What to Expect from Apple’s ‘Awe Dropping’ iPhone 17 Event

The rumor mill has been working overtime, and now the official invite is out. Apple has dubbed its annual September event “Awe Dropping,” and the name itself hints at a shake-up in the company’s most important product line. While Apple is famously tight-lipped, a mountain of leaks and analyst reports have painted a clear picture of what we can anticipate, and what might be saved for another day.

1. A New Member of the iPhone Family: The iPhone 17 Air

This is arguably the most significant change to the iPhone lineup in years. All signs point to Apple retiring the “Plus” model and introducing a new, ultra-thin phone, rumored to be called the iPhone 17 Air. This device is expected to be a design-first marvel, prioritizing a sleek, lightweight profile with a thickness of around 5.5mm. It will reportedly sit between the standard iPhone and the Pro models in terms of price and size, offering a new choice for consumers who value portability and aesthetics. However, this thinness is said to come with a trade-off: a smaller battery and a single-lens rear camera, though the efficiency of the new A19 chip and computational photography may mitigate these compromises.

2. A Camera Overhaul

The ‘Awe Dropping’ event is expected to be a major one for photography enthusiasts. The front-facing camera across all models is rumored to receive a significant upgrade, jumping from 12MP to 24MP, promising sharper selfies and better detail. For the Pro models, the camera system is where the real action will be. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is tipped to be the first iPhone with a three-camera system where all three lenses are 48MP—Wide, Ultra Wide, and a Tetraprism Telephoto lens. Rumors also suggest an 8x optical zoom and support for 8K video recording for the first time on an iPhone. The Pro models might also introduce a mechanical aperture for enhanced depth of field control, a feature long-awaited by professionals.

3. The A19 Pro Chip and Enhanced AI

Apple’s new iPhone 17 lineup is expected to be powered by the next-generation A19 and A19 Pro chips, built on TSMC’s latest 3nm process. This will bring a boost in speed and power efficiency, which is crucial for the new AI features coming with iOS 26. The Pro models are also rumored to get a jump to 12GB of RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and a better foundation for the on-device AI features that are a centerpiece of the new operating system. We can expect to see Apple executives demonstrate advanced, privacy-first AI features, from call screening and live translation to a new, more capable Siri.

4. A Refreshed Design for the Pro Models

While the iPhone 17 Air will be the star of the show, the Pro models are not being left out in the design department. Rumors suggest a new horizontal, pill-shaped camera bump, moving away from the square layout of previous generations. There are conflicting reports on the materials, with some suggesting a return to an aluminum frame for part of the body, potentially in a half-glass, half-aluminum build. The invite’s color palette of blue and orange also hints at new, bolder color options for the iPhone 17 Pro lineup, a departure from the more muted tones of the past.

5. More Than Just iPhones

Apple’s September events are rarely just about the iPhone. This year, we can anticipate seeing the Apple Watch Series 11, which is rumored to feature an updated S11 chip and energy-efficient displays. The rugged Apple Watch Ultra 3 may also make an appearance, potentially adding satellite connectivity for emergency messaging in remote areas. Finally, the long-awaited AirPods Pro 3 are also on the menu, with leaks pointing to a new design, improved noise cancellation, and even the addition of heart-rate monitoring capabilities.

What Not to Expect:

1. Foldable or Rollable iPhones

Despite years of speculation and Apple’s own patents, a foldable iPhone is not on the immediate horizon. While the company is reportedly working on such a device, a public unveiling is not expected at the “Awe Dropping” event. This technology is likely still in the R&D phase, and Apple will wait until it can deliver a seamless, durable product that meets its high standards.

2. Major Mac or iPad Updates

Apple typically reserves its Mac and iPad updates for separate events later in the year. The company recently updated many of these product lines, so it is highly unlikely that we will see new MacBooks, iMacs, or iPad Pros at this event. The focus will be squarely on the iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods.

3. Drastic Price Drops

While the iPhone 17 lineup will offer a range of price points, including the new mid-range iPhone 17 Air, don’t expect any significant price cuts on the premium models. The new technologies, materials, and upgrades to the Pro series, particularly with a rumored increase in base storage, are likely to result in a similar or even slightly higher price point compared to their predecessors. Any price relief will likely be found in the new or officially discounted older models.

As the September 9th date approaches, the excitement is building. While much of what is expected is based on leaks and rumors, the sheer volume and consistency of the reports suggest a significant product unveiling is in store. The “Awe Dropping” event may just live up to its name.