iPhone 17, the ‘thinnest iPhone ever,’ and everything else we’re expecting out of Apple’s hardware event

Apple is gearing up for its much-anticipated fall hardware event, scheduled for September 9. This gathering is expected to unveil the new iPhone 17 series, alongside updates for the Apple Watch and AirPods. Exciting rumors are swirling around the iPhone 17 lineup, suggesting enhancements like larger screens and upgraded cameras. One particularly intriguing possibility is the introduction of an ultra-slim iPhone Air, which could take the place of the Plus model. The iPhone 17 is rumored to undergo a significant redesign, aligning it more closely with the Pro models, featuring a larger 6.3-inch display—an increase of 0.2 inches over the iPhone 16—and an impressive 120Hz refresh rate, a notable leap from the current 60Hz standard. Additionally, a new 24-megapixel front camera is expected, along with fresh color options including purple and green. Speculations indicate that the iPhone 17 Pro will showcase distinct upgrades on its rear, with conceptual designs suggesting a rectangular camera array that spans the width of the device, housing three lenses, a flash, and a light sensor. The Apple logo is anticipated to shift to a centered position on the back for a sleek aesthetic. Notably, the Pro model may also transition from a titanium frame to aluminum, potentially reducing costs while lightening the device’s overall weight. For the iPhone 17 Pro Max, fewer changes are anticipated, with the most significant being a thicker body to accommodate a larger battery—a welcome enhancement for users. Leaker Instant Digital estimates the pricing for the iPhone 17 to start around $800, with the Pro model at approximately $1,050 and the Pro Max at around $1,250. The standout rumor remains the iPhone Air, touted to be Apple's thinnest phone yet at just 5.5 mm thick—0.08 inches slimmer than current models. This device is expected to offer a 6.6-inch display, aligning with the market trend for sleeker smartphones, following competitors like Samsung and Huawei. The iPhone Air could potentially surpass the Galaxy S25 Edge, which measures 5.8 mm thick. However, its slim profile may come with trade-offs, such as a single rear camera and possibly limited audio output through a front earpiece only. Pricing for the iPhone Air is speculated to be around $950, with color options including black, silver, and light gold. Beyond phones, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is rumored to receive significant upgrades after a two-year wait, including faster charging, 5G capabilities, and possibly satellite connectivity. There’s also excitement over potential health features, like blood pressure monitoring and sleep apnea detection, though these may be delayed for refinement. The third generation of the Apple Watch SE is expected to see minor updates, primarily a larger display, along with speculation about a plastic model. Pricing estimates suggest the Apple Watch SE 3 could be around $250, the Series 11 about $400, and the Ultra 3 at around $800. Finally, the AirPods Pro 3 are rumored to be on the way, promising a sleeker design, touch controls, and enhanced audio features with a new H3 chip, building on the success of the AirPods Pro 2 released in 2022.