Anticipation Builds for Apple’s Upcoming "Awe Dropping" Event
As Apple’s "Awe Dropping" event approaches, scheduled for September 9 at 1 PM ET, excitement is mounting over potential product unveils, including the highly anticipated iPhone 17. The theme of "Awe Dropping," hinted at in media invitations sent out on August 26, doesn’t provide many clues, but might suggest a focus on lightweight devices.
Livestream Coverage and Reporting
The event will be broadcast live on YouTube from Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino. Engadget will have a team of three reporters present to provide live coverage and hands-on impressions from the venue, ensuring timely updates for viewers.
What’s New for Apple in September?
This year’s product launch may represent a significant shift from Apple’s previous September events. There is considerable speculation about the introduction of a sleek new iPhone, tentatively referred to as the iPhone Air. Additionally, new Apple Watch models and potentially the long-awaited AirPods Pro 3 are expected to be announced.
Insights from Industry Experts
Mark Gurman, a prominent Apple reporter from Bloomberg, recently discussed the expected offerings during an appearance on the Engadget Podcast. He suggested that the iPhone Air is projected to measure approximately 5.55 mm in thickness, making it the slimmest iPhone to date, surpassing the iPhone 6’s existing record of 6.9 mm. This design may, however, come with trade-offs, including a single 48 MP camera and a reduced battery size, positioning the device as a stylish, yet possibly niche option.
Enhancements in the iPhone 17 Pro Lineup
For the Pro models, such as the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, rumors indicate potential design modifications and performance upgrades. A shift from titanium to aluminum casing is anticipated, along with a revamped rear camera array that may now take the shape of an "island" covering most of the back. The camera setup is expected to continue featuring three lenses, enhanced by a possible new 48 MP telephoto lens to improve zoom capabilities.
In addition, the standard iPhone 17 might incorporate a 120Hz ProMotion display, elevating its visual performance to match that of its Pro counterparts since 2021.
iOS 26 Launch and New Features
All new iPhones are expected to debut with iOS 26, which promises the most significant design overhaul in years. The introduction of the new model’s displays is likely to be a focal point of the event, showcasing Apple’s innovative Liquid Glass visual language.
New Offerings Beyond the iPhone
In addition to the iPhone announcements, new versions of the Apple Watch are set to be revealed. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to include enhancements such as 5G connectivity and upgraded processing power. Additionally, features like satellite text messaging could appeal to outdoor enthusiasts.
The Series 11 Apple Watch may not drastically diverge from its predecessor, Series 10, which recently underwent a design refresh. However, improvements in chip performance and possibly integrating 5G capability into the standard model are anticipated.
AirPods Pro 3 Expected Release
The event may also see the debut of the AirPods Pro 3, marking three years since the last update to Apple’s premium earbuds. While the design may undergo only slight alterations, new features such as in-ear biometric sensors for heart rate monitoring and temperature sensing have been speculated. Additionally, a new live translation feature is rumored to be part of the offering.
Conclusion
As the countdown to Apple’s "Awe Dropping" event continues, industry observers and consumers alike eagerly await confirmation of these developments. The official event will soon unveil the future of Apple’s product lineup, positioning the company for another exciting year in technology innovation.
