Apple 'Awe dropping' event is set for September 9: iPhone 17, Watch 11 and everything else that's expected

Apple event

Apple is preparing for its annual September launch, with the “Awe Dropping” event set for September 9 at 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT). The highlight will be the iPhone 17 series, but updates are also expected across the Apple Watch lineup, AirPods Pro, and iOS 26. Invitations for the event have already been shared, confirming the timing and teasing new features with a heatmap-inspired Apple logo.

iPhone 17 series

Apple is expected to unveil four new iPhones — iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. The standard iPhone 17 may bring a new pill-shaped camera bump and a 24-megapixel front camera, doubling the resolution of the iPhone 16 series. Analysts are divided on whether it will use the A18 or A19 chip. The color lineup could include black, blue, silver, purple, and green. Preorders are likely to open on September 12, with sales starting September 19.

The iPhone 17 Air could replace the Plus model with a slim design, reportedly as thin as 5.5mm. Rumors suggest it may use the A19 or A19 Pro chip, a 6.6-inch display, 12GB of RAM, and possibly a high-density silicon battery. Leaks indicate it may ship with a single wide-angle rear camera and 24-megapixel front shooter.

The Pro and Pro Max are expected to get camera-focused upgrades, including a new 48-megapixel telephoto sensor with 8x optical zoom. Both models may adopt aluminum instead of titanium to reduce weight and include a vapor chamber cooling system. They will reportedly run on the A19 Pro chip with a six-core GPU.

 
Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE

The Apple Watch Series 11 may introduce a more efficient display, an S11 chip, and improved battery life. The rugged Ultra 3 could feature a larger display, satellite connectivity, and better performance. A refreshed Apple Watch SE may also debut, marking its first update since 2022.

AirPods Pro 3 and iOS 26

Apple may unveil AirPods Pro 3 with new features such as heart-rate monitoring, an H3 chip, and potentially a touchscreen charging case.

Finally, iOS 26 will tie the ecosystem together, bringing Liquid Glass mode, live translation, call screening, and redesigned apps. The software is expected to roll out soon after the event.