Not one, not two, but seven new products may be launched during Apple’s “Awe Dropping” event on September 9. Of course, the highly anticipated iPhone 17 series is expected to take center stage, but the company is also likely to introduce new Apple Watch models and updated AirPods lineups, marking the biggest hardware refresh at a time when questions are being raised about Apple’s artificial intelligence strategy.
The pressure is mounting on Apple to prove whether the iPhone, perhaps the most important product in its catalog, is still relevant, and whether consumers are ready to upgrade to newer models. Cupertino has struggled to keep pace with competitors, with its stock being one of the worst performers among the Magnificent Seven tech stocks.
The lack of a hit product in recent years, overdependence on the iPhone, looming antitrust challenges, and an unclear AI strategy are all adding to Apple’s woes, putting direct pressure on CEO Tim Cook and raising questions about whether he can still effectively lead a company as massive as Apple. However, the iPhone still generates billions in revenue, and Apple’s increasing market share in emerging markets like India is helping the company stay afloat – at least for a few more years.
The September event might give Cupertino a chance to prove to investors that the company has a solid product lineup—and that no competitor can replicate Apple’s ecosystem and hardware and software integration.
Here’s a peek at what Apple may (or may not) end up launching on September 9.
What’s coming on September 9
The iPhone ‘Air” is coming
Perhaps the biggest “new” thing consumers should expect from Apple at the September 9 event is the launch of the iPhone 17 Air. That’s right—and it could finally spice up the iPhone lineup after a long stretch of incremental updates. The ultra-thin iPhone, or whatever it ends up being called, may take inspiration from Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge, another super-skinny smartphone that measures just 5.8mm, thinner than any other Samsung phone to date.
The iPhone 17 Air would mark the first time an iPhone carries the “Air” branding and may replace the commercially unsuccessful iPhone Plus. The new model will reportedly measure approximately 5.5mm at its thinnest point, making it significantly slimmer than the iPhone 16’s 7.8mm profile.
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It is said to feature a 6.6-inch display with a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate, marking the first time a non-Pro iPhone includes this feature, bringing smoother and more responsive screen experience at par with the high-end Pro models. The device may also feature a hybrid titanium-aluminum frame and weigh around 145 grams, substantially lighter than the iPhone 16 Pro’s 199 grams.
However, the iPhone 17 Air may come with some trade-offs. For example, the phone will reportedly include only a single camera on the back and a smaller battery compared to mainline iPhone lineup. Expect the iPhone 17 Air to cost $899 (or approx Rs 79,244).
The new iPhone 17 Pro may look a lot like the Google Pixel. (Image credit: Majin Bu/X)
iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro
The main iPhone 17 will come in fun, splashy colors but will look almost identical to last year’s model. However, in a welcome change, the standard iPhone 17 is expected to feature an improved 24-megapixel front-facing camera, doubling the resolution of current models. Additionally, all iPhone 17 models will reportedly include ProMotion 120Hz displays, bringing the Pro-exclusive feature across the entire lineup for the first time.
For the iPhone Pro models, both the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max may feature a new pill-shaped camera bump, taking inspiration from Google’s Pixel phones. Under the hood, they are expected to include a new processor and a 48-megapixel telephoto lens with up to 8x optical zoom. The Pro models will also transition to aluminum backs instead of glass, which will help reduce their weight.
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Both Pro models, the standard iPhone 17, and the brand-new iPhone 17 Air will run the iOS 26 operating system.
Apple Watch Series 10 and Series 9. (Image credit: Nandagopal Rajan/The Indian Express)
Apple Watch Series 11 and Watch Ultra 3
Alongside the new iPhone models, Apple is also preparing to launch two new Apple Watch models. The regular Apple Watch Series 11 will focus on health features, bringing blood-pressure tracking, though without diastolic readings. This feature is expected to detect hypertension patterns and alert users to consult healthcare professionals, according to reports.
The Series 11 Watch could also get an updated S11 chip and a larger battery. The watch may gain 5G RedCap connectivity from MediaTek, which would provide faster data speeds than the current LTE-only models.
Apple may also bring a refreshed Watch Ultra to the market – this time with standalone satellite connectivity. This feature will reportedly enable emergency SOS functionality and potentially text messaging in remote areas without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. The display on the Watch Ultra 3 is also expected to be improved, along with enhanced 5G connectivity.
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AirPods Pro 2 is now a clinical-grade hearing aid. (Image credit: Apple)
AirPods Pro 3
The AirPods Pro 2 became the best-selling wireless earbuds on the market, but it’s been quite a while since Apple updated its pro-grade wireless buds, while competitors have gotten closer with their premium offerings. However, Apple is ready to take on the competition with new AirPods Pro 3, which may feature a new design, improved Active Noise Cancellation, better sound quality, and a faster H3 audio chip.
Perhaps the most exciting new feature expected on the AirPods Pro 3 is heart-rate monitoring capabilities, using LED optical sensors that track your heart rate through blood flow in the ear canal. Some reports also suggest these new earbuds also also feature temperature monitoring and real-time translation features.
What’s not coming on September 9
Refreshed Apple Vision Pro
Although it’s hard to say how many consumers are waiting for a sequel to the Vision Pro mixed-reality headset, Apple may launch a successor in the future but it’s unlikely to be shown or teased at the September 9 event. Rumour has it that Apple could update the Vision Pro toward the end of 2025, though the changes might not be significant. The update is expected to include a new processor and a redesigned head strap, making the headset more comfortable to wear for extended periods.
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iPad Pro M5 and new Macs
It’s unlikely that Apple will launch new iPad Pro models or Macs at its fall event. Historically, Apple has kept iPad Pro and Mac announcements separate from the iPhone launch. While there’s always a remote chance that Apple could unveil the iPhone, Macs, and iPad Pro at the same event, it rarely happens.
Typically, if the company has to launch new Macs , it saves them for October or November releases.
Last year, the M4 MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and iMac debuted at the end of October and shipped in early November. However, this year, there may not be any new Macs coming in the fall at all. Apple could launch the M5 MacBook Pro in early 2026.
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