As September rolls in, Apple enthusiasts can feel the exciting shift from summer to a bustling fall season filled with anticipated announcements and product launches. This month marks the start of a series of significant events for Apple, culminating in the highly awaited iPhone 17 launch on September 9.
Apple's annual fall keynote is scheduled for September 9 at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET. This event promises to unveil the much-anticipated iPhone 17 lineup, which includes the ultra-sleek iPhone 17 Air, in addition to the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3. Apple is also expected to showcase new accessories, such as the AirPods Pro 3, TechWoven iPhone cases, and Crossbody Strap accessories specifically designed for the iPhone 17 cases. Furthermore, a redesigned Apple Clear Case and several new styles and colors for Apple Watch bands are also on the agenda.
Our team, including Chance Miller and myself, will be present at the Steve Jobs Theater in Apple Park, ready to provide hands-on coverage of all the new hardware immediately following the keynote livestream. Stay tuned for our detailed insights and reviews!
Following the keynote, developers and public beta testers can expect the release candidate builds of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26, and macOS Tahoe 26 to be available around 12:30 PM PT / 3:30 PM ET. Typically, the Xcode RC is released simultaneously, and App Store Connect will reopen for iOS 26 submissions later that afternoon. During the keynote, details about the official release dates for iOS 26 and other software updates will also be revealed, including new versions for HomePod and AirPods.
On the morning of September 12 at 5 AM PT / 8 AM ET, Apple is set to open preorders for the new iPhone 17 models and the latest Apple Watch hardware. Customers can expect carriers to introduce updated trade-in promotions in anticipation of this launch. Those using the iPhone Upgrade Program will have the opportunity to complete pre-approvals in the days leading up to preorder morning.
The official shipping versions of iOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and other fall software updates will likely roll out the following week. In recent years, Apple has consistently released updates on the first Monday after the iPhone event, and we can expect this trend to continue.
In the days leading up to the launch, the review embargoes for the iPhone 17, Apple Watch Series 11, and AirPods Pro 3 are expected to lift. Historically, Apple has timed these embargo drops from Monday through Wednesday during the launch week, allowing the press to publish detailed reviews before the products actually ship. Last year, the review embargoes for the AirPods 4 lifted on Monday, while the Apple Watch Series 10 and iPhone 16 models followed suit on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively. Will this same pattern emerge for the iPhone 17 series and its accompanying devices?
Friday, September 19, is expected to be the first day of in-store availability for the iPhone 17 and Apple Watch Series 11. Customers who preordered can expect their devices to arrive at their doorsteps, while Apple Stores will likely see enthusiastic crowds eager for the latest products.
Additionally, we anticipate the release of iOS 26.0.1 before the end of September, with developer beta testers possibly receiving iOS 26.1 beta 1 by the month's conclusion.
As we look forward to October, there remains a possibility of a second fall Apple event. However, it's equally likely that press releases will suffice for remaining hardware updates. Apple may introduce an updated iPad Pro featuring the unannounced M5 chip, and the Apple Vision Pro may also receive an upgrade with an M4 or M5 chip from the M2. Furthermore, the M5 configurations for the MacBook Pro are still on the table for a potential 2025 launch, although they may not be ready until spring 2026. We expect to learn more about these upcoming products through ongoing rumors and reports throughout September.
As the launch of one new round of iPhones typically ignites speculation for the following year's devices, the buzz around the iPhone 17 also opens the door to exciting rumors for 2026. Notably, 2026 could witness Apple’s first foldable iPhone, possibly inspired by the design of the iPhone 17 Air. Stay tuned for the latest updates and breaking news from Apple as we navigate through September.
What are you most excited to see from Apple this month? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
