iPhone 17: Revealing the Slimmest Model Yet and What to Expect at Apple’s Hardware Event
Apple’s highly anticipated hardware event is scheduled for September 9 at 10 a.m. PT, where the company is expected to present the iPhone 17 series along with updates for the Apple Watch and AirPods.
As is typical, rumors abound, hinting at features like larger displays and improved cameras for the iPhone 17 models. Additionally, there are speculations regarding an ultra-slim iPhone Air that could take the place of the Plus variant. Overall, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggests this event will be the first of three years of significant design changes for the iPhone, with a foldable model expected by 2026.
iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max
The iPhone 17 is set to receive a substantial redesign, likely resembling the Pro models more closely. It may come with a slightly larger 6.3-inch display, an increase of 0.2 inches compared to the iPhone 16, and will have a 120 Hz refresh rate, a significant upgrade from the existing 60 Hz. There are also indications that it might feature a 24-megapixel front camera.
New color options, including purple and green, are also expected.
Pro model upgrade rumors hint at a revamped camera arrangement on the rear, featuring a rectangular bar that spans the width of the phone and houses three cameras. The flash, light sensor, and microphone are expected to be located on the far right, while the Apple logo could be centered for aesthetic appeal where the MagSafe charger is located.
Importantly, the iPhone 17 Pro might shift to different materials, potentially swapping titanium edges for aluminum, which would reduce costs and create a lighter device.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is not expected to see many upgrades, mainly a slightly thicker body designed to accommodate a larger battery, which would be a significant benefit.
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The anticipated price for the iPhone 17 is around $800, while the Pro Max is expected to be about $1,250. The Pro models may also introduce new color options like dark blue and copper.
The Pro variant is likely to retail around $1,100. However, recent leaks suggest there might be fewer storage options available than in the iPhone 16 Pro, with users potentially losing the 128GB variant. The remaining options are expected to be 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB, down from the usual four choices.
While the focus will mainly be on the iPhones, Apple might also announce new phone cases. A leak three weeks before the event showcased “TechWoven” iPhone Pro 17 cases, reportedly made from a higher-quality woven material than the discontinued “FineWoven” fabric cases released in 2023. These new cases may also come with a crossbody strap.
iPhone Air
One of the most discussed topics is the potential launch of Apple’s slimmest device yet, the iPhone Air, intended to replace the iPhone Plus.
This rumored model is expected to have a thickness of just 5.5 mm, making it about 0.08 inches thinner than current iPhones. A 6.6-inch display is also anticipated.
This move appears to be Apple’s strategy to respond to the trend for thinner smartphones, following competitors like Samsung and Huawei. The iPhone Air could even be slimmer than the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, which measures 5.8 mm. Moreover, this could pave the way for Apple’s long-awaited foldable device, expected in September 2026.
While the attractive design holds promise, it might involve some compromises. Early renders suggest the Air will have just one rear camera lens, unlike the Plus variant, which boasts two. Additionally, there are hints that vertical space for a bottom speaker may be lacking, potentially limiting sound output to the front earpiece.
Battery performance is still uncertain, with some concerns that it may be inferior compared to older models due to its slender design. Reports hint at an optional battery case available for separate purchase.
The expected pricing for this device is around $950, with color options including black, silver, and light gold. However, a newer projection from JPMorgan suggests the price might lean closer to $899 to balance the absence of a second camera.
Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3
After a two-year hiatus, there are strong rumors surrounding the Apple Watch Ultra 3, indicating it might feature significant upgrades. These could include faster charging, 5G capabilities, and satellite connectivity, alongside a possibly larger display.
One of the most exciting potential features for both the Ultra 3 and Series 11 may be blood pressure monitoring. This function is expected to notify users about excessively high or low blood pressure levels. Apple is also exploring a sleep apnea feature; however, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman cautions that these features may require further development before they are ready for launch.
Apple has recently introduced a redesigned blood oxygen feature for some Series 8, 10, and Ultra watches, leading to speculation that the Ultra 3 might incorporate this capability, though it’s still uncertain if it will be included in watchOS 26.
The third generation of the Apple Watch SE is not predicted to bring major changes, aside from possibly a larger screen. Speculation continues to emerge regarding a plastic variant being introduced, according to Gurman.
Expected pricing for the watches includes $250 for the Apple Watch SE 3, $400 for the Series 11, and $800 for the Ultra 3.
AirPods Pro 3
After the release of AirPods Pro 2 in 2022, an upgrade seems overdue, and Apple appears ready to respond. Anticipated features for the AirPods Pro 3 include a more streamlined design, touch-sensitive controls, reduced earbud size, and a sleeker case. Another rumor suggests the removal of the pairing button, allowing users to pair by simply touching the case.
Moreover, the expected H3 chip is anticipated to enhance active noise cancellation and adapt to audio settings dynamically.
This story has been updated to reflect the latest rumors.
