On September 9, Apple will unveil its most anticipated product of the year at its “Awe Dropping” event. At 10 am PT, we’ll all watch as the keynote officially introduces the iPhone 17, along with new Apple Watches, maybe an AirPods Pro update, and possibly the 2nd-gen HomePod mini.
However, while rumors say Apple is reportedly gearing up to launch several other products before the end of 2025, we don’t expect them to make an appearance at this particular event. So, if you’re eagerly awaiting one of the devices below, you may have to wait a little longer.
A new ‘e’ iPhone
Despite the “Awe Dropping” event being known as an iPhone event, not every iPhone model is being refreshed. Notably, the iPhone 17, 17 Air, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max will replace the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max.
But if you’ve been eyeing the budget iPhone 16e, it’s safe to buy one. The 17e is not coming until early next year. Rumors say the iPhone 17e will keep its spring slot to give Apple a chance to split up iPhone launches into biannual announcements—look for the iPhone 18 to join it in 2027.
AirPods Max
Beyond the iPhone 17, Apple is rumored to launch the AirPods Pro 3 at its September event. Rumors say the company reportedly plans to introduce new technology, such as a heart rate sensor, to these earbuds, but unfortunately, the other high-end AirPods models won’t catch up just yet. Reports say the 5-year-old AirPods Max will go at least another year without an update.
A new AirPods Pro is likely, but don’t expect updates to AirPods Max.
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iPad Pro
It’s been 15 months since the M4 iPad Pro arrived, so an M5 launch is seemingly imminent. But don’t expect it at this event. While Apple has used the iPhone event to launch the iPad mini before, the Pro is unlikely to arrive. In fact, it’s unlikely to get an event at all—Apple will probably announce it via a separate press release later this year.
M5 Macs
Like the iPad Pro, the MacBook Pro and iMac are due for their annual chip bump, as is the aging Mac Pro, which still has an M2 Ultra chip. While Apple is rumored to refresh many of its Macs before the year’s end, the announcements won’t occur at the iPhone-centric keynote. Instead, the company will either hold a dedicated Mac event in mid-October or have another multi-day web release like last year. Other models, including the MacBook Air, will follow suit next year.
New Macs are coming, but not at the September event.
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HomePad smart home hub
Apple’s so-called HomePad smart home hub has already missed several rumored release dates, but we know one thing for sure: It’s not going to make an appearance at the “Awe Dropping” event. According to credible leakers, the device will resemble a HomePod with a squarish, iPad-like display and run a dedicated operating system. Given its heavy reliance on Siri, the HomePad has reportedly been pushed back until Apple revamps its voice assistant next year. As such, the HomePad is no longer expected to debut this fall.
Nevertheless, the iPhone maker still plans to introduce the HomePod mini 2 and a new Apple TV 4K 4, which will likely pop up on Apple’s website later this year, boasting faster processors and connectivity chips. It wouldn’t totally surprise us if they appeared at the iPhone event, but we expect a separate announcement at a later date.
Vision Pro
Apple Vision Pro 2 will likely launch this fall, featuring an M5 chip and a comfier head strap. Given the upgrade’s unexciting nature, Apple could opt for a quiet web announcement at some point later this year. Regardless, we expect it will be bundled with those of the aforementioned Macs—especially since Apple markets the headset as a spatial computer. It doesn’t really fit the iPhone event’s theme.
The iPhone will have the spotlight at the ‘Awe Dropping’ event.
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Made for iPhone
Apple’s “Awe Dropping” event will focus on the iPhone 17 lineup and the Apple Watch family, with a likely appearance by the AirPods Pro. A logical guest spot could be the AirTag 2, which aligns perfectly with the theme as one of the few iPhone accessories. And of course, we’ll get the official release date for iOS 26, likely the Monday following the keynote.
Even though Apple still has several products to put out this year, none of them will overshadow the iPhone event or steal the spotlight from its most popular product. That said, there will still be plenty of time for cringey sketches and Apple TV+ promotions.
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.
Author: Mahmoud Itani, Contributor, Macworld
For a decade, Mahmoud has rigorously evaluated Apple hardware and software. His current technological arsenal features an iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 9, MacBook Air M2, iPad Air M1, AirPods Pro 2, AirTag, Apple TV 4K 3, and HomePod Mini stereo pair. Outside of work, you’ll likely find him jogging at a park, swimming in open water, brainstorming at a coffeehouse, composing poetry on a rooftop, or merely lost in nature.