In just a few days, Apple is set to unveil its latest iPhones at the highly anticipated “Awe dropping” event on September 9th. This year’s launch may go beyond routine upgrades, with speculation surrounding the introduction of a remarkably slim iPhone model alongside the refreshed lineup of smartphones.
While the iPhone 17 will likely steal the limelight, Apple could also introduce several other products. Here’s what to expect at the upcoming event.
Enhanced cameras for iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max
Recent leaks, including renderings from sources like Majin Bu, indicate that the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will feature pronounced camera bumps on their backs. Designed similarly to Google’s Pixel devices, these camera bars will host three 48-megapixel sensors, as noted by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
Additionally, reports suggest that the Pro models will feature a 24MP front camera, a new A19 Pro chip, and an increase to 12GB of RAM from the previous 8GB seen in the iPhone 16. Furthermore, leaker Ice Universe has mentioned that the iPhone 17 Pro Max could have a thicker design to accommodate a larger battery.
There are also whispers that the Pro models might adopt a lighter aluminum chassis in place of titanium. Dummy models indicate that the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max could be offered in four colors: silver, black, navy blue, and orange.
Introduction of a sleek iPhone Air
Speculation surrounds the potential unveiling of a super-thin “Air” version of the iPhone, with some predicting it could measure as little as 5.5mm. This model is expected to feature a 6.6-inch display, ProMotion technology, and a Dynamic Island, as per sources from Bloomberg.
This iPhone Air is expected to come equipped with a singular 48MP rear camera, the A19 chip, and Apple’s inaugural in-house modem, although this solution might not support mmWave 5G. The slim profile of the Air indicates it will likely lack a physical SIM slot, but may include the Camera Control button first introduced with the iPhone 16.
Despite initial fears that the iPhone Air’s slim design might sacrifice battery longevity, Bloomberg reports that its battery performance will align with current iPhone models. Its expected price will hover around $900, with potential color options including black, silver, gold, and light blue.
Display enhancements for iPhone 17
The iPhone 17 is not anticipated to undergo major design changes compared to its predecessor, but significant internal enhancements are likely.
According to a report from the South Korean outlet The Elec, this model may boast a 120Hz ProMotion display for fluid motion and potentially feature a larger 6.3-inch display, as noted by supply chain analyst Ross Young. Similar to the iPhone 17 Air, the base iPhone 17 is expected to integrate Apple’s new A19 chip.
Reports indicate that Apple may be discontinuing the iPhone 17 “Plus” model, opting instead to introduce the iPhone 17 Air. Pricing for the basic iPhone 17 could start around $800, with color options potentially including pink, green, blue, white, and black.
Introducing the Apple Watch Ultra 3 with satellite capabilities
During the upcoming event, Apple is anticipated to showcase three new smartwatch models, including the Apple Watch Ultra 3, which is said to feature a larger display and support for satellite messaging, enabling users to send texts without Wi-Fi or cellular service.
Moreover, it is expected that both the Watch Ultra 3 and Watch Series 11 will utilize a modem that introduces 5G RedCap support. The Watch Series 11 may see enhancements including a brighter display and new color options.
Apple has been exploring the possibility of incorporating a blood pressure monitoring feature within its smartwatches. However, a recent Bloomberg report suggests that the company faces “regulatory and engineering challenges” in implementing this capability.
Meanwhile, the budget-friendly Apple Watch SE 3 is anticipated to feature a redesigned aesthetic. However, it is likely that the aluminum casing will remain intact instead of being replaced with a more economical plastic option, contrary to past speculation from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
Overall, substantial performance upgrades for the Apple Watch lineup seem unlikely. Leaked code indicates that the S11 chip used in the Apple Watch Ultra 3, Series 11, and SE 3 shares architecture with the S9 and S10 chips from prior models.
Heart rate monitoring possibly coming to AirPods Pro 3
The forthcoming AirPods Pro 3 are expected to feature several updates, including heart rate monitoring capabilities, similar to those recently introduced in the Powerbeats Pro 2. Additionally, these earbuds might incorporate a new live translation feature, enabling real-time conversation translations.
Anticipated updates for the AirPods Pro 3 include an H3 chip upgrade and a redesigned charging case, which could streamline size and eliminate the pairing button, aligning it with the functionality of the AirPods 4 case.
Additionally, Bloomberg’s 2023 analysis hinted at a possible revamp for the AirPods Pro 3 design, though it remains uncertain if this will materialize.
Additional surprises?
Apple is also rumored to unveil “TechWoven” iPhone cases following the discontinuation of its earlier fabric FineWoven cases. Additionally, there could be a new “bumper” case for the iPhone Air and a premium cross-body strap introduced.
Other products rumored for release this year, though not expected at the September 9th event, include an upgraded Vision Pro headset and a new strap designed to minimize neck and head discomfort. Anticipation surrounds the impending launch of a new M5-powered iPad Pro, which could feature both portrait and landscape cameras.
Furthermore, updates regarding Apple’s initiatives in AI and its delayed plan to enhance Siri with AI capabilities might also be shared, with hopes of employing external models from companies like OpenAI or Google for this purpose.
For continuous updates on the iPhone 17 launch event, follow Technology News for the latest news.
Update, September 5th: Added more information on Apple’s upcoming products.
Correction, September 5th: Clarified the incorrectly attributed “Air” label to only MacBooks.
