Apple's "Awe Dropping" event on September 9, 2025, is generating considerable excitement, with expectations of a comprehensive hardware refresh. The event, scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, is anticipated to unveil the iPhone 17 lineup, the Apple Watch Series 11, and the AirPods Pro 3. The invitation itself, featuring a glowing Apple logo with vibrant blue and yellow energy waves, hints at the new Liquid Glass design language expected with iOS 26.
iPhone 17 Lineup: A New "Air" Appears
The iPhone 17 lineup is expected to include the standard iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and a completely reimagined iPhone 17 Air model. The iPhone 17 Air represents a shift from Apple's typical iterative approach, potentially replacing the Plus model with a device as thin as 5.5mm. This ultra-thin design might come with compromises, such as a single-lens camera and potentially shorter battery life. The Air is rumored to have a 2,800-mAh battery and might use a high-density silicon battery technology to increase actual capacity by 15% to 20%. The design language of the Air will feature a 6.6-inch display with a pill-shaped camera design similar to Google's Pixel series.
Pro Model Upgrades: Camera and Performance
The iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to feature significant camera and performance upgrades. The Pro models will likely include 8x optical zoom telephoto lenses and 48-megapixel telephoto cameras. The iPhone 17 Pro models will be the first iPhones to have a rear camera system entirely composed of 48-megapixel lenses. These models are rumored to run on Apple's next-generation A19 Pro chip with a six-core GPU and 12GB of RAM. The increased RAM will enable real-time AI processing for features like simultaneous multi-camera recording, advanced photo editing, and live translation capabilities coming with iOS 26. The pro models may also have a scratch-resistant, anti-glare display.
Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3
The Apple Watch Series 11 is expected to feature energy-efficient screens and S11 chips, delivering all-day battery life even with more intensive health monitoring. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 could include satellite connectivity for emergency messaging in areas without cell service. The Ultra 3 may also have a brighter display.
AirPods Pro 3
The AirPods Pro 3 could debut with heart-rate monitoring capabilities and an interactive touchscreen display in the charging case. While battery life and sound quality may only see incremental updates, the focus will be on adding heart rate sensors.
iOS 26: Liquid Glass and AI Integration
iOS 26 will power the new iPhones, introducing the Liquid Glass design language. This new interface offers a transparent alternative to traditional light and dark modes. Key features include call screening for unknown numbers, live translation for calls and texts, and a dedicated Games app.
Additional Expectations
Other potential announcements include new entry-level and high-end Apple Watches, upgraded iPad Pros, and a faster version of the Vision Pro headset. The event logo itself hints at new color options and a vapor chamber cooling system for the iPhone 17 Pro models. The vapor chamber would help prevent overheating during intensive tasks like gaming.
How to Watch
The "Awe Dropping" event will be held at Apple Park in Cupertino, California. The event will be livestreamed on Apple's website, on YouTube, and through the Apple TV app on supported devices.
