In short, Ookla found that the iPhone 16e with Apple's custom-designed C1 modem "performs similarly" to the standard iPhone 16 with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X71 modem in the "vast majority of markets" that it examined.
However, results sometimes varied considerably based on carrier and country.
Ookla said the median 5G download speed for the standard iPhone 16 on T-Mobile's network in the U.S. was 317 Mbps, compared to 252 Mbps on the iPhone 16e. However, on an unspecified Spanish network, it said the iPhone 16e achieved a median 5G download speed of 139 Mbps, topping the iPhone 16 at 110 Mbps.
All in all, Ookla said the iPhone 16e performs "comparatively" to the iPhone 16 for 5G connectivity, which reinforces its earlier March findings.
iPhone 16e users can rest assured that Apple's first 5G modem is no slouch, which is good news ahead of Apple's special event tomorrow, as the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air is also expected to be equipped with the C1 modem.
The tagline for Apple's special event tomorrow is "Awe dropping," and the iPhone 17 Pro's battery life might live up to the hype.
As we recently reported, alleged battery capacities for all of the iPhone 17 models have surfaced in a Chinese regulatory database. The alleged capacity for the iPhone 17 Pro is particularly impressive, and it is worth discussing in more detail.
The smaller iPhone 17 Pro model with a 6.3-inch display will apparently be equipped with a 4,252 mAh battery for configurations without a SIM card tray. If that information is accurate, that is a nearly 20% increase (18.7% to be precise) in capacity over the iPhone 16 Pro's 3,582 mAh battery, which is a significant year-over-year improvement. This will likely translate to Apple saying the iPhone 17 Pro offers hours of additional battery life.
While the iPhone 16 Pro Max's 4,685 mAh battery would still top the iPhone 17 Pro, the A19 Pro chip should deliver more power efficiency improvements, so we will see if the iPhone 17 Pro can get close to current Pro Max battery life.
Apple removed the SIM card tray from iPhones in the U.S. starting with the iPhone 14 series, but it has simply put a piece of plastic where the tray used to be inside those devices. As a result, all iPhone 14 through iPhone 16 models sold in the U.S. have the same battery capacities as the equivalent models sold in other countries.
Starting with the iPhone 17 series, it appears that Apple will now include a larger battery in models without a SIM card tray, rather than filling the void with a plastic piece. This change helps to explain why it appears that the iPhone 17 Pro's battery capacity will increase in a meaningful way this year. The timing of this change coincides with expectations that Apple will eliminate the SIM card tray in more countries, with the iPhone 17 series likely to be eSIM-only in the EU and select other regions. iPhone 17 models sold in China will likely still have a SIM card tray or even two, due to local regulatory hurdles.
The lengthy iPhone 17 rumor cycle is finally drawing to a close. Stay tuned for in-depth coverage of Apple's event tomorrow, starting at 10 a.m. Pacific Time.
Apple's biggest week of the year has arrived, and all eyes are on Cupertino. With the iPhone 17 expected to headline Apple's "Awe dropping" event on September 9 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, the rumor mill has been running at full speed, pointing to the most ambitious shake-up of the lineup in recent years.
From an all-new ultra-thin "Air" model to camera and display upgrades across the board, this cheat sheet collects everything you need to know about Apple's next-generation iPhones – broken down by model for quick reference.
iPhone 17 Rumors by Model
iPhone 17 (regular model)
Larger 6.3-inch display size, up from 6.1 inches on the iPhone 16.
120Hz ProMotion display with always-on capability.
24MP front-facing camera with improved six-element lens.
New A19 processor
Qi2 25W Wireless MagSafe Charging
New colors: black, white, steel gray, light blue, green, and purple.
iPhone 17 Air
Ultra-thin design (5.5 mm) with a 6.6-inch ProMotion display.
Lightweight titanium-aluminum frame (145 grams).
Runway-style rear camera bar with single 48MP lens.
A19 chip and Apple C1 modem.
12GB RAM.
3,000 mAh battery capacity.
Action Button and Camera Control button.
24MP front-facing camera.
Qi2 25W Wireless MagSafe Charging
Exclusive colors: black, white, light gold, and light blue.
iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max
Redesigned rear with horizontal camera bar and half-aluminum/half-glass back.
New display with increased maximum brightness.
Apple-designed Wi-Fi 7 chip for faster connectivity.
48MP telephoto lens with 8× optical zoom capability.
8K video recording feature.
12GB of RAM.
Larger battery in Pro Max (5,088 mAh) with slightly thicker design.
Base storage starting at 256GB.
Qi2 25W Wireless MagSafe Charging
Two new colors: Dark Blue and Orange, plus standard Pro finishes.
iPhone 17 Pricing Expectations
Apple will maintain its entry-level pricing for the standard iPhone 17 this year, but the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are set to get price hikes, albeit with a minimum storage boost for the iPhone 17 Pro model, according to TrendForce.
The market research company expects the regular iPhone 17 model to have the same $799 starting price and 128GB base storage as last year's iPhone 16, while both the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will come with 256GB base storage options and increases of $50-$100 per comparable capacity. The full iPhone 17 lineup pricing could break down like so:
Model
128GB
256GB
512GB
1TB
iPhone 17
$799
$899
$1,099
—
iPhone 17 Air
—
$1,099
$1,299
$1,499
iPhone 17 Pro
—
$1,199
$1,399
$1,599
iPhone 17 Pro Max
—
$1,299
$1,499
$1,699
J.P. Morgan has also offered price estimates for the iPhone 17 series that put the iPhone 17 Pro starting price at $1,099, or $100 lower than TrendForce's prediction.
When Can I Pre-order iPhone 17?
