We’re probably solely round a month away (give or take) from Apple’s subsequent iPhone launch occasion. This yr’s shindig might see the thinnest iPhone thus far becoming a member of the iPhone 17 lineup. Additionally on faucet could possibly be new Apple Watch fashions — together with the primary Extremely mannequin in two years — and (possibly) the long-awaited AirPods Professional 3.
Apple’s iPhone household will probably welcome a brand new member this yr. The iPhone Air is anticipated to be roughly 5.55 mm thick. The thinnest mannequin thus far has been 2014’s iPhone 6, at 6.9 mm. And so they’ve solely gotten chunkier since then. (The iPhone 16 Professional has a depth of 8.25 mm.) So, the Air would stand out from its friends in that respect. It will additionally give Apple a direct rival to Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge, which we discovered to be greater than a gimmick.
However the iPhone Air’s skinny design will probably result in some compromises. It is rumored to have solely a single 48 MP digital camera and a smaller battery. So, anticipate a classy telephone that… will not be for everybody.
The iPhone 16 Professional and iPhone 16 Professional Max sitting on a desk.
(Brian Oh for Engadget)
The Professional lineup might supply some design tweaks and efficiency enhancements. The iPhone 17 Professional and Professional Max are rumored to modify from titanium to aluminum. They might additionally see the rear digital camera array broaden to a complete “island” that extends throughout a lot of the telephone’s bottom. It is anticipated to accommodate three cameras (as earlier than), however a number of rumors have urged it should have an improved telephoto one. The zoom lens might leap to 48MP, which might strengthen its digital zooming / cropping chops. The telephones can also add an anti-glare coating, just like these discovered on iPads.
The usual iPhone 17 might see some welcome show upgrades. At the least one provide chain supply claimed it should add a 120Hz variable refresh fee (ProMotion) show, which the Professional collection has used since 2021.
Apple’s iOS 26 Liquid Glass design language. Closeup of the underside of an iPhone, exhibiting Apple Music’s new translucent controls.
(Apple)
One factor we all know unquestionably is that the brand new iPhones will launch with iOS 26, which brings Apple’s greatest design refresh in years. It is simple to think about the corporate highlighting the brand new mannequin’s shows as the easiest way to expertise the brand new Liquid Glass visible language. As for the naming scheme, there have not been any leaks pointing to the same {hardware} rebranding (“iPhone 26,” “iPhone 26 Professional,” and so on.). However hey, Apple does like surprises.
Engadget’s iPhone 17 rumor roundup provides you a deeper dive into what to anticipate from the brand new fashions.
Two Apple Watch Extremely 2 fashions, propped up on a demo desk. Blurred background.
(Cherlynn Low for Engadget)
Apple’s fall occasion is not only for iPhones. The corporate can also be anticipated to roll out new Apple Watch fashions. 5G and a processor improve are anticipated for the Apple Watch Extremely 3. It might additionally allow you to ship texts by way of satellite tv for pc, useful for many who use it out within the wilderness. Whatever the particulars, Apple hasn’t launched a brand new rugged and premium mannequin since 2023 (aside from a brand new colour), so it is due for an improve.
The Sequence 11 mannequin is unlikely to depart dramatically from the Sequence 10. In spite of everything, that mannequin launched a brand new design, with a thinner physique and bigger display screen. (And Apple has traditionally saved these round in three-year cycles.). However a quicker chip additionally appears logical. Maybe we’ll see 5G arrive on the usual wearable, too.
We can also see the AirPods Professional 3 on the occasion. It has been about three years since Apple final upgraded its premium earbuds. The brand new mannequin might additionally deliver some biometric sensors to the earphones: an in-ear heart-rate monitor and (possibly) temperature sensing. Stay translation can also be rumored, though that will not be unique to the third-gen mannequin.
