In summary
- iPhone 17 range, including new Air model
- New Watch, AirPods Pro, and Apple TV 4K models rumoured
- HomePod Mini 2 and AirTag 2 also possible
Apple has confirmed that it will be holding a special launch event on 9 September, where it will announce a number of new products – including its latest smartphone range.
The company has sent out press invites to an event being held on 9 September at 1PM ET / 10AM PT (that’s 6PM in UK time) at the Steve Jobs Theater in Apple HQ.
The invite itself reveals the event’s theme as “Awe dropping” – a slightly weak bit of wordplay on the term ‘jaw dropping’.
So what exactly are we expecting to see from this latest Apple event? There’s a the obvious stuff – Apple’s iPhone 17 is expected to take front and centre – but also a couple of twists on the usual formula.
iPhone 17 range
The main event will, as always, be Apple’s new smartphone range. This is expected to be led by the iPhone 17, with the usual iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max serving as the premium upgrade options.
There’s a new model expected thus year in the iPhone 17 Air, which could replace a potential iPhone 17 Plus. As the name suggests, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to be extremely light and skinny, much like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, but with an even slimmer body (less than 5.6mm) and just the one camera.
As for what we’re expecting from the traditional iPhone 17 family (beyond the usual updated innards), Apple is tipped to be launching a new design with a refreshed camera module. Out goes Apple’s signature squircular module, in comes a vaguely Pixel-like width-spanning camera bar.
New Apple Watches
Apple will also use its Awe Dropping event to announce updated smartwatch models. The Apple Watch 11 won’t be the bold reinvention we’ve been waiting for, with a familiar rounded-square design expected.
It should be an incremental improvement led by a new high blood pressure detection feature. We can also expect a new S11 chip, though it may be little more than a rebranding exercise.
Jim Martin / Foundry
There should also be a premium Apple Watch Ultra 3 model announced, with the usual rugged build and meaty battery life. It might also add satellite text communication.
Apple should address its cheaper smartwatch market too, with an Apple Watch SE 3 launch tipped.
AirPods Pro 3
It’s been three years since the launch of the AirPods Pro 2, which launched three years after Apple’s original premium earphones. That means a third generation product is expected at Apple’s big event.
The AirPods Pro 3 could feature a new heart rate monitor feature, lifted from the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, as well as new temperature sensors.
Apple TV 4K
Just like the AirPods Pro, we haven’t had a new Apple TV product for almost three years. That may be set to change, with rumours of a new Apple TV 4K in the works.
Reports suggest a switch to an A17 Pro chip, which could make it capable of running advanced console games like Death Stranding and Resident Evil 8. We could also get Apple’s own Bluetooth and Wi-Fi chip for enhanced connectivity.
Mahmoud Itani / Foundry
HomePod Mini 2
Apple could well use its September event to announce a follow-up to the original HomePod Mini. This second-generation speaker should get upgraded drivers for better sound.
It could also feature Apple’s new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, funky new colours, and a new UWB chip for seamless hand-off.
AirTags 2
Can you believe it’s been four years since Apple launched its dinky AirTag trackers? This is one product that might not seem to require a new version, but Apple is rumoured to be launching an AirTags 2 soon nonetheless.
It’ll likely look much the same – small, round discs – but with an upgraded Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip for better range on its real time tracking capabilities. Security should also get a boost.