If Apple follows the traditional pattern, iPhone 17 pre-orders will begin later in Apple's event week on Friday, September 12 at 5 a.m. Pacific Time / 8 a.m. Eastern Time.
When Does iPhone 17 Launch?
iPhone 17 models will likely reach pre-order customers the following Friday, September 19, which is when retail stores will also stock the new devices.
Both the MacRumors site and our X (Twitter) account are excellent ways to discuss the new announcements with other Apple enthusiasts as Apple unveils its new products. Later in the day and throughout the week, we'll also have much more in-depth coverage of all of Apple's announcements, so make sure to stay tuned.
Apple is preparing to launch two versions of the AirPods Pro 3 over 2025 and 2026, according to a Weibo leaker.
Yesterday, supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuoreported that Apple is planning to debut the AirPods Pro 3 this year. They could arrive as soon as this week at Apple's "Awe dropping" event.
Crucially, Kuo added that Apple is planning to introduce a successor to this year's AirPods Pro in 2026. This would be somewhat unusual since Apple normally waits around three years to make major changes to the AirPods' hardware. AirPods Pro 2 debuted at the iPhone 14 event in September 2022, and they were updated with a USB-C charging case and a few other tweaks in September 2023. Otherwise, Apple has waited about three years to update all of its AirPods models.
Kuo said that the 2026 AirPods Pro will feature a "more significant" hardware upgrade in the form at least one tiny infrared camera. He previously said AirPods with infrared cameras could recognize hand gestures and provide an enhanced spatial audio experience with Apple's Vision Pro headset.
Now, the Chinese leaker known as "Instant Digital" has corroborated the rumor with some additional details and clarifications. Rather than being a new generation, the 2026 AirPods Pro will be a high-end variant of the AirPods Pro 3 introduced this year, suggesting that both models will ultimately be on sale alongside each other. It is worth noting that Apple offers two version of the AirPods 4 at $129 and $179 price points.
As Kuo first said, Instant Digital similarly believes that the key differentiator will be an infrared camera for gesture controls. In fact, Apple may remove the high-end model's pressure-sensors and go all-in on gesture controls. The cost for customers is expected to exceed the current AirPods Pro's full retail price of $249.
Several recent rumors have pointed to an all-new official Apple accessory arriving with the iPhone 17 lineup, and it looks like samples of the product have leaked ahead of Apple’s “Awe dropping” event on Tuesday.
Apple will offer a crossbody strap designed to work with the company's upcoming TechWoven cases for iPhone 17, and leaker Sonny Dickson has shared images of one of the straps in a vibrant orange color. The crossbody strap will reportedly have a flexible metal core and use magnetic attachment points, allowing users to easily connect and disconnect the accessory as needed.
Based on previous leaks, new TechWoven cases – replacing Apple's discontinued FineWoven line – will feature small attachment holes in the bottom corners specifically for looping through Apple's new strap. The accessory also apparently features a unique design that makes it magnetic along its entire length.
The latest leak tallies with earlier rumors from Majin Bu and fellow leaker DuanRui, who have shared CAD drawings and case clones showing similar attachment points on official iPhone 17 cases.
It won't be the first time Apple has leaned into wearable accessories for its products. The AirPods Pro 2 charging case includes a lanyard cutout, and the fifth-generation iPod touch featured built-in attachment hardware for similar purposes.
Apple is expected to release the iPhone 17 Pro models in a new orange color, so the strap we see here could also be alluding to it. Stay tuned for in-depth coverage of Apple's announcements this week.
Just ahead of Apple unveiling the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, it appears that battery capacities for the devices have surfaced in a Chinese regulatory database.
The database suggests that the iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max will be available with and without a physical SIM card tray, depending on the country of sale. On the other hand, the base-model iPhone 17 might have only one battery size, as only a single capacity for that device has been discovered so far.
Given the SIM card tray takes up some space inside an iPhone, the models with it appear to have slightly lower battery capacities than eSIM-only variants.
Model
With SIM Card Tray
Without
YoY Increase (Maximum)
iPhone 17
3,692 mAh
+3.7%
iPhone Air
3,036 mAh
3,149 mAh
—
iPhone 17 Pro
3,988 mAh
4,252 mAh
+18.7%
iPhone 17 Pro Max
4,823 mAh
5,088 mAh
+8.6%
MacRumors has independently confirmed that some of these battery listings are present in the Chinese regulatory database shown in the screenshot, but we cannot explicitly say that they are for the iPhone 17 models, as Apple stopped using obvious "A####" identifiers for iPhone batteries a few years ago. However, we do believe there is a good chance these are in fact the battery capacities for the iPhone 17 series.
Apple removed the SIM card tray in the U.S. starting with the iPhone 14 series, but it has simply put a piece of plastic where the tray used to be inside those devices. As a result, all iPhone 14 through iPhone 16 models sold in the U.S. have the same battery capacities as the equivalent models sold in other countries.
It was previously rumored that Apple plans to eliminate the SIM card tray from iPhones in more countries beyond the U.S. this year, but it might continue to exist in some countries, due to limited eSIM availability or other factors. For example, some iPhone 17 models might still have a SIM card slot in China, due to local regulations.
Notably, the iPhone 17 Air is the model that is most expected to lack a physical SIM card slot in many countries, due to its ultra-thin design with limited internal space.
A few takeaways based on these alleged capacities:
It looks like the smaller iPhone 17 Pro will be receiving a significant boost in battery life, with a nearly 19% increase in capacity over the iPhone 16 Pro.
As rumored, the iPhone 17 Pro Max would become the first iPhone model to cross the 5,000 mAh battery capacity mark. With a 5,088 mAh battery, the device would have a around an 8% larger battery compared to the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Given that Apple is now required to show an energy label on its iPhone product pages in the EU, official mAh battery capacities might be published later this week.
