Apple’s September 9 Event: Slimmer iPhones, Smarter Watches, and Health-Focused AirPods

Apple has circled Sept. 9 on the calendar for its annual fall event, which will once again be hosted at its headquarters in Cupertino, California. As usual, the spotlight will fall on the iPhone lineup, but this year’s announcements are expected to stretch across watches and AirPods as well.

The biggest talking point is likely to be the iPhone 17 Air, a thinner alternative to Apple’s standard models. At just 5.5 millimeters thick, it trims noticeable bulk compared with the 7.8 mm iPhone 17 and the 8.3 mm iPhone 17 Pro. That slim profile could appeal to people who prioritize portability, though the design raises questions about what might be left behind.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has reported that Apple may opt for a single wide-angle rear camera on the Air, instead of the dual- and triple-lens systems that come with the other iPhones. A smaller battery is also expected, and while Apple’s software team is known for squeezing extra life out of limited capacity, reduced stamina may be a sticking point for some buyers.

This tradeoff is not without precedent. Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge, a thin device released earlier this year, didn’t sell in large numbers. IDC analyst Nabila Popal notes that many consumers still prefer more robust cameras and larger batteries over a slimmer frame. Even so, Apple could be using the Air as a trial run for its first foldable iPhone, which is rumored for release in 2026.

The Air won’t arrive alone. Apple is preparing the iPhone 17, the 17 Pro, and the larger 17 Pro Max. The Air is expected to replace the Plus model, which has been the weakest seller among Apple’s main phones.

Reports suggest the Air and standard 17 will be powered by Apple’s A19 processor, while the Pro models will feature the more advanced A19 Pro. Analyst Jeff Pu, cited by MacRumors, has pointed to camera improvements on the Pro versions, including upgraded telephoto lenses and a redesigned camera bump. Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 17 will move to a slightly larger 6.3-inch screen, up from 6.1 inches on the iPhone 16. Analysts also anticipate a price increase, with the Air potentially costing $50 to $100 more.

The Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 will also make their debut. While the Series 11 is expected to see only modest updates, the Ultra 3 could stand out with satellite messaging for emergencies and a larger display. Apple will also refresh its entry-level SE model.

On the audio front, Apple is preparing to launch AirPods 3 with built-in heart rate monitoring, a feature already available in its PowerBeats Pro 2 earbuds. If introduced, it would mark another step toward positioning AirPods as a health and fitness tool in addition to a music companion.

Apple CEO Tim Cook is set to confirm the details when he takes the stage on Sept. 9.