Open with a clear nut-graf that frames the story.The star of the show is expected to be the iPhone 17 Air, a remarkably sleek device that represents a significant shift in design philosophy. Reportedly measuring just 5.5 millimeters thin, the Air will be substantially slimmer than the current standard iPhone (7.8mm) and Pro models (8.3mm).
However, this ultra-thin profile may come with certain compromises. According to industry reports, the iPhone 17 Air might feature only a single rear camera, a step down from the dual and triple-camera systems on the base and Pro iPhones, respectively. It is also rumored to house a smaller battery, which could impact battery performance unless Apple has made significant software optimizations. This minimalist approach could be a challenging sell to consumers who typically prioritize advanced camera capabilities and long battery life.
Analysts note that Samsung's recent experiment with a similar ultra-thin phone, the Galaxy S25 Edge, saw limited sales success. Despite this, the iPhone 17 Air is seen as a potential testing ground for the technology that will power Apple's long-rumored foldable iPhone, which is reportedly slated for a 2026 release.
Beyond the Air, Apple will also introduce the standard iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. The Air model is poised to replace the older iPhone Plus, which has been the lowest-selling model in the main iPhone series. The standard iPhone 17 and 17 Air are expected to be powered by Apple's new A19 chip, while the Pro models will get a more advanced A19 Pro processor. The Pro line may also receive camera upgrades, including an improved telephoto lens and a redesigned camera module to differentiate it from previous generations. The standard iPhone 17 is also rumored to grow to a 6.3-inch display, up from 6.1 inches.
Alongside the new phones, Apple will launch the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3. The Series 11 is predicted to be a more iterative update, potentially focusing on a new processor, as last year's Series 10 already received a significant screen size upgrade. The rugged Ultra 3, however, could gain major new features like satellite messaging for emergency communication in remote areas and a larger display. A new version of the budget-friendly Apple Watch SE is also expected.
Finally, Apple may debut a new generation of its popular AirPods. The AirPods 3 are rumored to incorporate heart rate monitoring technology, a feature already available in Apple's PowerBeats Pro 2 earbuds, bringing advanced health tracking to the company's most iconic wireless headphones.
The full details will be revealed when CEO Tim Cook takes the stage on September 9th.