Apple will host its annual iPhone-focused keynote, titled “Awe Dropping,” on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time from Apple Park. The presentation is expected to introduce the iPhone 17 family (including a new ultra‑thin iPhone 17 Air), refreshed Pro models, AirPods Pro 3, new Apple Watch models, and software release dates for iOS 26 and other OS updates.
Key Takeaways
- Apple’s event on Sept. 9 will center on the iPhone 17 lineup, with a rumored ultra‑thin iPhone 17 Air around 5.5mm thick.
- All iPhone 17 models may gain LTPO OLED displays and 120Hz ProMotion; the A19/A19 Pro chips power the lineup.
- iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to switch to a partial aluminum rear, revised camera bar, and triple 48MP sensors.
- Apple Watch Ultra 3 likely adds satellite texting, 5G RedCap connectivity, and an updated S11 chip; Series 11 and SE refreshes are expected.
- AirPods Pro 3 could introduce improved ANC, in‑ear heart rate sensing, Live Translation, and a redesigned case.
- Qi 2.2 (25W wireless charging) support, new TechWoven cases, and eSIM‑only configurations for the thin Air are among accessory changes.
- Apple will announce release timing for iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26—release candidates likely available after the event.
Verified Facts
Apple confirmed the keynote date and time for Sept. 9, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. PT and will stream the presentation via its website, YouTube, and the Apple TV app. The company typically follows the keynote with immediate availability of release candidate builds for developers and public release schedules within days or weeks.
Rumors consolidated across supply‑chain reports and leaks indicate the new ultra‑thin iPhone—widely called the iPhone 17 Air—will measure about 5.5mm thick, use a hybrid titanium‑aluminum frame, weigh near 145 grams, and house a single 48MP rear camera with a horizontal pill camera bump and a 24MP front camera. Estimated battery capacity for that model is roughly 2,800 mAh.
| Device | Key rumored changes |
|---|---|
| iPhone 17 Air | ~5.5mm thin, 6.6″ display, A19 chip, 48MP rear, 24MP front, eSIM only |
| iPhone 17 / 17 Pro | LTPO OLED, 120Hz across lineup, A19 Pro for Pro models, triple 48MP cameras on Pro |
| Apple Watch Ultra 3 | S11 chip, larger display (422×514 px), satellite texting, 5G RedCap |
| AirPods Pro 3 | new form factor, improved ANC, heart rate sensing, Live Translation |
Pro models are reported to receive a material shift: a half‑glass, half‑aluminum rear housing that preserves a glass area for MagSafe while improving drop resistance. Pro models are also expected to receive the next‑generation A19 Pro chip, higher RAM (reported 12GB), and updated camera systems with 48MP sensors across all lenses.
Accessory and charging changes are part of the update: all new iPhone 17 models are said to support Qi 2.2 wireless charging (up to 25W with compatible chargers). Apple is also rumored to return to fabric‑style cases under a new “TechWoven” name and to introduce case cutouts for lanyards on some models.
Context & Impact
A design pivot toward thinner phones (iPhone 17 Air) and more durable Pro chassis reflects Apple balancing portability, thermals, and camera performance. Thinner devices typically force tradeoffs—battery capacity and internal layout are constrained, which makes chipset efficiency and modem choices critical.
The reported Apple’s C1 modem use in the thin Air (and continued lack of mmWave support) and the introduction of an Apple‑designed Wi‑Fi 7 chip across the lineup suggest Apple is prioritizing power‑efficient wireless connectivity over top theoretical cellular bandwidth.
For wearables, 5G RedCap and satellite features mark a notable step: the Ultra 3 gaining satellite messaging and RedCap support could broaden outdoor and emergency use cases, while in‑ear biometric sensing in AirPods may extend Apple’s health data footprint into new sensor locations.
- Developers should test apps for 120Hz behavior and variable refresh handling ahead of iOS 26.
- Accessory makers need Qi 2.2 hardware to deliver 25W wireless charging.
- Carriers and international markets may see different cellular capabilities due to modem choices (e.g., absence of mmWave).
Apple has invited the public to watch the “Awe Dropping” event on Sept. 9; the company will stream the keynote on its website and YouTube.
Apple
Unconfirmed (Rumors & Open Questions)
- Whether the iPhone 17 Pro’s telephoto will truly reach 8x optical zoom remains unverified.
- Blood pressure monitoring on new Apple Watch models is still under development and not confirmed for this event.
- Reverse wireless charging for charging AirPods or Apple Watch from an iPhone is rumored but not confirmed.
- Exact pricing and storage tiers—reports vary, and official prices will be announced at the keynote.
Bottom Line
Expect a standard Apple fall keynote focused on hardware refinements and ecosystem updates: a new ultra‑thin iPhone model, Pro design and camera revisions, a health‑and‑connectivity push for wearables, refreshed AirPods, and firm release dates for iOS 26 and other OS updates. Tune in at 10:00 a.m. PT on Sept. 9 for official specifications, pricing, and pre‑order details.