As always, you can only directly compare mAh values when the batteries have the same voltage, with Wh a preferred unit of measurement. iPhone batteries typically do have the same voltage, allowing for mAh comparisons.
A private account on X with a proven track record today shared alleged details about upcoming Apple Watch and iPad Pro models.
Here are the alleged devices that the account mentioned:
Apple Watch Series 11 with a chip based on the same architecture as the S9 and S10 chips in previous Apple Watch models
Apple Watch Ultra 3 with a chip based on the same architecture as the S9 and S10 chips
Apple Watch SE 3 with a chip based on the same architecture as the S9 and S10 chips
Four new iPad Pro configurations with the M5 chip
All three of the Apple Watch models listed above are expected to be unveiled during Apple's so-called "Awe Dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9, while iPad Pro models with the M5 chip will likely be announced in October.
All of these devices were already rumored, but this leak serves as even more evidence that an Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch SE 3 will be unveiled alongside the Apple Watch Series 11. Last year, the Apple Watch Series 10 was the only new model, although the Apple Watch Ultra 2 did receive a new black titanium option.
The current Apple Watch SE was released in 2022, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 launched in 2023, so those models have not always been updated annually.
As we already reported, based on information discovered by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris, all of the new Apple Watch models will likely be equipped with an S11 chip that is similar to the S9 and S10 chips in previous Apple Watch models. There is precedent for this, as the S6, S7, and S8 chips were all based on the same architecture.
In July 2024, Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said he expected Samsung to begin shipping 48-megapixel Ultra Wide camera sensors to Apple for iPhones as early as 2026, which is when some iPhone 18 models are expected to be released.
In a follow-up post this weekend, however, Kuo said he now expects the first iPhone models with Samsung's sensor to be released in 2027. In other words, this rumor seemingly now applies to some iPhone 19 models, instead of iPhone 18 models.
It is also possible that Samsung's sensor could debut on the iPhone 18e in early 2027, but the iPhone 16e does not have an Ultra Wide rear camera currently.
Last month, Apple announced Samsung would supply it with iPhone chips manufactured in Texas. According to the Financial Times, the chips in question are three-layer stacked image sensors, which enable higher pixel density and improved low-light performance by vertically stacking multiple sensor layers. Stacked sensor architecture has other benefits too, including higher dynamic range and reduced power consumption.
Sony has long been the exclusive supplier of image sensors for iPhone cameras, so Samsung entering the fray would be notable, whenever that may happen.
For those of you playing along at home, an iPhone 18 rumor has become an iPhone 19 rumor, two days before Apple unveils the iPhone 17. iPhone 20, anyone?
All signs point towards Apple unveiling the AirPods Pro 3 during its iPhone 17 event on Tuesday, September 9. However, Kuo did not provide a specific timeframe beyond the second half of 2025, which lines up with previous rumors.
Kuo did not mention any new features that are planned for the AirPods Pro 3. However, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman recently reported that the AirPods Pro 3 will likely have the same heart rate monitoring feature that Apple introduced on the Powerbeats Pro 2 earlier this year, along with a significantly smaller charging case.
When both Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are placed in the ears, and heart rate monitoring is active, Apple says LED optical sensors pulse at over 100 times per second to measure heart rate via blood flow. The feature integrates with popular fitness apps to collect data during workouts and sync it to Apple's Health app on the iPhone.
The feature is based on the Apple Watch's heart rate sensing technology. If someone is wearing both Powerbeats Pro 2 and an Apple Watch, Apple says apps default to using Apple Watch heart rate data, and that will likely apply to the AirPods Pro 3 too.
Beyond heart rate monitoring, it is likely that the next AirPods Pro will feature improved sound quality, increased active noise cancellation, design changes, and more.
AirPods Pro 2 debuted at the iPhone 14 event in September 2022, and they were updated with a USB-C charging case and a few other tweaks in September 2023.
Interestingly, Kuo said that Apple plans to update the AirPods Pro again next year, with a "more significant" hardware upgrade in the form at least one tiny infrared camera. A leaker on Chinese platform Weibo subsequently claimed that these will be a higher-end version of the AirPods Pro 3, rather than AirPods Pro 4. That would make sense, given the long three-year gap between the first, second, and third AirPods Pro generations.
Kuo previously said AirPods with infrared cameras could be controlled with in-air gestures, and provide an enhanced spatial audio experience with Apple's Vision Pro headset.
"For example, when a user is watching a video with Vision Pro and wearing this new AirPods, if users turn their heads to look in a specific direction, the sound source in that direction can be emphasized to enhance the spatial audio/computing experience," he said.
Apple is hosting an online streaming event for the public and press on Tuesday, September 9, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. The company is expected to announce its new iPhone 17 lineup alongside new Apple Watch models, and potentially other products during the event, dubbed "Awe Dropping." Here's how you can watch it and when, wherever you are in the world.
There are multiple ways to watch the September 9 event, with details listed below. We've also included a useful guide on when the event will take place in your particular time zone.
Apple Events Website
With the Apple Events website, you can watch the event live on a Mac, iPhone, iPad, PC, or any other device with a web browser. The Apple Events website works in Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and other main browsers.
Just navigate to www.apple.com/apple-events/ using a web browser at the appropriate time to watch. You can visit the site now to add an event reminder to your calendar.
YouTube
Apple also plans to stream the event live on YouTube, which is perhaps the easiest and most efficient way to watch because the YouTube live stream can be viewed on every platform where YouTube is available, which is pretty much all platforms, from smartphones and tablets to consoles and smart TVs.
