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The stage is set for Apple to unveil its next best thing this Tuesday, Sept. 9, with the iPhone 17 series, Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, AirPods Pro 3, and more slated for release. What, were you expecting less when the event is literally titled “Awe Dropping”?
ZDNET will be on the ground in Cupertino to cover everything that’s announced, with live updates appearing on this page as products are introduced, features are pitched, and the curtains lift for us to go hands-on. Until then, here is the latest news on Apple’s “Awe-dropping” Sept. event, which starts at 10 a.m. PT.
What major products are we expecting?
iPhone 17 series: Featuring a new iPhone 17 Air model that’s Apple’s thinnest and lightest yet, with an expected thickness of only 5.5mm. The Pro and Pro Max models will also get a redesigned back cover, with a larger camera visor that houses an enhanced telephoto sensor.
Apple Watch Series 11: A slimmer design will help the upcoming wearable better track health and fitness metrics. If the rumors are true, this should play especially well with the new blood oxygen and temperature monitoring features.
Apple Watch Ultra 3: Apple’s rugged smartwatch is expected to gain satellite connectivity, high blood pressure detection, and a new chip to power the system.
AirPods Pro 3: The successor to one of the most popular wireless earbuds may feature new health tracking capabilities and improved active noise cancelling. Some AI tricks may also be sprinkled in.
How to watch the Apple iPhone 17 event
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While Apple’s September event is opened to a live audience, consisting of members of the media, industry analysts, employees, and partners, the company will continue to hold a livestream so that the public can tune in and watch its newest products launch in real time.
The livestream is typically hosted on Apple’s main website–> and YouTube, opening up to viewers several minutes before start time. This year, the event will kick off at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET.
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Live blog (refresh for updates)
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The iPhone 17’s crossbody strap is unnecessarily awesome
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By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 8 at 5:01 p.m. ET
Someone has apparently discovered an unofficial iPhone 17 accessory, and it’s one you’d least expect. X user Sonny Dickson recently posted images of what looks to be a crossbody strap for the iPhone 17 series, with a loop that likely attaches to the bottom of a phone case. It’s orange, it’s fashionable, and it will unquestionably be expensive.
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The official launch of iOS 26 is near
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By Sabrina Ortiz, Senior Editor / Sept. 8 at 3:17 p.m. ET
While the exact details on the new Apple hardware remain a mystery until the event begins tomorrow, we already got the scoop on all of the iOS 26 Apple Intelligence updates at WWDC back in June. The AI features may not be the flashiest, but many of them will be sure to improve how you interact with your phone. A quick round-up of the features I am looking forward to the most can be found below:
- Visual Intelligence
- Real-time translation
- AutoMix in Apple Music
- Shortcuts using Apple Intelligence
- Hold Assist
- Spatial Photos
- Workout Buddy
The best part about the new features is that they aren’t just limited to iPhone 17 users; iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 series devices are supported too. You can read more about what each feature does, and some additional ones to look forward to here: 7 helpful AI features launching in iOS 26 next week.
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Heart rate monitoring coming to AirPods Pro 3?
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By Nina Raemont, Wearables Editor / Sept. 8 at 11:18 a.m. ET
Could Apple add heart rate monitoring to its newest AirPods lineup? The Apple-owned Powerbeats Pro 2 unveiled earlier this year with the feature, and the exercise earbuds share the AirPods Pro 2’s H2 chipset. It’s not unreasonable to predict the feature’s arrival in Apple’s latest earbuds.
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Can the Apple Watch build on its momentum?
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By Nina Raemont, Wearables Editor / Sept. 8 at 10:32 AM ET
Apple is releasing its new watch lineup amid a competitive landscape of health wearables. Its smartwatch launch tomorrow, which reportedly includes the release of the Series 11, Ultra 3, and possibly an SE 3, could keep its revenue momentum, which surpassed $100 billion in Q2, going, according to Counterpoint Research–>.
Counterpoint credits the “continuous evolution” of the brand’s health and health-monitoring features for its revenue achievements. Apple could unveil more health advancements at tomorrow’s event, as rumors about a new hypertension monitoring feature or AI-infused health coaches swirl.
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On the way to Apple Park!
