The start of September means Apple’s annual iPhone event is around the corner. There’s a lot we can safely expect based on past trends, along with a few far-fetched theories that are fun to entertain.
Here’s what should be announced when Apple takes the stage next week.
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iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max
ProMotion for everyone?
Starting with the least surprising: the core iPhone lineup will return with updates for 2025.
Notably, there are rumors that the base iPhone will feature a 120Hz ProMotion display, which would make the standard iPhone the best buy for people who don’t care as much about photography or top-level performance. This is double the current 60Hz screen on the iPhone 16/16 Plus, and makes everything look smoother as you scroll around. That feature alone is why I bought the Pro model of iPhone 13 and 15.
For the Pro and Pro Max models, we’re expecting to see a redesigned camera bump that goes across the entire back of the device, similar to the Pixel 10 series. An orange color is also rumored to make its debut, which could stand out among the more muted colors Pro models have carried.
Apple may shift away from a titanium-based build for the Pro models, which was a big marketing focus for the 15 Pro and 16 Pro.
Given that Apple is shifting iOS’s naming convention to match the coming year, we might see the iPhone get the same naming treatment. Instead of the iPhone 17, this year’s line could become the iPhone 26, which would match Samsung’s naming convention for Galaxy phones.
Due to inflation, tariffs, and other financial happenings, we may also see a price increase from the existing starting cost of $799 (core iPhone) and $999 (Pro model). I doubt we’ll see the base storage bumped up; that could happen next year.
5
iPhone 17 Air
Goodbye Plus, hello Air
You might have noticed the absence of a Plus model above. Apple is expected to drop the low-performing Plus device and replace it with a new Air model. Similar to Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge, this rumored newcomer’s selling point is its ultra-thin design.
While it will be a sleek device that stands out from other iPhone models, there are some sacrifices required to create that look. Expect a smaller battery and fewer cameras. This might be the cutting-edge model that’s refined in future releases, like the iPhone X was in 2017.
4
Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 2, and SE 3
Series 11 refresh
We can expect a new base Apple Watch, which will be the Series 11. The other two models of Apple Watch haven’t seen a refresh in a while—the Apple Watch Ultra 2 released in 2023, and the budget Apple Watch SE 2 arrived back in 2022.
If we see an Apple Watch Ultra 3, it’s likely this model will include both satellite and 5G connectivity, both of which the Ultra 2 lacks. Apple has been playing up satellite connectivity on the iPhone, and it makes sense for the Watch Ultra to have this, given the market it’s aimed at.
The SE 3 will likely pick up some of the features the more expensive iPhone models have gotten since its release. Meanwhile, it should leave out fancier features like blood pressure detection that are rumored to come to the better models.
3
AirPods Pro 3
A long wait
Apple has done a great job of supporting the AirPods Pro 2, which launched in 2022. Since they were released, they’ve received neat updates to add features like adaptive audio (which blends your music and what’s outside on the fly), using them as hearing aids, and shaking your head to accept or dismiss notifications.
Despite this, the AirPods Pro 2 being three years old means they’re due for a refresh. There are rumors that a revised AirPods Pro release might include some of the health tracking features of the Apple Watch, though we aren’t certain about this.
The current AirPods Pro are so good that it’s hard to know what could be improved; perhaps a better chip is all that’s needed to lay the groundwork for future improvements, like we’ve seen for this model.
2
A new HomePod and Apple TV?
Forgotten but not gone
It’s easy to forget about the HomePod in Apple’s lineup, but it could make sense for a new one to appear at this event. The HomePod Mini launched in 2020 and hasn’t gotten an update since. We likely won’t see another full-size HomePod yet, given the second-gen HomePod launched in 2023 (five years after the original).
The Apple TV is another item in the company’s lineup that doesn’t get as much of a spotlight, but it could be time for an upgrade. The current Apple TV 4K launched in 2022, so after three years, a new chip would power up the streaming device and maybe even bring Apple Intelligence along. It’s also a chance to fix the Apple TV’s biggest problems.
We might also see Apple revise its smart home strategy in the coming year with the rumored homeOS becoming its own platform, instead of being a fork of other OSes, but that’s unconfirmed.
1
One more thing?
Likely no surprise Vision Pro moment
Apple hasn’t used the iconic “one more thing” line to preface a surprise announcement since 2023, when it revealed the Apple Vision Pro headset. I’m not expecting anything like that at this show, though.
The biggest overarching change would likely be Apple Intelligence’s expansion into new features and onto more devices. But given the rough road the company has had with AI so far, I don’t think it will focus on it much this time.
Watch the Apple event live
Apple’s 2025 event is titled “Awe-dropping” and will happen on Tuesday, September 9, at 10 AM Pacific/1 PM Eastern. You’ll be able to watch it live on Apple’s website or the YouTube stream, which is scheduled below.
As with the iPhone events of recent years, this won’t be a live keynote like in the old days. Rather, it’s a pre-recorded video (which has a much smaller chance of something going wrong).
After years of events like this, we know some of what to expect, but Apple throws surprises out during the September events, too. What are you hoping to see next week?
