Apple will hold its biggest launch of the year on September 9. The company is expected to reveal the iPhone 17 lineup, a refreshed Apple Watch range, AirPods Pro 3, and updates across iPad, Vision Pro, Apple TV, and HomePod mini. The event marks the start of a new design cycle for the iPhone, which remains Apple’s most important product.
The centerpiece is the iPhone 17 series:
- iPhone 17 Air: A new ultrathin model at 5.5mm, roughly a third slimmer than the iPhone 16 Pro. Features include a 6.6-inch display, a single rear camera, eSIM-only support, ProMotion, and the A19 chip. Its thin frame limits battery capacity, placing it in a niche category.
- iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max: Redesigned backs with a camera area spanning the top third, upgraded A19 Pro chip, aluminum frames, and a revamped wireless charging panel. Key camera improvements include a 48MP telephoto lens, variable aperture, and simultaneous front-and-back video recording.
- iPhone 17: Gains a larger 6.3-inch screen, ProMotion support, and the A19 processor while keeping a more familiar design.
Watches, AirPods, and More
Apple’s wearable lineup is also getting attention:
- Apple Watch Ultra 3: Larger screen, S11 chip, 5G Redcap support, and satellite texting for emergencies.
- Apple Watch Series 11: Similar design to last year, brighter screen, and new finishes to address durability issues.
- Apple Watch SE: Faster processor and updated displays, positioned as an affordable option for younger users.
AirPods and accessories:
- AirPods Pro 3: Smaller charging case, new pairing system, and live translation features. Apple has also tested a heart rate sensor.
- AirTag 2: Improved wireless chip for better range and accuracy.
- iPad Pro: M5-powered model with a second front-facing camera.
- Vision Pro: First update since launch, with a new chip and possible space black version.
- Apple TV: First update since 2022, new processor, and wireless chip support for future Siri upgrades.
- HomePod mini: Updated wireless chip, new ultra-wideband features, and better audio quality.
Apple’s fall lineup comes as it faces pressure from Samsung, Google, Huawei, and Xiaomi. While competitors push generative AI, Apple’s iOS 26 offers little in that space. Instead, the company is leaning on hardware design to hold its ground and reinforce its ecosystem.
According to Bloomberg, this marks the start of a three-year cycle of major iPhone design changes. A foldable model is expected in 2026, followed by a 20th anniversary iPhone in 2027. With the iPhone driving nearly half of Apple’s revenue, this launch remains critical.
Curious about Apple’s upcoming announcements? Check out what we know about the “Awe-Dropping” September event here: Everything We Know About Apple’s ‘Awe-Dropping’ September Event.