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By Jason Hiner, Editor in Chief / Sept. 8 at 9:21 a.m. ET
Okay, so we’re doing this. Lots of Apple event coverage incoming on ZDNET this week. What are you anticipating the most from Apple, or what do you want to know coming out of tomorrow’s iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods launch? Sound off in the comments below.
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5 features I’m expecting to see on the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3
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By Nina Raemont, Wearables Editor / Sept. 6 at 5:18 p.m. ET
Apple’s latest smartwatch software, WatchOS 26, has given us a few glimpses at what the Series 11 is capable of. Outside of those software updates, I’m keeping my eyes and ears open for rumors, murmurs, and whispers on Apple’s next wearable. Here are five features we’re currently looking at.
- Sleep scores
- An updated processor
- Satellite connectivity on the Ultra 3
- A revamped Health app
- Blood pressure tracking
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What about AI?
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By Jason Hiner, Editor in Chief / Sept. 6 at 4:32 p.m. ET
While the iPhone has virtually all of the smartest AI apps available from the latest AI trailblazers, it lacks the kind of deep integration of AI features that are only available at the intersection of the operating system and the latest hardware.
Here are 7 competing services and features I’d like to see Apple adopt with the iPhone 17:
- ChatGPT’s Voice Mode
- Pixel 10’s Pro Res Zoom
- Google’s Magic Cue
- Anthropic’s Deep Research
- Best Take from Google Photos
- Much broader language support
- Google’s Conversational photo editing
While the delay in rolling out Apple Intelligence features may not have seemed to hurt the iPhone during the past year, Apple will need to close the gap to avoid the iPhone 17 feeling like a device that’s a step behind. As of right now, Google can make a pretty strong case that it offers the smartest phone money can buy.
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A new look for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max
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By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 6 at 4:02 p.m. ET
Leaks and rumors have suggested that the upcoming series of Pro iPhones will feature a redesigned camera bar, with the same arrangement of cameras in the upper-left corner as previous models, flanked by additional sensors on the right side — all upheld by a protruding module. For phone enthusiasts, think Poco M4 Pro design.
There will also be a two-toned portion of the back panel that functions as a wireless charging area. If we get lucky, Apple may even give us reverse wireless charging, a feature prevalent on Android flagships that allows you to charge other Qi-supported devices when set on the back of the phone.
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Literally a breath of fresh air for the iPhone
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By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 6 at 3:27 p.m. ET
An ultra-thin and light iPhone would be refreshing to see from Apple, as its current four-iPhone lineup has remained in place since the iPhone 12 series in 2020.
The iPhone 17 Air will reportedly feature a large display size, a titanium frame, and a revamped camera bar with only a single sensor.
Also: If these iPhone 17 Air rumors are real, my old phone is about to be retired
Apple is also expected to replace the iPhone 17 Plus with the iPhone 17 Air, as consumers have shown the least interest in the former model. This potentially positions the Air model as both the best big iPhone that doesn’t cost as much as the Pro Max and the most portable for those who want that.
Zoom out a bit, and you might even be looking at the beginnings of what an iPhone Fold experience could be like in a year or two.
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I have some theories about the iPhone 17 event invitation…
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By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor / Sept. 6 at 3:02 p.m. ET
While rumors of the upcoming products have been swirling over the past year, no preview is more official than Apple’s event invitation graphic, filled with enough Easter eggs to keep fans excited and journalists engaged.
This year, we’re seeing an Apple logo shimmering in blue, orange, red, and yellow, followed by the words “Awe dropping.” My three theories for what the design implies are…
- iPhone 17 Pro colors: Expected to consist of Orange, Black, Silver, and Dark Blue
- A vapor chamber for cooling: This year’s Apple event invitation also resembles a heat map — reds and oranges hint at warmth, while the cooler blues suggest temperature regulation. That could be a subtle nod to upcoming thermal improvements.
- Other temperature features: We may potentially see body temperature and blood pressure monitoring across new AirPods and Apple Watches.
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When is the the Apple iPhone 17 event?
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By Sabrina Ortiz, Senior Editor / Sept. 6 at 3:00 p.m. ET
Apple has confirmed via social media that this year’s fall event will take place on Sept. 9 at Apple Park in Cupertino, California. Select members of the press, including ZDNET’s Jason Hiner and Nina Raemont, will attend in person, but the public will be invited to join virtually via livestream.
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