Apple prepares for iPhone 17 event

The iPhone Air is tipped to debut alongside updates to the iPhone 17 lineup and new Apple Watch models.

Apple prepares for iPhone 17 launch with Air and Watch upgrades

Industry sources suggest Apple plans a thinner iPhone Air around 5.55 mm, making it the thinnest iPhone yet. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max may switch from titanium to aluminum, and a long camera island could span much of the back. A 48 MP telephoto and enhanced digital zoom are rumored, and a 120 Hz ProMotion display may reach the standard iPhone 17. iOS 26 is expected to bring a bold Liquid Glass design language that Apple highlights with the new hardware. The Air may carry a smaller battery, a common compromise for a thinner device.

The fall event is also expected to introduce new Apple Watch models. The Ultra series could see a 5G and processor upgrade, with satellite texting possible for remote excursions. The Series 11 is likely to stay close to the 2023 design cycle, while a faster chip and broader 5G coverage are plausible. Rumors also point to the AirPods Pro 3, possibly adding biometric sensors and live translation features, though some details remain unsettled.

Rumor culture can drive high expectations ahead of a product cycle, but it also risks creating a fog of speculation. Apple appears to be testing a bold balance between design ambition and practical trade offs, signaling a push toward lighter devices and a larger camera module that could redefine the phone silhouette. The shift from titanium to aluminum in the Pro line would be a notable material move, potentially easing supply chain pressures but inviting questions about durability and premium feel.

Ultimately the real test will be user value. If iPhone Air prioritizes looks over battery life, Apple will need to clearly communicate why buyers should choose it over a more rugged, longer lasting model. The expected iOS 26 refresh could provide the software backbone for a new visual language, but hardware choices will decide how much of that language users actually experience.

Highlights

Time will tell how far rumors translate into real design and features