Apple is just days away from unveiling its latest innovations during the highly anticipated “Awe Dropping” event on September 9th. This year’s launch promises to deliver more than just a minor upgrade; rumors suggest the introduction of an ultra-thin iPhone alongside a revamped smartphone lineup. While the iPhone 17 is set to steal the spotlight, Apple may also surprise us with several other devices. Here’s an overview of what to expect during this significant launch event.
One of the most striking features of the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models is the redesigned camera system. Leakers, including renowned tipster Majin Bu, have shared renderings showcasing pronounced camera bumps reminiscent of Google Pixel devices. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, these models are expected to house a trio of 48-megapixel camera sensors. Furthermore, the Pro variants are rumored to upgrade to a 24MP selfie camera, powered by the new A19 Pro processor, and will see an increase in RAM from 8GB to 12GB.
In addition to improved camera technology, leaker Ice Universe has suggested that the iPhone 17 Pro Max might feature a thicker profile to accommodate a larger battery. There’s also speculation that Apple could replace the titanium body with a lighter aluminum chassis for these Pro models. Dummy units shared by leaker Sonny Dickson indicate that the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max could be available in four stylish colors: silver, black, navy blue, and orange.
Apple has traditionally reserved the “Air” branding for its sleek MacBook line, but rumors suggest the company is extending this lightweight designation to smartphones with the rumored iPhone 17 Air. This model is anticipated to be incredibly thin at just 5.5mm, featuring a 6.6-inch display equipped with ProMotion technology and a Dynamic Island, as reported by Bloomberg. It is expected to include a single 48-megapixel camera within a Google Pixel-style camera bump, an A19 processor, and Apple’s first in-house modem, which may not support the mmWave 5G frequency.
Due to its slim profile, the iPhone 17 Air is likely to forgo a physical SIM card slot, although it may feature the Camera Control button introduced with the iPhone 16. Despite initial reports suggesting a trade-off between battery life and slimness, Bloomberg has stated that Apple has managed to align the device's battery performance with that of current iPhones. The iPhone 17 Air is projected to retail around $900 and may come in colors such as black, silver, gold, and light blue.
The standard iPhone 17 is not expected to undergo a major redesign compared to its predecessor, but enhancements are anticipated under the hood. A report from South Korea's The Elec indicates that the device may feature an upgraded 120Hz ProMotion display for smoother scrolling, alongside a slightly larger 6.3-inch screen, as suggested by supply chain analyst Ross Young. Like the iPhone 17 Air, the base model is also expected to be powered by the new A19 processor.
Notably, Apple may skip the iPhone 17 “Plus” variant, opting instead to introduce the iPhone 17 Air. Pricing for the iPhone 17 is estimated to be around $800, with a range of colors including pink, green, blue, white, and black.
During the “Awe Dropping” event, Apple is also expected to unveil three new smartwatches, including the Apple Watch Ultra 3. This model may feature a larger display and include support for satellite texting, enabling users to send messages without Wi-Fi or cellular service. Additionally, both the Watch Ultra 3 and the new Watch Series 11 are rumored to incorporate a modem with support for 5G RedCap, along with advanced health monitoring features to detect signs of high blood pressure.
The budget-friendly Apple Watch SE 3 is anticipated to receive a design refresh, although it may retain its aluminum case rather than switching to a more affordable plastic option, as initially suggested by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Overall, significant performance upgrades for the Apple Watch lineup may be limited, as leaked code indicates the S11 system is built on the same architecture as the chips in the Series 9 and Series 10 models.
Apple's next-generation AirPods Pro 3 are expected to come with several enhancements, including the much-anticipated heart rate monitoring feature, which was previously introduced in the Powerbeats Pro 2. The new AirPods Pro may also be equipped with an H3 chip and a redesigned charging case that reduces its size and eliminates the pairing button, aligning it with the case used for the AirPods 4. A 2023 Bloomberg report hinted at a potential redesign for the AirPods Pro 3, though details remain unclear.
While there are several other devices rumored for launch this year, they may not make their debut at the September 9th event. These include a second-generation Vision Pro headset featuring an upgraded processor, with speculation surrounding the M4 or M5 chip, and a new strap designed to alleviate neck and head discomfort. Furthermore, an M5-powered iPad Pro is rumored to be in the works, potentially featuring portrait and landscape cameras. Additionally, updates on Apple Intelligence and the delayed rollout of an AI-enhanced Siri may also be discussed, with suggestions that Apple could leverage an external AI model from companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, or Google.
For the latest updates on the iPhone 17 and other exciting announcements from Apple, stay tuned to The Verge as the launch event approaches.
