TNB Tech Minute: Apple Unveils ‘iPhone Air’
Date: September 9, 2025
Host: Julie Chang

Overview

This episode delivers a concise roundup of major technology news for the afternoon of September 9, 2025. The headline is Apple’s unveiling of the new iPhone 17 lineup, notably introducing the “iPhone Air,” a new, thinner and foldable model. Other highlights include Apple’s new AirPods Pro headphones, updates to the Apple Watch, significant FCC and spectrum news involving EchoStar, and CoreWeave's fresh venture arm for AI startups. The episode packs the biggest tech stories into a digestible, minute-long format.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Apple Event: Major Device Announcements

[00:16 - 01:00]

• iPhone 17 Lineup:
  • Announcement of Apple's first new iPhone model “in years.”
  • The event marks a major refresh since the iPhone X.
  • Introduction of 'iPhone Air':
    • Thinner, mid-range device with a foldable design.
    • “Showcasing Apple’s move toward thinner, foldable devices.”
    • The new Air replaces the previous Plus models in the lineup.
• AirPods Pro, 3rd Generation:
  • Featured enhanced capabilities:
    • Heart rate monitoring.
    • Improved battery life.
    • Upgraded noise cancellation.
    • Better water resistance.
• Apple Watch Update:
  • New health feature announced: Detection of high blood pressure.

Julie Chang [00:19]: “Apple unveiled its first new iPhone model in years at its annual September event. Today, the tech giant revealed its iPhone 17 lineup, including its new thinner iPhone Air… the new mid range device replaces the plus model from prior years.”

2. FCC Concludes Investigation of EchoStar

[01:01 - 01:25]

• The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) decided to end its investigation into EchoStar regarding spectrum license usage.
• Background: In May, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr suggested EchoStar might lose some licenses due to allegations of not using them to compete with major wireless carriers.
• Recent developments:
  • EchoStar sold parts of its spectrum to AT&T (last month) and SpaceX (this Monday).
  • These sales require FCC approval, but after the SpaceX deal, the investigation was closed.

Julie Chang [01:10]: “After the SpaceX deal was announced, Carr sent a letter to EchoStar saying he had directed staff to conclude the investigation.”

3. CoreWeave Launches Venture Arm for AI Startups

[01:26 - 01:55]

• CoreWeave, a leading cloud computing provider for AI workloads, launched an investment branch targeting AI startups.
• The venture arm is open to startups at all stages.
• A broader context: Increased corporate investment in venture deals, with US corporate venture participation reaching $102.8 billion in the first half of the year, double from the same period last year (PitchBook).
• As of September 2025, CoreWeave Ventures has invested in nine startups.

Julie Chang [01:42]: “Corporate investors participated in US venture deals worth a combined $102.8 billion in the first half of the year. That's roughly double from the same period of last year, according to PitchBook data.”

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Apple’s Product Philosophy:

  “...the new, thinner iPhone Air. The iPhone Air is the first major refresh since the iPhone X, showcasing Apple’s move toward thinner, foldable devices.”
  — Julie Chang [00:22]

• FCC & EchoStar:

  “Carr sent a letter to EchoStar saying he had directed staff to conclude the investigation. The sales to ATT and SpaceX are subject to FCC approval.”
  — Julie Chang [01:13]

• Corporate Investing Trends:

  “Corporate investors participated in US venture deals worth a combined $102.8 billion in the first half of the year. That’s roughly double from the same period of last year, according to PitchBook data.”
  — Julie Chang [01:42]

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:16 — Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup and iPhone Air announcement
• 00:30 — AirPods Pro (3rd gen) and Apple Watch health updates
• 01:01 — FCC ends EchoStar spectrum investigation
• 01:26 — CoreWeave launches AI venture arm and venture capital trends

Episode Tone & Style

True to the Wall Street Journal’s format, the tone is factual, succinct, and focused on the most impactful tech headlines. The reporting style is clear, designed for business professionals and tech enthusiasts seeking quick, high-value updates.

This summary covers all the episode’s key content, spotlighting Apple’s hardware innovations, regulatory news, and the robust expansion of corporate tech investment.