Apple used to have a dedicated Apple Events app on the Apple TV, but ahead of WWDC 2020, it was folded into the Apple TV app. On event day, there will be a prominent Apple TV app section dedicated to the live stream, which can be watched on any device where the Apple TV app is available.
This includes the Apple TV, iPhones, iPads, and Macs, as well as select smart TVs, streaming devices, and gaming consoles. If you have an Apple TV, the Apple TV app is one of the best ways to watch the event live. Apple hasn't updated the Apple TV app with the new event as of yet, but it should be added soon.
Apple's event will take place at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, like most Apple events. Event times in other time zones are listed below.
Honolulu, Hawaii — 7:00 a.m. HAST
Anchorage, Alaska — 9:00 a.m. AKDT
Cupertino, California — 10:00 a.m. PDT
Phoenix, Arizona — 10:00 a.m. MST
Vancouver, Canada — 10:00 a.m. PDT
Denver, Colorado — 11:00 a.m. MDT
Dallas, Texas — 12:00 noon CDT
New York, New York — 1:00 p.m. EDT
Toronto, Canada — 1:00 p.m. EDT
Halifax, Canada — 2:00 p.m. ADT
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — 2:00 p.m. BRT
London, United Kingdom — 6:00 p.m. BST
Berlin, Germany — 7:00 p.m. CEST
Paris, France — 7:00 p.m. CEST
Cape Town, South Africa — 7:00 p.m. SAST
Helsinki, Finland — 8:00 p.m. EEST
Istanbul, Turkey — 8:00 p.m. TRT
Dubai, United Arab Emirates — 9:00 p.m. GST
Delhi, India — 10:30 p.m. IST
Jakarta, Indonesia — 12:00 a.m. WIB next day
Shanghai, China — 1:00 a.m. CST next day
Singapore — 1:00 a.m. SGT next day
Perth, Australia — 1:00 a.m. AWST next day
Hong Kong — 1:00 a.m. HKT next day
Seoul, South Korea — 2:00 a.m. KST next day
Tokyo, Japan — 2:00 a.m. JST next day
Adelaide, Australia — 2:30 a.m. ACST next day
Sydney, Australia — 3:00 a.m. AEST next day
Auckland, New Zealand — 5:00 a.m. NZST next day
MacRumors Coverage
If you're not able to watch or just want to follow along with us as we watch the event unfold, visit MacRumors.com for our liveblog or follow us on Twitter at MacRumorsLive for our live tweet coverage.
Both the MacRumors site and our X (Twitter) account are excellent ways to discuss the new announcements with other Apple enthusiasts as Apple unveils its new products. Later in the day and throughout the week, we'll also have much more in-depth coverage of all of Apple's announcements, so make sure to stay tuned.
Amazon this weekend is discounting a collection of Beats headphones and speakers, including a solid second-best price on the Powerbeats Pro 2. You can get this new 2025 model for $199.95 in four colors, down from $249.99. This deal on the Powerbeats Pro 2 is being matched at Best Buy, along with a few other Beats deals.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
This sale also includes major discounts on products like the Beats Pill, which has hit $99.95 on Amazon, down from $149.95. This discount is available in five colors of the Bluetooth speaker.
Additionally, Amazon has the Beats Studio Buds+ for $99.95, down from $169.95. These have up to 9 hours of playback (up to 36 hours with charging case), USB-C, active noise cancellation, transparency mode, and an IPX4 rating for sweat and water resistance.
You'll also find a few steep discounts on over-ear headphones, like the Beats Studio Pro at $199.95, down from $349.99. This is another second-best price on this pair of Beats headphones.
Be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find as we head into the fall? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
Now through September 30, get 5% Daily Cash when you use the Apple Card via Apple Pay for purchases across the Uber and Uber Eats apps and websites.
5% Daily Cash is limited to $500 in combined Uber and Uber Eats purchases, meaning that the maximum cash back that you can receive from this offer is $25.
Ordinarily, the Apple Card offers 3% Daily Cash for Uber and Uber Eats purchases.
In addition, Apple Card users can continue to receive a six-month free trial of Uber One, by signing up with this link using the Apple Card via Apple Pay. Uber One provides savings and other benefits for both Uber rides and Uber Eats deliveries.
Apple's credit card is available in the U.S. only.
This week's best deals mostly focused on great discount events from popular retailers like Anker, Samsung, and Sony. You'll also find sales that are exclusive for our readers at Anker and Nomad, plus an ongoing solid deal on the 11th generation iPad.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Amazon this week is taking $50 off Wi-Fi models of Apple's 11th generation iPad. Prices start at $299.00 for the 128GB Wi-Fi iPad, down from $349.00, a second-best price on this model.
Nomad is offering MacRumors readers a chance to get 20 percent off their order by entering the code MAC20 at checkout. This code will work through midnight on Saturday, so be sure to shop Nomad's best products before it expires.
Beats
What's the deal? Save on Beats headphones and speakers
Amazon is discounting a collection of Beats headphones and speakers this week, including a low price on the Beats Pill and discounts on Beats Solo Buds, Studio Buds+, Solo 4, and Studio Pro.
This week we partnered with Anker to offer our readers an exclusive sitewide discount. You can get 20 percent off sitewide with code Ankermacrumors2025 through the end of the month, allowing you to save on popular portable batteries, USB-C chargers, and much more.
Samsung
What's the deal? Save on Samsung monitors, TVs, and more
Samsung kicked off a new end of Summer sale this week, and it includes savings on monitors, TVs, Galaxy products, and more. Discounts include up to $300 off Samsung's new lineup of Smart Monitors.
