Apple iPhone 17 event live blog: The biggest announcements we’re expecting on Tuesday

By Jason Hiner, Editor in Chief

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.

By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor

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.

By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor

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.

By Kerry Wan, Managing Editor

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.

By Sabrina Ortiz, Senior Editor

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.