What to Expect from Apple’s September Event?
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It’s almost that time of the year again. For the past 14 years, Apple has consistently released a brand new iPhone lineup every fall, and this year won’t be any different. We’re now only a week away from Apple’s “Awe Dropping” fall event, which means we fans don’t have to wait much longer to find out what the company has in store for us.
As with any Apple event, there are plenty of leaks and speculations. Sure, we already know a couple of products we’ll be seeing, but there are a ton of other rumors that we hope are true.
That means we’re just weeks away from seeing a brand-new iPhone lineup, next-gen Apple Watches, updated AirPods, and maybe even some fresh products.
Here’s everything we expect Apple to unveil during its September keynote.
iPhone 17 Series: Four Models Are Coming
This year’s iPhone lineup is shaping up to be one of the most interesting in years. The reason is that Apple will switch things up and introduce a new type of iPhone, but more on that in just a moment.
As usual, Apple is expected to release four different iPhone models: the standard iPhone 17, a new and slimmer iPhone 17 model, and the high-end models: the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Leaked specifications and early renders show that all four will get internal upgrades, slightly better cameras, and next-generation A19 chips.
The biggest change in terms of design across almost all models will be on the back. Many rumors suggest that Apple will feature a larger camera bump on the back, which will be rectangular instead of the usual square-shaped one. The base iPhone 17 will retain the same design as the iPhone 16, featuring a pill-shaped rear camera.
Additionally, all iPhone 17 models are rumored to have 12 GB of RAM, as well as a 24 MP front-facing camera system. The Pro models are said to feature a 48 MP Telephoto camera, which would be a significant upgrade from the current generation’s 12 MP system.
The good news is that pricing is expected to remain roughly the same, although there may be slight increases for models with more storage.
iPhone 17 Air: The Slimmest iPhone Ever
The biggest change in this year’s lineup will definitely be the so-called “iPhone 17 Air.” While we can’t be sure that’s what it will actually be called until Apple takes the stage next week, but every reliable rumor says it’s the new ultra-slim model is coming to replace the iPhone Plus lineup since it failed to meet sales expectations (much like the iPhone mini that came before it).
Many reports claim that the “iPhone 17 Air” could be as thin as 5.5 mm at its thinnest part, making it the slimmest iPhone that Apple has ever made. Of course, not everything is good news, as this model may ditch the second camera on the back to keep things sleek and light, appealing to users who want a more comfortable device for daily use.
Design-wise, the slim new iPhone 17 model is expected to feature a flat edge, with up to five new color options, and a large 6.6-inch display. Rumor has it that Apple was thinking of using a 6.9-inch display, but it scrapped the idea to avoid bending.
Since the “iPhone 17 Air” is replacing the iPhone Plus, we expect it to have the same price tag. This means that you should be able to get it for $899 for the base model.
iOS 26 with a New ‘Liquid Glass’ Look Will Finally Be Available to the Public
With every new iPhone, we also get a new version of iOS, and 2025 will be no different. This year, iOS 26 is expected to bring a fresh coat of paint with something Apple calls a “Liquid Glass” user interface. That means apps, widgets, and notifications could have a more transparent look with new animated depth effects.
We’ve already seen the Liquid Glass UI in action, and it’s been polarizing to say the least. While some users love the change, others didn’t like this new idea. Of course, this new design is here to stay, so we’d better get used to it.
Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3
Apple isn’t forgetting about its wearable lineup. The Apple Watch Series 11 is expected to launch alongside the new iPhones, and the leaks we know of say it will come with the new S11 chip, better battery efficiency, and improved health-tracking features.
The new feature that we’re all expecting might be a new blood pressure detector. While it won’t provide exact blood pressure readings like a traditional sphygmomanometer, the new Apple Watch may still alert you if it detects an abnormal reading.
And good news: The blood oxygen sensor is also expected to make a comeback now that Apple redesigned the feature to avoid more legal issues. Unfortunately, Masimo, the company behind the first lawsuit, is suing US Customs to prevent Apple’s latest attempt to return the feature, so we’ll still have to wait and see.
Meanwhile, the more rugged and expensive Apple Watch Ultra 3 is also on the way. It may keep the same design but add satellite messaging, which could help you send emergency texts without a signal. We also expect this new Apple Watch to come with the new blood pressure reading feature. Lastly, expect a new Apple Watch SE 3 as an affordable model that, like its 2022 predecessor, will deliver the performance of the latest chip without all the extra health monitoring features.
AirPods Pro 3
After years of rumors, AirPods Pro 3 could finally launch this fall. While the design of the earbuds may look similar, insiders say the new version is likely to include some new health features, although we should still take some of those reports with a grain of salt.
Rumor has it that the new AirPods Pro 3 may come with built-in heart rate and body temperature monitoring, which will give users who don’t want an Apple Watch access to this health data. While the heart-rate sensor sounds very likely, given that Apple already added this feature to the Powerbeats Pro 2 earlier this year, it’s far less clear if Apple will have the body temperature sensor ready to go for this version.
Of course, sound quality will likely improve as well, with enhanced active noise cancellation and improved support. That would make AirPods Pro 3 not only smarter but a better match for Apple Music fans.
Finally, the new Live Translation features debuting in iOS 26 may extend to Apple’s AirPods Pro 3, providing a Star Trek-like universal translator experience.
We haven’t heard many rumors regarding the new AirPods Pro’s price, so we expect — and hope — that Apple will keep the same price tag of $249.
Are We Getting a New HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K?
It’s been a while since Apple surprised us with a fresh new update to its home lineup during a September event. Coincidentally, it’s also been a while since Apple has shown some love to the HomePod and Apple TV. But maybe this year the company will finally shake things up.
Apple might also use its September event to refresh some of its home products. Reports suggest a new HomePod mini is in the works, featuring an updated S9 chip that will allow faster and more secure connections and better sound performance.
There may also be a new Apple TV 4K, with the latest internals (possibly the A17 Pro chip) and support for Wi-Fi 7. This upgrade would allow Apple to implement Apple Intelligence into its TV box, which will probably be one of its big selling points, not to mention the same ability to play AAA console games that the A17 Pro chip brought to the iPhone 15 Pro two years ago.
These devices aren’t expected to be the stars of the show, but we might still see them during the presentation.
When Will the Event Take Place?
Apple has dubbed its September event “Awe Dropping,” and sent out the invite last week to press and other media to announce that it will be held next Tuesday, September 9, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time.
This means we’re only a week away from seeing what Apple has to show off. As usual, the keynote will stream online on Apple’s website, YouTube, and in the TV app, just like last year.
Get Ready for the New September Keynote
As the title suggests, Apple’s “Awe Dropping” event will likely be a big one. Between the slim new iPhone 17 model, the debut of iOS 26, and new health-focused Apple Watch features, there’s plenty for Apple fans to be excited about.
Regardless of what is announced, you can expect to discover and play with a lot. So if you’ve been thinking about an upgrade, you might want to hold off just a little longer. Get ready for a busy September.
[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]