Sony is hosting a big sale with up to 40 percent in savings on the company's best headphones, speakers, sound bars, TVs, photography equipment, and more. Buying select headphones and earbuds together during this sale will also net you extra bundle savings.
If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2025? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
Buckle up for a busy week with Apple's annual iPhone event taking center stage on Tuesday, where we'll be seeing a bunch of new hardware as well as a final preview of iOS 26 and other operating system updates ahead of their public release.
Rumors are continuing to fly about what we should expect from the new iPhone lineup and other devices, with speculation about price increases running rampant as well, so read on below for all the details on these stories and more!
Top Stories
Awe Dropping: Everything Coming at the September 9 Apple Event
Apple is holding its annual iPhone-centric event on Tuesday, September 9, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. This is the biggest Apple event of the year, and we'll see Apple unveiling new iPhones, new Apple Watches, the AirPods Pro 3, and possibly some other surprises.
New iPhone 17 Pro Details: Brighter Display, Best Battery Life, and More
We're just days away from the big event, but we're continuing to hear more last-minute details about the upcoming lineup. A fresh report claims that the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will see a number of significant display, thermal, and battery improvements.
iOS 26 adds several features to the built-in Wallet app on the iPhone, providing a new way to track your online shopping, an update to boarding passes, and more. We've outlined everything new in the Wallet app in our dedicated guide, so be sure to check it out.
In a bit of a surprise, Apple seeded new developer and public betas of iOS 26 and other upcoming releases this week. This was an unusually late round of betas with the event right around the corner. Apple should be seeding the final release candidate versions to beta testers immediately after Tuesday's event, with a full public release likely coming the following week.
Base iPhone 17 Pro Could Cost $200 More But With Doubled Storage
Those price increases could, however, see some storage capacity bumps at those starting prices to help cushion the blow for some customers.
Under One Week Until iPhone 17: Here's What We Know
The base iPhone 17 will be the cheapest of the new flagship lineup, and while it should get some welcome upgrades, it will probably the tamest update Apple has in store.
While we should get some new color options, the overall form factor should be nearly identical to the iPhone 16. It will get the usual chip and camera upgrades, potentially a display update for 120Hz ProMotion, and a range of additional improvements. Read up on everything we're expecting in our dedicated overview.
Foldable iPhone Coming in 2026, Foldable iPad to Follow in 2028
Apple plans to release a foldable iPhone in 2026, and will then follow it up with a foldable iPad in 2028, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said this week.
Multiple sources have now confirmed that Apple is planning to release its first foldable iPhone in 2026, with the device coming as part of the iPhone 18 lineup. Launch timing on a larger-screened foldable device has been more uncertain.
The upcoming device, which he refers to as the "Vision Air," will supposedly be over 40 percent lighter than the current model. The Vision Pro weighs in at round 1.375 pounds, so a version that's 40 percent lighter should come in at under a pound.
Kuo also says the Vision Air will be over 50 percent cheaper, which could make it much more attractive to prospective buyers. The Vision Pro costs $3,499, which means a half-priced version would be $1,750.
MacRumors Newsletter
Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.
Starting today, the Apple Pencil Pro is available in Apple's online refurbished store in the U.S. and Canada, for the first time since the accessory launched in May 2024.
In the U.S., the refurbished Apple Pencil Pro is available for $109, down from $129 brand new. That is a roughly 15% discount, which is typical for Apple's refurbished products.
At the time of writing this, Amazon is selling the Apple Pencil Pro brand new for $110.87 in the U.S., so the refurbished option is not a great choice right now, since you could get a new one for just $1.87 more. On the other hand, Apple's refurbished products are generally in like-new condition, so the refurbished one does offer a tiny bit of savings.
Apple says all of its refurbished products undergo "full functionality testing," and any defective modules identified in testing are replaced. All of the refurbished products are also put through a "thorough cleaning process and inspection," before being repackaged.
Key features of the Apple Pencil Pro include the ability to squeeze the accessory to bring up a tool palette, a gyroscope that allows users to roll the Apple Pencil Pro for precise control of shaped pen and brush tools, haptic feedback for certain actions, and Find My support. It is compatible with iPad Pro models with the M4 chip, iPad Air models with the M2 chip or newer, and the iPad mini with the A17 Pro chip.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Apple is holding its annual iPhone-centric event on Tuesday, September 9 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. This is the biggest Apple event of the year, and we'll see Apple unveiling new iPhones, new Apple Watches, the AirPods Pro 3, and possibly some other surprises.
We've highlighted everything that we're expecting to see at the "Awe Dropping" event based on current rumors.
iPhone 17 Air
Apple is planning to release a super thin iPhone alongside the standard iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro models, and while we don't know what it'll be called just yet, it will mark the biggest design update to the iPhone in almost a decade.
We'll find out Apple's official name for the iPhone soon, but it's become known as the iPhone 17 Air during the rumor cycle. It's a logical choice for the device, since Air often pairs with Pro in Apple's product categories.
The iPhone 17 Air will be around 5.5mm, which means it's going to be more than 2mm thinner than the 7.80mm iPhone 16. It'll be the thinnest iPhone Apple's released to date, though it won't be quite as thin as the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
There will be a thicker camera area, with Apple adding a pill-shaped horizontal camera bump to accommodate a single-lens 48-megapixel rear camera and flash setup. At the front, there will be a new 24-megapixel selfie camera, an improvement over the 12-megapixel front-facing camera in the current models.
The iPhone 17 Air's display will measure in at 6.6 inches, and there are rumors that all iPhone 17 models could support 120Hz ProMotion refresh rates, meaning that would no longer be a feature only for the Pro models. Apple is upgrading all of the iPhone displays to LTPO OLED technology this year, which is what has led to those rumors, but there's no word on whether always-on display functionality will be supported.
