Apple is gearing up for its second major event of the year, the much-anticipated “Awe Dropping” showcase, set for September 9. This virtual event is expected to introduce the iPhone 17 lineup, but that’s just the beginning. Alongside the usual hardware upgrades, the event may also deliver a new iPhone Air, updated Apple Watches, fresh AirPods, and even a glimpse into Apple’s AI future. Here’s a full breakdown of what to expect.
iPhone 17
The standard iPhone 17 will likely retain a familiar design, but a few upgrades are worth noting. According to sources like The Elec, the display will finally get a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate. Analyst Ross Young also predicts a slight increase in size to 6.3 inches.
Powering the device will be Apple’s new A19 chip, but don’t expect a Plus model this year. It appears Apple is phasing that out, with the iPhone Air taking its place. The iPhone 17 is expected to launch at around $800 (roughly Rs 70,580) and will come in a range of colours including pink, green, blue, white, and black.
Leaks also hint at a possible $50 price hike across all models, making this year’s iPhones a bit more expensive than before.
iPhone Air
The iPhone Air is rumoured to be the big surprise of the event. Replacing the Plus variant, this ultra-thin iPhone is expected to measure just 5.5mm thick. It could feature a 6.6-inch ProMotion display and Dynamic Island, offering a more premium experience in a slimmer package.
On the rear, it might have a single 48MP camera with a Pixel-style bump, while under the hood sits the A19 chip and Apple’s first in-house modem. However, this modem is not expected to support mmWave 5G, meaning download speeds may vary by region.
Due to its slim profile, the iPhone Air will likely ditch the SIM tray altogether in favour of eSIM support. Battery life concerns have been addressed, with sources claiming performance on par with existing models. Pricing could start around $900 (Rs 79,400) and colours may include black, silver, gold, and light blue.
iPhone 17 Pro & Pro Max
As for the Pro models, leaked renders show larger camera bumps, possibly inspired by Google’s Pixel phones. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says the new setup will include three 48MP sensors, while the front camera is expected to jump to 24MP for sharper selfies.
Under the hood, expect the A19 Pro chip, coupled with 12GB of RAM—up from 8GB in the iPhone 16 Pro. The Pro Max might also have a thicker body to support a larger battery. There’s talk of a material change too, with Apple possibly switching from titanium to aluminium for weight savings. Colour options may include silver, black, navy blue, and a new orange shade.
Apple Watch Ultra 3
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to debut alongside the Series 11. One standout feature could be satellite texting—a handy tool for those venturing off the grid. There’s also talk of a slightly larger display and a 5G RedCap modem for improved connectivity.
Health features might expand too, with the addition of a high blood pressure alert system. On the budget end, the Apple Watch SE 3 is also expected, though without the rumoured plastic case, as Apple reportedly scrapped the idea due to design concerns.
All three new models will likely run on the S11 chip, based on the same foundation as previous models.
AirPods Pro 3
Next-gen AirPods Pro are also expected. The AirPods Pro 3 could bring health features like heart rate tracking, inspired by the Powerbeats Pro 2. They’re also rumoured to pack a new H3 chip and ship with a smaller, redesigned charging case. The earbuds themselves may also get a design refresh.
And More…
Apple may also tease a few more surprises. A second-generation Vision Pro headset is reportedly in the works, possibly powered by an M4 or M5 chip with an improved strap for comfort. An M5-equipped iPad Pro with dual camera orientations could also launch later this year.
And don’t forget about Apple Intelligence. This event could offer our first real look at how Apple plans to integrate generative AI into iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. Rumours suggest Apple could work with companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, or Google to power future AI features in Siri and beyond.
With new iPhones, watches, AirPods, and AI announcements on the horizon, Apple’s September 9 event might just live up to its “Awe Dropping” name.
FAQs
When is Apple’s next event?
It’s on September 9 at 3:00 pm IST.
What is the iPhone Air?
A new ultra-thin iPhone expected to replace the Plus model.
Will iPhone 17 have a 120Hz display?
Yes, it’s expected to feature a 120Hz ProMotion screen.
Are new Apple Watches launching too?
Yes, Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3 are expected.
Will AirPods Pro 3 track heart rate?
Yes, they may include heart rate sensors for health tracking.
