The Apple event in September finally has a date and the new iPhone 17 generation is in the starting blocks: On September 9, 2025, Apple is hosting the “Awe-Dropping” event at the Steve Jobs Theater. The iPhone 17 series is expected to be unveiled, including a particularly thin version, complemented by new Apple Watch and AirPods Pro 3 models as well as a fresh software experience with iOS 26. A look at what will be technically exciting this fall.
Brief overview: the most important innovations
- iPhone 17 Air: ultra-thin (approx. 5.5 mm), 6.6-inch display, a main camera sensor module, 120 Hz ProMotion, C1 modem.
- iPhone 17 series (Standard, Pro, Pro Max) with A19/A19 Pro chips, 120 Hz displays, up to 12 GB RAM, new camera bar, 24 MP front camera, optional reverse wireless charging.
- New Apple Watch models (Series 11, Ultra 3) and AirPods Pro 3 with a focus on health tracking and improved sound characteristics.
iPhone 17 Air: Apple’s thinnest iPhone representative to date
The “iPhone 17 Air” – possibly a replacement for the Plus model – is being traded as an ultra-thin variant. With a thickness of around 5.5 mm, it sets a new record – thinner than all previous iPhones. The display is around 6.6 inches, OLED, with 120 Hz ProMotion and Always-On-Display. Only the Air version gets the Apple C1 modem for connectivity; Wi-Fi 7 is also on the cards. The camera area has been deliberately reduced: a single 48 MP main camera, but possibly a smaller one.
iPhone 17 (Standard, Pro, Pro Max): Performance upgrade & new designs
All models will be released with 120 Hz LTPO displays and iOS 26 with Liquid Glass surface and AI functions. The Pro lineup is rumored to have a new A19 Pro chip, 12 GB RAM and a more robust, anti-reflective display.
A new camera bar with three 48 MP lenses stands out – including telephoto and wide-angle functions. There is also talk of reverse wireless charging – possible for the first time at Apple to charge AirPods or an Apple Watch, for example.
In terms of price, the Pro models could be around 50 US dollars more expensive (Pro from around $1,049, Pro Max from around $1,249). In India, for example, the Pro Max is listed at around ₹164,990 (~$1,499).
Software: iOS 26 & AI extensions
iOS 26 was unveiled at WWDC in June. The new “Liquid Glass” user interface brings a fresh look, AI-supported features and a visual modernization across Apple’s operating system landscape. It forms the software basis for the launch in September.
More hardware: Apple Watch & AirPods Pro 3
New Apple Watch models are also being discussed at the event – Series 11, Ultra 3 – with possible enhancements in the area of health (e.g. blood pressure or satellite text). Three years after its predecessor, the AirPods Pro 3 could be released – with a focus on heart rate measurement, improved sound quality and active noise cancellation.
Conclusion
In September, Apple is launching a significant hardware update with the iPhone 17 series: from the record-thin Air model and powerful Pro variants with new cameras to the integration of AI software in iOS 26. The portfolio is complemented by future-oriented wearables such as the Watch models and AirPods Pro 3. Pre-orders are expected to start on September 12; the sales launch will follow around September 19. Prices are expected to start at around $799 (basic model) or $899 (Air) and range up to $1,249 for the Pro Max.
A promising autumn update that combines design, performance and smart functions.