Apple is using a hybrid titanium-aluminum frame for the iPhone 17 Air, and it could weigh somewhere around 145 grams. At 145 grams, the iPhone 17 Air would be just a little heavier than the iPhone 13 mini.
The iPhone 17 Air will have the same A19 chip that's in the iPhone 17, along with a vapor chamber heat sink that will improve thermal performance. It's expected to have 12GB RAM.
We've heard some rumors about a slimmer Dynamic Island, but that might not happen. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to get other standard iPhone features like MagSafe, Camera Control, and an Action Button.
The iPhone 17 Air will use the same C1 modem chip that Apple debuted in the iPhone 16e, which means it won't support faster mmWave 5G speeds. All iPhone 17 models will use a new Apple-designed Wi-Fi chip with Wi-Fi 7 support, and Apple's own hardware could bring efficiency and connectivity improvements. Apple doesn't have the space for a SIM slot, so the iPhone 17 Air will be eSIM only.
There's not a lot of room inside the iPhone 17 Air for the battery, so battery life might suffer. A leaked image suggests the iPhone 17 Air battery is half as thick as the iPhone 17 Pro battery, and rumors indicate that it'll come in at around 2,800mAh. Apple may be able to improve battery life with the more efficient C1 modem and updated A-series chip.
The iPhone 17 Pro models are getting some updates that will improve durability and change the exterior look of the devices. Rather than a titanium frame, Apple is rumored to be swapping to aluminum, and also doing away with some of the glass at the back.
Rumors suggest the iPhone 17 Pro models will have a half-glass, half aluminum design with a glass area for MagSafe charging. The rest of the iPhone chassis will be aluminum, improving durability because aluminum is much less breakable than glass. With a partial aluminum back, the iPhone 17 Pro models will be much more durable than the iPhone 16 Pro models. The glass area is expected to take up the bottom 2/3rds of the iPhone, and it could result in the Apple logo being shifted lower on the device.
While titanium is seen as a more premium material that can better hold up to scratches, aluminum is lighter and it is better at dissipating heat. There have been ongoing complaints about the iPhone 16's penchant for heating up when under heavy load and when wireless charging.
Apple is redesigning the camera bump, though it's not quite clear why. Rather than a square-shaped bump at the left of the iPhone, there will be a large horizontal bump that takes up nearly the entire width of the device. There will be three lenses arranged in the same triangle shape as the current models, but the flash and LiDAR sensor are shifting over to the right. The antenna lines on the iPhone 17 Pro models could wrap back to the camera bump, and Apple might get rid of the bottom antenna lines.
The iPhone 17 Pro models will come in orange, dark blue, gray, white, and black. Orange is an unusual shade for Apple to choose for the Pro lineup, so it might end up being a more muted copper shade.
As for the display, it's going to look largely the same, but Apple might add a more scratch resistant anti-reflective coating. The coating could be more durable than Ceramic Shield while also cutting down on reflections, but it won't look as dramatic as nano-texture.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max could have Apple's biggest iPhone battery to date, bringing an increase in battery life, and both pro models could be a little thicker to accommodate bigger batteries. Faster 25W Qi 2.2 charging will be supported with compatible accessories, and while there are also rumors of reverse wireless charging for things like AirPods and the Apple Watch, it's not clear if that will actually happen.
TSMC's next-generation A19 Pro chip will power the iPhone 17 Pro models, and it'll be a little faster and more efficient than the A18 Pro. Rumors suggest that Apple is also going to bump up the RAM, with the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max set to get 12GB.
The iPhone 17 Pro models will have an updated 48-megapixel Telephoto lens, which means all three lenses will be 48 megapixels for the first time.
Some rumors have suggested the new Telephoto lens will support up to 8x optical zoom, and the Main camera could have a variable aperture system that would allow users to adjust the amount of light that reaches the lens to improve background blur. Apple is planning on a dual video recording feature that uses the front and rear camera simultaneously, and there will be an upgraded 24-megapixel front-facing camera.
There are usually two standard iPhone 17 models, but this year, we're limited to one because Apple is eliminating the "Plus" model and replacing it with the ultra thin iPhone.
The iPhone 17 will look like the iPhone 16, but it's getting a bigger display. Instead of 6.1 inches, it'll be 6.3 inches, similar to the iPhone 16 Pro. Color options could include black, white, steel gray, green, purple, and light blue.
While the iPhone 17 Air and the iPhone 17 Pro models will have a pill-shaped camera bar that spans most of the back of each device, rumors suggest the iPhone 17's camera bump isn't going to change. It will continue to have a dual-lens camera setup with a small vertical pill-shaped bump.
The display might have slimmed down bezels to bring the iPhone 17 in line with the other iPhone models, and rumors suggest that 120Hz ProMotion refresh rates will come to the entire lineup rather than just being limited to the Pro models.
We're expecting the iPhone 17 to be equipped with the standard A19 chip, built on an updated 3-nanometer process. The A19 will bring speed and efficiency improvements compared to the A18, plus Apple is rumored to be using vapor chamber cooling technology to boost thermal performance.
We're not expecting major rear camera upgrades for the iPhone 17, but it will get an updated 24-megapixel front-facing camera. It will also continue to have 48 megapixel Wide and Ultra Wide rear cameras.
Like the other iPhones in the lineup, the iPhone 17 will get Apple's custom-designed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip and support for 25W Qi 2.2 charging.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 will get some of the changes that Apple introduced with the Apple Watch Series 10 last year, including the updated LTPO3 display. With LTPO3, the Series 10 display is 40 percent brighter when viewed at an angle, and minimum brightness drops to 1 nit to allow for an always-on second hand that updates even when the wrist is down.
