What to expect at Apple’s ‘Awe Dropping’ iPhone 17 event

Apple’s September 9 “Awe Dropping” keynote is just days away and promises to be one of the busiest hardware events in years. Based on rumors, it’s going to be a big one, with the new iPhone 17 lineup, revamped AirPods Pro, upgrades to the entire Apple Watch line, and possibly even a refresh to a few of Apple’s accessories.

Read on as we break down everything Apple is expected to announce next Tuesday.

Apple Watch: Updates for the entire lineup

Apple typically kicks off its September events by talking about the Apple Watch, and this year should be no different – especially since rumors suggest that all three Apple Watch models will get hardware upgrades for the first time since the Apple Watch Ultra debuted in 2022.

As reported by Macworld and corroborated by other sources, Apple plans to launch three new watches this month:

• Apple Watch Series 11 (Wi-Fi-only and Cellular versions)
• Apple Watch Ultra 3 (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
• Apple Watch SE 3 (Wi-Fi-only and Cellular versions)

From what we know, this year’s Apple Watch models will look a lot like their predecessors, although some notable changes are expected.

The Apple Watch Ultra, which didn’t get an update last year other than a new black titanium color, is expected to get a slightly larger screen. The form factor should remain the same, but Apple will likely increase the display size by reducing the bezels around it. Users can also expect a brighter display and an improved always-on mode – features that were introduced with Series 10.

Also for the Ultra, this year’s model is expected to be the first to support both 5G and satellite connectivity. Currently, cellular versions of the Apple Watch are limited to LTE, and none of them support Emergency SOS via Satellite. These are certainly useful features for Ultra users, a niche market of demanding athletes and outdoors aficionados.

Another model that wasn’t updated last year and will finally get another upgrade is the Apple Watch SE. While the current model has the same chip as the Series 8 and the same design as the Series 5, this year’s model will reportedly be on par with the latest models, which means that the Apple Watch SE 3 will get a little bit faster, larger, and more capable.

And of course, there is Apple Watch Series 11, which is largely expected to be a minor refresh, with a brighter screen and new colors.

All three models will also reportedly be equipped with Apple’s first homegrown Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, targeting lower power consumption.

AirPods Pro 3: New sensors and next-gen features

After introducing new entry-level AirPods models last year, Apple is now focusing this year on updating its premium wireless earbuds, the AirPods Pro. Although AirPods Pro gained a new USB-C case in 2023, the hardware remains largely unchanged from the 2nd-gen model introduced in 2022. 

Over the last few years, Apple has been working on many new health-related features for AirPods, and you can expect more this year. That’s because AirPods Pro 3 are rumored to have a new H3 chip and two health sensors for the first time: heart rate and temperature.

Although the Apple Watch already has a heart-rate sensor, the earbuds should make measurements more accurate and consistent, especially during workouts. And with in-ear positioning for the temperature sensor might be able to take on-demand readings, which the Apple Watch isn’t able to do.

Apple also plans to announce a new live translation feature that will allow AirPods users to talk to people in other languages and hear real-time translation in their earbuds.

iPhone 17: New colors, design changes, and a brand-new model

Of course, the star of the show will be the next generation of the iPhone. The iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and the brand-new iPhone 17 “Air” will all make their debut this fall. And here’s what you can expect from each of them.

The base model iPhone 17 will look pretty much the same as the iPhone 16, but it’ll have a faster chip (likely the A19) and better camera sensors (notably a 24MP selfie cam). As reported by Macworld, it’s also expected to come in new colors: steel gray and light blue, in addition to black, white, green, and light purple.

Some reports also suggest that the display will increase from 6.1 inches to 6.3 inches with thinner bezels, similar to the iPhone 16 Pro.

The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, on the other hand, will feature a new design. The front won’t be dramatically different from the current one, but users can expect a larger camera bump that stretches across the top of the phone and a rectangular glass cutout below. The chassis will reportedly be made of aluminum instead of titanium, which should make the phone even lighter.

The internal upgrades in the Pro models will be even more noticeable. Inside, they’ll be powered by the new A19 Pro chip with 12GB of RAM, a first for the iPhone. This should enable support for new AI-based features coming in 2026 and beyond. 

Both iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will reportedly come with a new 48MP telephoto camera lens, which should dramatically improve photos taken with optical and digital zoom. A new selfie camera with higher resolution has also been rumored for the iPhone 17 Pro models. The Pro models may have variable aperture and “front and back” simultaneous recording.

This year’s Pro models are also expected to finally address complaints about overheating thanks to a new vapor-chamber cooling system, which should keep the phone cooler for long periods even when running intensive tasks such as 3D games.

What’s more, the back of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will have a “wireless charging area” below the camera bar for reverse wireless charging.

Of course, there will be new color options as well: dark blue and orange are rumored to join the more traditional black, white, and gray.

But the jaw-dropping new iPhone will undoubtedly be the iPhone 17 Air. Expected to be as thin as 5.5 millimeters, it will be the thinnest iPhone ever released by Apple and one of the lightest phones ever made. The iPhone 17 Air will replace the Plus model and likely share some of the Pro models’ features, such as a ProMotion display.

On the other hand, the ultra-thin iPhone will reportedly only have a single rear 48MP camera and smaller battery capacity than the other phones, so Apple is expected to sell a MagSafe battery pack for people who need more juice in their Air. Apple discontinued its original MagSafe Battery in 2023, but the Air’s compact design seems like the perfect excuse to bring the idea back.

Apple is also rumored to introduce new cases for the iPhone 17 lineup, including a redesigned Clear MagSafe Case that fully covers the magnets, as well as a new “TechWoven” version of the discontinued FineWoven case. According to leaks, the new cases will also support lanyards for the first time via a magnetic attachment system.

Maybe now, maybe later

Beyond the iPhone and Apple Watch, Apple may also update some of its other products at the event or sometime later in the fall. A 2nd-gen HomePod mini has been rumored with a new chip, improved Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth support, while the Apple TV 4K could get a spec bump with the A17 Pro chip, the same processor inside the iPhone 15 Pro. Also, a new generation of AirTag has been rumored to arrive this fall.

Of course, Macworld will have full coverage of everything Apple announces next week at its special event.

Apple’s Awe Dropping event is set for September 9, 2025. Want to know what to expect? We’re anticipating new hardware releases including the iPhone 17 (running iOS 26), Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3 and SE 3rd-gen (running watchOS 26), and potentially new AirPods. Find out how, when, and where to watch the Apple September Event, and keep tuned to our Event Guide for all the latest coverage. If you just can’t wait, here’s our satirical take on the Apple September Event keynote script – and don’t miss the Macworld Podcast iPhone event preview.