The day Apple fans mark on their calendars is almost here. The company’s big annual event, grandly named "Apple Event Awe Dropping," is set for Tuesday, September 9th. It kicks off at 10:00 AM local time in Cupertino, California, at Apple Park. For those in other time zones, that means very early morning on September 10th.
Many are wondering if this event will truly live up to its "Awe Dropping" name. What amazing new things will Apple show off? Let’s look at some of the most talked-about rumors.
The spotlight will likely be on the new iPhone 17. An interesting rumor suggests this might be the last time all iPhone models launch together in September. Whispers point to the iPhone 18 launch in 2026 splitting into two separate events.
One model generating buzz is the iPhone 17 Air. This phone focuses on being super thin and light. It could be Apple’s thinnest smartphone ever, sporting a 6.6-inch screen. It’s also expected to use Apple’s own C1 modem for better connectivity. For its camera, this model might feature a single rear lens, a change from other phones in the series.
For the premium models, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are due for big design changes. Their frames could switch to a more durable aluminum. The rear camera module might also get a new bar shape. This design tweak could mean a complete rethinking of how the lenses fit inside.
New software is always a big deal, and iOS 26 is on the way. It will introduce many exciting features, focusing heavily on design and artificial intelligence (AI).
- New Name: Apple changed the operating system’s name to iOS 26. This matches the year of its release.
- Liquid Glass Design: The system’s look will get a modern update. It will feature a transparent, glass-like effect called "Liquid Glass." Core apps like Phone and Photos are also getting complete makeovers.
- AI Functions: iOS 26 will boast strong AI features. These include real-time language translation in apps like Phone, FaceTime, and Messages. Visual Intelligence will use AI to find items in photos.
- Child Safety: A new safety system will protect children’s accounts from inappropriate content. AI will pause FaceTime videos if it spots nudity.
- Small Updates: Users can look forward to long-requested changes. These include more flexible snooze alarm settings and a poll feature in group messages.
Following Apple’s tradition, we usually see other products alongside new iPhones. The Apple Watch is a good bet for an update. We expect the Apple Watch Series 11, if Apple keeps the old naming. There might also be an Apple Watch Ultra 3 or an updated Apple Watch SE. All these will run on the new watchOS 26.
We might also see an update to the AirPods Pro. This product hasn’t had a major redesign since 2022. The new AirPods Pro 3 could include a heart rate sensor. Many users wonder why, since the Apple Watch already offers this feature.
Apple might have more surprises up its sleeve. Reports suggest the company is ready to unveil several new products. Product IDs were found in recent beta software, according to MacRumors. The list included not just the iPhone 17, but also devices fans have waited for. These are the Apple TV, HomePod mini, Apple Studio Display, and two new iPad models.
Even with these rumors, it’s possible Apple won’t launch everything at the iPhone 17 event. iPhones are typically the main attraction. Mac products with M-series chips often get their own separate event, usually in late October.
We will all have to wait and see what truly gets announced. If you want to watch the Apple Event live, you can find it on Apple’s website, their official YouTube channel, or the Apple TV app. The live stream starts after midnight on September 10th.