Apple’s September 9 Event: iPhone 17, New Watches, and More

Apple’s September gatherings have always carried weight, but this year’s “awe dropping” event is shaping up to be one of the most significant in recent memory. Taking place at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, and streamed live globally at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET), the showcase will not only introduce the iPhone 17 lineup but also refresh Apple’s ecosystem with new wearables, earbuds, and software. Expectations are sky-high, and Apple’s strategy to tighten its hardware-software integration is becoming clearer with every leak and rumor.

Apple Watch Series 11, Watch Ultra 3, and Watch SE 3

Traditionally, Apple leads with the Apple Watch, and 2025 looks set to bring the most sweeping upgrades since the debut of the Ultra series. After skipping a major update to the Watch Ultra in 2024, Apple will finally unveil the Watch Ultra 3. Reports suggest the new model will boast slimmer bezels, a brighter display, and improved power efficiency for the always-on screen – features borrowed from last year’s Series 10 but fine-tuned further. One of the boldest leaps could be 5G support and satellite messaging, which would give Apple Watch users unprecedented connectivity when off-grid.

The Apple Watch Series 11 won’t be just an incremental bump. The headline addition here is expected to be high blood pressure detection, positioning the Series 11 as a true health-monitoring device rather than simply a lifestyle accessory. Meanwhile, the Watch SE 3 looks to change its usual role. Instead of cutting corners, rumors indicate it will match the performance of flagship models, marking a surprising shift from its “budget-friendly” reputation. All three new Watches may also debut Apple’s first in-house Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, potentially reshaping the way the company manages wireless connectivity across its devices.

AirPods 3 Pro

Apple’s audio lineup is also due for renewal. Following the 2023 refresh of AirPods Pro 2 with a USB-C case and the arrival of AirPods 3 in 2024, September 9 could mark the unveiling of AirPods 3 Pro. This isn’t just a minor spec bump: insiders suggest a new H3 chip, as well as health-oriented features like heart rate monitoring and temperature tracking. These sensors are expected to sync intelligently with Apple Watch, creating a comprehensive fitness-tracking duo. Another rumored headline feature is live translation, potentially turning AirPods into real-time interpreters – an addition that could set them apart from the competition and strengthen Apple’s position in the wearables market.

iPhone 17 Lineup: Four Models, One Star

The centerpiece of Apple’s fall event will be the iPhone 17 series, consisting of the standard iPhone 17, the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the all-new iPhone 17 Air. The latter is poised to replace the Plus variant and might become the star of the show thanks to its radical design. At just 5.5mm thick, it would dethrone the iPhone 16 (6.9mm) as Apple’s slimmest smartphone to date. Of course, such thinness requires compromises: the 17 Air will feature a single 48MP rear camera and a smaller battery. However, whispers of a new high-density silicone anode battery could mitigate those limitations. Some leaks even hint at a ProMotion 120Hz display, blurring the line between Air and Pro models.

The base iPhone 17 is also expected to evolve beyond its predecessor. Its screen will jump from 6.1 inches to 6.3 inches, aligning with the Pro model. If Apple does decide to include 120Hz panels across the lineup, it would mark a significant democratization of premium features that have so far been locked to the Pro tier.

On the higher end, the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max are preparing to introduce some serious under-the-hood changes. Both will adopt a redesigned horizontal glass camera island, spanning the width of the device. More importantly, they’ll house Apple’s first 3nm A19 Pro chipset and a bump to 12GB of RAM. For years, critics have slammed iPhones for trailing behind Android counterparts in memory specs, but Apple’s optimization often closed that gap. With 12GB on board, iOS could take its AI capabilities and multitasking performance to a new level.

The Pro models’ cameras will also see a leap, with a new 48MP zoom lens replacing the long-standing 12MP telephoto. That means sharper detail and improved digital zoom. There’s also buzz about an anti-glare display coating, similar to what’s found on iPads and Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra. Beyond hardware, Apple plans to roll out new TechWoven cases, aiming to move past the widely criticized FineWoven cases introduced in 2023.

iOS 26: The Liquid Glass Era

No Apple event would be complete without software, and this year’s star is iOS 26. The new update reportedly brings a sweeping visual redesign Apple dubs the Liquid Glass language. From widgets to menus, Apple is aiming for a more fluid and futuristic interface that aligns with its hardware philosophy of sleek minimalism. The upgrade will ship with the iPhone 17 lineup but will also reach older devices, ensuring millions of users worldwide get a taste of Apple’s next era.

Other Hardware: Maybe Later

As always, speculation extends to products that may not make the cut this time. A refreshed HomePod mini 2 with better internals is in development, but most analysts think it won’t appear until later this year. An Apple TV 4K with the A17 Pro chip is also rumored, alongside a second-generation AirTag, though both are expected in late 2025 rather than at this event.

With Apple’s September 9 showcase, the company isn’t just unveiling gadgets – it’s setting the tone for its entire ecosystem in 2025. From thinner phones to smarter earbuds, and from health-focused wearables to a redesigned operating system, the message is clear: Apple wants to dominate the conversation once again.