Apple isn't updating the size of the Ultra 3, but it will have a bigger display. Code found in iOS 26 suggests the display will measure in at 422 x 514 pixels, up from 410 x 502 pixels. The larger display will likely be enabled through a reduction in bezels.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to include an updated S11 chip, but the S11 is going to offer the same performance as the S9 and the S10 as it has the same underlying processor technology. Since the current Apple Watch Ultra uses the S9, there may not be much in the way of performance improvements.
While the chip is basically the same, the S11 could be smaller overall, allowing for more internal space to be dedicated to the battery and other components.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 will be Apple's first watch with satellite connectivity, enabling satellite-based texting and an Emergency SOS feature that can be used when there's no cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity available.
Apple has been working on blood pressure monitoring technology, and it may or may not be ready to debut in 2025 Apple Watch models. It's still not yet clear if it's coming this year because of development issues, but if it does, it will be more limited than standard blood pressure monitoring devices.
The feature won't provide specific systolic and diastolic readings, and it will instead track blood pressure trends and let the wearer know if hypertension is detected. Apple Watch users could then share that information with a healthcare professional for further investigation.
Apple is planning to use 5G RedCap chips from MediaTek for the Apple Watch Ultra 3, enabling 5G connectivity for the first time. Current Apple Watch models are limited to LTE.
5G RedCap is a version of 5G that's designed specifically for wearable devices that don't need the speed and bandwidth of standard 5G networks, but it could bring improvements over LTE speeds.
The Apple Watch Series 10 uses a metal rear casing with a larger charging coil and an integrated antenna instead of a ceramic rear casing, and these changes may come to the Ultra 3. The updated charging coil would allow the Apple Watch Ultra to charge much faster than before.
Apple Watch Series 11
Like the Apple Watch Ultra 3, the Apple Watch Series 11 will get the 5G RedCap modem, the S11 chip, a brighter display, and perhaps blood pressure monitoring features.
We're also expecting some new color options and updated bands to match the color refresh.
There are a limited number of rumors about the Series 11, so there could be some surprise unknowns.
Apple Watch SE
Apple could update the Apple Watch SE with 1.6-inch and 1.8-inch display sizes. It's possible Apple is planning to transition to the Apple Watch Series 7 design for the Apple Watch SE, which would see it made available in 41mm and 45mm sizes. The current Apple Watch SE comes in the older 40mm and 44mm size options.
With the Series 7, Apple also changed the design of the Apple Watch, introducing a slimmer casing and smaller bezels. It would be a more modern look for the Apple Watch SE that doesn't steal the design of the Series 11.
The Apple Watch SE will also get the next-generation S11 chip, which will be an improvement over the S8 chip in the current model.
There have been some rumors suggesting the Apple Watch SE 3 could have a colorful plastic casing, but Apple may have scrapped that design.
Rumors suggest the AirPods Pro 3 will have an updated form factor, though it's unclear what exactly will change. Given how little we've heard, the earbuds themselves may only feature small design changes.
The AirPods 4 charging case was updated last year, and now it's the AirPods Pro's turn. The AirPods Pro 3 case could be slimmed down, making the AirPods Pro even more pocketable. Apple also removed the pairing button on the AirPods 4 case, adding an invisible capacitive button instead, and the same change is coming to the AirPods Pro. The LED on the AirPods Pro case could also be hidden beneath the surface, so it only shows up when it's on.
Apple is working on a new chip for the AirPods Pro 3 that will result in improved sound quality and better Active Noise Cancellation.
Apple introduced in-ear heart rate tracking for the Powerbeats Pro 2, and it's a feature that's also expected to extend to the AirPods Pro 3. The AirPods will be able to measure heart rate during workouts. Temperature sensing capabilities are also a possibility.
Apple is working on a Live Translation feature for the AirPods that will provide real-time translations for in-person conversations. The feature will build on the Live Translation options introduced in iOS 26, and it could be announced alongside the AirPods Pro 3.
Cases and Accessories
All of the iPhone 17 models will support Qi 2.2, otherwise known as Qi 25W. The upgraded Qi specification allows for charging at up to 25W with wireless chargers that offer Qi 2.2 support. That means third-party chargers will be able to offer the same 25W charging speeds as MagSafe chargers. You'll need all new hardware to get those speeds, though, as existing Qi 2 chargers are limited to 15W.
There will be the standard silicone cases this year, but Apple is apparently giving fabric cases another go. The "FineWoven" cases from 2023 turned out to be a disaster, but this year's "TechWoven" fabric-style cases are supposedly more durable and better able to stand up to wear and tear.
Cases this year will apparently have small holes at the bottom corners to accommodate a lanyard or a strap.
Apple has also considered creating a bumper case specifically for the slimmed-down iPhone 17 Air models, providing protection without bulk.
Software Updates
At the event, Apple will let us know when iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, tvOS 26, visionOS 26, and watchOS 26 are coming out.
We'll also get the release candidate updates when the event ends.
Other Possible Product Announcements
There are a few products that are rumored to be coming in 2025 and that may come at the September event or later in the year.
AirTag 2 - There have been persistent rumors of a second-generation AirTag, and it could come before the end of the year. It's going to have an updated wireless chip that improves range and accuracy, and a louder speaker. So far, we haven't heard anything about design changes.
Apple TV 4K - The next-generation Apple TV 4K isn't getting major updates, so it could be a minor announcement at the September event. At the same time, it's been long enough since we last had an Apple TV that it could be part of a second fall event or could be introduced via press release later in the year.
HomePod mini 2 - Apple is working on a new HomePod mini, but we haven't heard much about it except that it'll get an updated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip designed by Apple and new colors. It's an ideal candidate for a small mention at the event.
