With only a week left until Apple's highly anticipated Awe Dropping event, excitement is reaching a fever pitch. This event, scheduled for September 9 at 1 PM ET, will be livestreamed on YouTube, showcasing the unveiling of the much-awaited iPhone 17. The theme of "Awe Dropping," hinted at in the invitations sent to the media on August 26, has left many speculating about its meaning. Could it refer to a new generation of lightweight devices making their debut?
The Engadget team will have three members on-site at Apple Park, providing live coverage and hands-on impressions during the keynote. Make sure to return here for the latest updates and insights as the event unfolds, as this year promises to be a significant departure from previous September product launches.
This year's event is expected to showcase an all-new super-thin model of the iPhone, potentially called the iPhone Air. According to reports from Bloomberg's Apple reporter, Mark Gurman, the iPhone Air is rumored to measure around 5.55 mm thick, making it the thinnest iPhone yet, surpassing the iPhone 6 from 2014, which measured 6.9 mm. However, this ultra-thin design may come with compromises, such as a single 48 MP camera and a smaller battery.
In contrast, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are expected to undergo design changes and performance enhancements, potentially switching from titanium to aluminum. The rear camera array might expand into an island-like design, accommodating three cameras with an upgraded telephoto lens boasting 48MP capabilities for improved digital zooming and cropping.
The standard iPhone 17 is anticipated to receive significant display upgrades, including the introduction of a 120Hz variable refresh rate (ProMotion) display, a feature previously exclusive to the Pro series since 2021. All new iPhones will launch with the latest iOS 26, which brings a fresh design overhaul, possibly highlighting the new Liquid Glass visual language.
The fall event isn't solely focused on the iPhone; Apple is also expected to unveil new models of the Apple Watch. The upcoming Apple Watch Ultra 3 may feature 5G capabilities and a processor upgrade, along with satellite text messaging for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s been two years since a new rugged and premium model was introduced, making this upgrade long overdue.
While the Series 11 may not see drastic changes from the previous model, enhanced performance through a faster chip is likely, and there are whispers that 5G could finally make its way to standard Apple Watch models.
Additionally, the event may see the reveal of the AirPods Pro 3, which have not been updated in roughly three years. The new earbuds are rumored to include biometric sensors for tracking heart rate and possibly temperature, alongside features like live translation. However, design changes may be minimal, with reports indicating a slight size reduction and the removal of the physical pairing button in favor of capacitive controls.
As the countdown clock ticks closer to the Apple event, anticipation continues to build. While details remain under wraps, Apple's track record suggests that surprises are likely in store. Stay connected for real-time updates and comprehensive coverage of the event as we await the next big announcements from Apple.
