Apple ‘Awe Dropping’ Event: iPhone 17 series, AirPods Pro 3 and more expected

Apple is gearing up for its highly anticipated autumn hardware event, scheduled for September 9 at 10 AM Pacific Time. The event, informally dubbed the "Apple Awe-Dropping Event," is expected to showcase the much-anticipated iPhone 17 series, alongside updates for the Apple Watch and the long-awaited AirPods Pro 3. Rumors have circulated for months regarding the design changes across the new iPhone lineup. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, this year's launch could signify the start of a three-year cycle of significant redesigns, with a foldable iPhone projected to debut in 2026. The iPhone 17 is rumored to undergo a noticeable refresh, featuring a larger 6.3-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a significant upgrade from the previous 60Hz screens. The front-facing camera may receive an enhancement, potentially increasing to 24 megapixels, while new color options, including purple and green, are also expected. Pricing for the standard model is anticipated to start around $800. The iPhone 17 Pro is rumored to feature a redesigned camera configuration, with a horizontal alignment housing three cameras, while the flash and sensors will be positioned separately. There is speculation that the Pro model may transition from a titanium frame to an aluminum one, which could reduce production costs and overall weight. Expected pricing for the Pro version is around $1,100, but it might see a limited range of storage options, potentially dropping the entry-level 128GB. The iPhone 17 Pro Max may receive more subtle updates, primarily a thicker body to accommodate a larger battery for extended usage times, with pricing expected at approximately $1,250. One of the buzzworthy introductions is the rumored iPhone Air, which could serve as a slimmer alternative to the Plus model. At just 5.5mm thick, it would be Apple's thinnest phone thus far, even slimmer than Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge. However, this thinner design may come with compromises, such as a single rear camera and potentially no bottom-firing speaker. Early predictions suggest a launch price of around $899, with expected colors including black, silver, and light gold. In addition to phones, Apple is likely to unveil new accessories, including images of "TechWoven" cases designed for the iPhone 17 Pro models, featuring tougher fabric and detachable crossbody straps. The Apple Watch lineup is also set to receive attention, with the Ultra 3 expected to see substantial upgrades, including faster charging, satellite connectivity, and new health monitoring features like blood pressure detection. However, some features may be postponed pending further testing. The more affordable Apple Watch SE 3 is anticipated to have a larger display, while pricing is expected to remain consistent with current models. Lastly, the event may introduce the AirPods Pro 3, featuring a more compact design, smaller earbuds, and potentially touch-sensitive controls instead of physical buttons. The new H3 chip is expected to enhance noise cancellation and audio performance, aligning with Apple's ongoing focus on sound quality. Stay tuned for further details regarding the iPhone 17 series, including pricing, features, and launch specifics for the Pro, Pro Max, and Air models.