Apple event rumors spotlight iPhone 17 and AirPods Pro 3

Rumors ahead of Apple’s upcoming event outline a busy lineup with iPhone 17 models, AirPods Pro 3 and a refreshed Apple Watch SE 3.

Apple event rumors spotlight iPhone 17 AirPods Pro 3 and watch SE 3

Rumors point to the iPhone 17 lineup with new accessories such as a Crossbody Strap and updated silicone and TechWoven cases. Leaks also suggest the iPhone 17 Pro could use a battery 19% larger than the iPhone 16 Pro, a change that may extend usage time and enable new features. There is talk of a two part accessory strategy that could include a battery case for iPhone 17 Air and a bumper style case, plus new color options that include orange and blue.

AirPods Pro 3 is described as having two versions. One edition is said to include a heart rate sensor and an H3 chip, while a higher end version is reportedly planned for 2026 with infrared cameras. Mark Gurman notes an improved design to improve fit, but cautions there may not be major changes to audio or noise cancellation. The event is also the moment many expect Apple Watch SE 3 to arrive with a faster chip and larger displays. A separate rumor points to an M5 iPad Pro as a potential reveal this week, though skepticism remains about whether Apple would launch a new iPad Pro at the same event as the iPhone 17 lineup.

Color and cooling notes add to the intrigue. Gurman mentions a new heat management system for the Pro models and hints at additional colors beyond the usual slate. Taken together, the rumors sketch a busy show that would broaden Apple’s hardware ecosystem beyond the iPhone, while leaving official confirmation to the company.

Apple has long used hardware refreshes to keep the ecosystem fresh and to justify new accessories. The spread of rumors this time around fits a familiar pattern: bigger batteries, refined fit, and a mix of wearable and tablet updates that promise a fuller user experience. If the iPhone 17 Pro battery really is 19% larger, Apple could justify longer use between charges or enable energy hungry features, a delicate balance between performance and efficiency.

Yet the rumor mill can mislead. The idea of two AirPods Pro 3 versions, including an infrared camera model planned for 2026, underscores the risk of buying into early bets. The reports on an M5 iPad Pro may be aspirational, and Apple often spaces major iPad reveals for later in the year to avoid product fatigue at launch. The tension between exciting devices and clear messaging may shape how Apple pitches the event and how buyers plan their next upgrade.

Highlights

The official reveal will settle the chatter and set the course for Apple’s next year of devices.