School is starting, weather is still warm, and it iPhone season is just around the corner!
On Tuesday, Tim Cook posted on X revealing the date for the next Apple event for Tuesday, September 9 titled ‘Awe Dropping.’ Be sure to tune in at 10 AM PDT for some exciting announcements from Apple!
In the X post from Tim Cook, there is a glowy, moving graphic displaying the Apple logo. Maybe a reference to the Liquid Glass design of the upcoming iOS 26? There were also many shades of orange appearing in the animation, and I’ve seen many rumors about an orange iPhone 17 Pro Max being announced, so maybe a hint at that? Or maybe something else? We’ll have to wait and see.
And, interesting enough, this event is held on the same day as last year, September 9. But, on different days of the week. Maybe a significance to the 9th, or just plain coincidence.
Alright, now let’s get into what will be announced at Apple Park. First of all, Apple’s September events are known for their iPhone launches, so the new iPhone 17 lineup should be expected. We are expected to see various changes to the iPhone lineup this year, with the addition of the Air model, essentially replacing the Plus in the lineup. It’s a common moniker that Apple has used for many of its products like the AirTag, iPad Air, AirPods and MacBook Air. Is it the iPhone’s turn? I guess so. In the Apple ecosystem, it usually means a more portable, thinner, and lighter device that still has great computing power. The iPhone 17 Air should live up to many of those characteristics, with it projected to be one of the thinnest smartphones ever. It is expected to have Apple’s latest processor (A19 chip), a 6.6 inch display, a 120Hz display, a titanium outer case, as well as vibrant colors. There is rumored also to be a redesigned back camera structure, with a camera ‘bar’ at the top of the phone. But, the thin design also has some drawbacks. Because of the smaller internal capacity, some things will be cut in order to make this groundbreaking design like the inclusion of just one rear camera, a smaller battery, and possibly no camera control. Here’s an image of what it could look like:
With the other phones in the lineup, there should be ProMotion technology enabling a 120Hz refresh rate across the board for the first time ever, previously being exclusive to just the Pro models. The screen sizes are also expected to increase to 6.3 inches on the iPhone 17 model, matching the Pro model. Apple probably also improve the camera system on both the front and rear camera modules on all iPhone models, so that is something to look for. The standard iPhone 17 should look pretty similar to last year’s 16, so many of the rumors around the 17 lineup were around the Air and Pro/Pro Max models.
Rumors say that the design of the Pro/Pro Max models will have a similar camera bar design to the Air, but be a lot wider to accommodate the three cameras. And, the flash and LIDAR sensor will be positioned on the other side of the phone, using all of the camera bar’s real estate. Interesting enough, this specific design was captured out in the wild at a rare sighting of a pre-released iPhone out testing. Judge for yourself:
You can distinctly see two circles on the right side of the phone, a distinction between the 17 and 16 models that he is holding. Could this be baloney? Sure. But given Apple’s history of gradually refining its design language and the fact that multiple leaks have pointed to similar changes, it’s not entirely far-fetched.
In addition, the Pro models are also expected to feature reverse wireless charging, which would be a gamechanger. It would create the capability to charge devices like your Apple Watch, AirPods, and more just through your iPhone. The iPhone 17 Pro will also have a 48-megapixel Telephoto lens, an A19 Pro chip, and refreshed colors to match. The colors are intriguing to me, because this would be one of the first times that Apple has chosen to include more saturated and vibrant colors on the Pro models, if the rumors are indeed true. Orange, Blue, and some sort of gray/silver/white/black will be the color options. A stark departure from Apple’s previous color options that are sometimes nicknamed “shades of gray” on the Pro models.
To discuss accessories, Apple is rumored to refresh their case options for the 17. MacRumors sums it up perfectly here:
Apple is rumored to be designing new “TechWoven” fabric-style cases for the iPhone 17 lineup. The cases are said to offer enhanced durability compared to the prior FineWoven cases that Apple used to sell. The iPhone cases appear to have small holes at the bottom corners that would accommodate a lanyard or a crossbody strap. They are said to have metallic buttons with “improved tactile feedback,” a Camera Control button, and MagSafe compatibility.
Most know that Apple’s previous case venture, FineWoven, was a complete flop. They scratched easily, were not durable, and too expensive. Hopefully Apple can redeem themselves with the upcoming TechWoven.
Continuing to other products, Apple is also expected to launch new AirPods Pro 3. They may include a heart rate sensor and be sweat and waterproof. Apple also releases annual updates to their Apple Watches, and continue that trend this year with the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3. Both of those watch are projected to include nominal updates but is rumored to include satellite connectivity, allowing wearers to get help in an emergency using a satellite connection in remote areas where Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity are unavailable. Unfortunately, it sounds like it’s going to be an Ultra only feature, so don’t expect it for the Apple Watch Series 11 (MacRumors).
That is everything that I am expecting from the event, but Apple has a tendency to surprise us. Maybe a new AirTag? iPad? Who knows. Time will tell.
Anyways, I am overall very excited for this September event. It will include a great headliner in the new iPhone 17s that should be a great new overhaul of the iPhone lineup, featuring design changes and overall refreshes. I know that I most likely not be upgrading my phone this coming cycle, since I bought the iPhone 16 Plus this year but I will still be watching closely to see what Apple has in store. Even if I’m not upgrading right away, the announcements always give a glimpse into the future of Apple technology and what might be coming next. It’s exciting to see how the innovations unfold and what new features could eventually make their way into my next device.
Check out more here from MacRumors: Five Things to Expect From Apple’s ‘Awe Dropping’ September 9 Event
Watch the event live here on YouTube:
The Apple Enthusiast 