iPhone 17: Apple’s Slimmest Release Yet and What to Expect at the Upcoming Hardware Event
Apple is gearing up to reveal its newest hardware on September 9 at 10 a.m. PT, igniting excitement around the iPhone 17 series, along with enhancements to the Apple Watch and AirPods.
As always, there are various rumors circulating, pointing to potential features such as larger displays and improved cameras for the iPhone 17. There’s also talk of a stylish iPhone Air, which could replace the Plus variant. Mark Gurman from Bloomberg states that this represents the start of a trilogy of major iPhone redesigns, culminating in a foldable iPhone by 2026.
iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max
The iPhone 17 is rumored to receive a major redesign akin to its Pro counterparts. It may sport a slightly larger 6.3-inch display, marking a 0.2-inch increase over the iPhone 16, and a refresh rate of 120Hz, a significant upgrade from the current 60Hz. Additionally, a 24-megapixel front camera is being speculated.
New color options could include shades like purple and green.
Speculations indicate that the Pro variants will exhibit considerable enhancements on their rear. Concept images reveal a rectangular bar across the back housing the three cameras, with the flash, light sensor, and microphone positioned on the far right. The Apple logo is expected to be centered near the MagSafe area for aesthetic appeal.
Interestingly, the iPhone 17 Pro may shift from a titanium frame to aluminum, potentially lowering production costs and providing a lighter feel.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to see fewer upgrades, with the most notable being a slightly thicker body to accommodate a larger battery — a favorable enhancement.
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The leaker Instant Digital estimates the iPhone 17’s price to be around $800, with the Pro Max priced at approximately $1,250. New color choices for the Pro models might incorporate dark blue and copper.
The anticipated cost for the Pro model stands around $1,050. Recent leaks suggest a reduction in storage options, eliminating the 128GB variant. Users may only select from 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB, a decrease from the usual four options.
While the focus will be on the iPhones, Apple is likely to present new phone cases as an additional surprise. A recent leak unveiled “TechWoven” iPhone Pro 17 cases made from high-quality woven material, set to replace the previously phased-out “FineWoven” fabric cases from 2023. Moreover, these cases could come with a crossbody strap.
iPhone Air
A widely-discussed speculation suggests that Apple might introduce its slimmest phone yet, the iPhone Air, potentially taking the place of the iPhone Plus.
This anticipated device is expected to have an ultra-slim profile of 5.5 mm, about 0.08 inches thinner than current models, along with a 6.6-inch display.
This move seems to be Apple’s response to the growing demand for slimmer smartphones, following competitors like Samsung and Huawei. The iPhone Air could outshine the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, which measures 5.8 mm in thickness. Additionally, it might pave the way for Apple’s long-anticipated foldable device, set to debut in September 2026.
While the sleek design is enticing, it may involve some compromises. Initial renders suggest that the Air may come with only one rear camera lens, unlike the two on the Plus, and may not have a bottom speaker, relying solely on the top earpiece for audio.
Reports indicate that this device could be priced at $950 and might be available in black, silver, and light gold.
Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3
After a two-year gap, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is rumored to feature substantial improvements, including faster charging, 5G capabilities, and satellite connectivity, in addition to a larger display.
Some of the most thrilling possibilities for both the Ultra 3 and Series 11 include the rollout of blood pressure monitoring. This feature would notify users about irregular blood pressure levels. Moreover, Apple is considering adding a sleep apnea monitoring function. However, Gurman from Bloomberg indicates that these features may be postponed for further enhancement.
Apple recently revealed a revamped blood oxygen feature being deployed to certain Series 8, 10, and Ultra watches, implying that the Ultra 3 might also gain this capability, although the announcement did not specify if it will be included in watchOS 26.
The third generation of the Apple Watch SE is not expected to undergo major changes, except possibly for a larger display. Some reports indicate that a plastic version may be introduced, according to Gurman.
The expected pricing for the watches is set at $250 for the Apple Watch SE 3, $400 for the Series 11, and $800 for the Ultra 3.
AirPods Pro 3
In the wake of the AirPods Pro 2’s launch in 2022, there is a high demand for upgrades, and Apple seems prepared to deliver. The AirPods Pro 3 is rumored to feature a more polished design with touch-sensitive controls, smaller earbuds, and a sleeker case. There are also rumors about removing the pairing button, opting instead for touch controls directly on the case.
Additionally, the new H3 chip is expected to drastically improve active noise cancellation and enhance adaptive audio capabilities.
This story has been updated to include the latest rumors.
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