M5 Apple Vision Pro - There's supposedly a new version of the Vision Pro coming with an updated M5 chip and possibly a space black color option. It won't have any new features besides the faster chip, so tucking it in as a mention at the September event would make sense rather than giving it a dedicated press release.
What Not to Expect
This is Apple's iPhone event, so while there are other products that are rumored to be launching in 2025, we're not expecting to see them.
Updated Studio Display - Timing unclear, but not expected this year
iPhone 17e - The iPhone 17e will launch in early 2026, perhaps at a spring event
Home hub - Coming sometime around early to mid-2026
How to Watch
Apple's "Awe Dropping" event will start at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Tuesday, September 9. Apple will livestream the event on its websiteon YouTube, and through the Apple TV app on supported devices.
For those unable to watch the livestream, MacRumors will be providing full event coverage on MacRumors.com and the MacRumorsLive Twitter account. We'll also do a much deeper dive into all the announcements after the event.
Apple made several battery-related changes in iOS 26, introducing features that make it easier to tell which apps are draining battery and new ways to extend battery life.
Battery Design Changes
Apple updated the Battery section of the Settings app in iOS 26, and the new design provides a more in-depth look at how iPhone usage impacts battery and how much battery apps are draining.
The top of the Battery interface features an overview of your current battery and the time that you last charged. If your iPhone is charging, it also lets you know how much time you have left until the battery is full.
Rather than showing battery usage over 24 hours and 10 days, Apple now displays a weekly view of average battery use along with a comparison of how much battery you're currently using compared to your typical average.
The new comparison feature lets you know if you're using more, the same, or less battery life than you do on most days. It shows which apps used more battery and by how much, which makes it easier to tell what's draining your battery. You can opt in to notifications that will let you know if your usage is above normal.
The App battery section includes specific details on what caused battery drain, letting you know if an app ran in the background longer, was on your screen longer, or sent more notifications than normal. Apps that are draining a lot of battery are shown in orange so they stand out.
You can tap back through the previous 7 days to see how much battery you used on a given day, with a breakdown for active use and screen idle use. It also shows when you charged and for how long.
There's still a Battery Health section where you can see charge cycles and maximum capacity and a Charge Limit section where you can limit charging to 80 percent. Apple also added a new Power Mode option where you can toggle on Low Power Mode or the new Adaptive Power Mode.
Adaptive Power Mode
Adaptive Power Mode is a new setting that joins Low Power Mode for power management. It is designed to make small performance adjustments that will improve your battery life when your usage is higher than normal.
On days when you need your iPhone to last longer, you can turn on Adaptive Power. Apple says that it will intelligently make tweaks like lowering display brightness, allowing some activities to take longer, or by automatically turning on Low Power Mode at 20 percent.
Adaptive Power is an opt-in feature that can be found in the Battery section of the Settings app. If you turn it on, it will work automatically when your iPhone detects that you're using an abnormal amount of battery life.
Because Adaptive Power uses Apple Intelligence, it requires an iPhone 15 Pro or newer.
Adaptive Power Notifications
There is an option to turn on Adaptive Power Notifications, so you can be alerted when your iPhone detects higher usage and enables the Adaptive Power features. If you don't turn on notifications, Adaptive Power works quietly behind the scenes without letting you know.
Charging Time
When your iPhone is connected to a charger, you can now tap the display to wake it up and it will provide a readout of how much time you need to wait until your device is fully charged or charged to the limit that you've set.
To get it to work, plug your iPhone in (or put it on a wireless charger). With the display off, tap to wake the iPhone and the time remaining will show up above the clock.
You can also open up the Settings app and go to the Battery section to see the time remaining until a full charge.
Low Power Mode Popup
When your battery level dips to 20 percent, you'll see a low battery warning in the Dynamic Island. If you tap it, you can turn on Low Power Mode.
More Descriptive Icons
If charging is on hold because of optimized charging settings or temperature reasons, the battery icon at the top right of the iPhone will be gray instead of green.
Read More
There are a lot of other new features in iOS 26, and we've got a dedicated iOS 26 roundup that lists them all.
Several third-party case manufacturers are banking on leaked iPhone 17 designs, with companies like Spigen, Dbrand, Nudient, and Pitaka all showcasing nearly identical case cutouts several days before Apple's "Awe dropping" iPhone event.
MacRumors readers have contacted us about the cases, many of which prominently feature space for the rumored camera bar redesign for the iPhone 17 Pro models. The cases clearly show cutouts for the expected horizontal camera array stretching across the device's back, with dummy units showing three 48MP lenses positioned on the left side and flash/LiDAR components on the right.
Elsewhere, case makers are confidently divulging sizing details through Amazon listings, suggesting both the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro will sport 6.3-inch displays. Meanwhile, Pitaka has quietly added iPhone 17 series pages to its website, all reflecting the same basic design language.
That includes the all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air – replacing the Plus model – which appears slimmer and has a single rear camera mounted on a runway-style bar.
What makes case makers so sure of their designs? The industry has a well-established supply chain intelligence network. Case manufacturers typically receive specifications from factory sources or Apple's accessory partners months in advance, but rarely from Apple directly (unless they are close case brand partners who hold their cases back until Apple's big reveal). The process often allows them to begin production runs before Apple's official announcements, thereby avoiding the costly scramble that would otherwise follow iPhone launches.
Unless Apple has somehow hoodwinked the entire case maker industry, given the remarkable consistency across multiple manufacturers, these leaked designs almost certainly represent Apple's final specifications. Whether they actually represent an improvement in terms of user experience remains to be seen.
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Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
