iPhone 17, the ‘thinnest iPhone ever,’ and what to expect from Apple's hardware event

iPhone 17's makeover, new colors, and Air's ultrathin profile spotlights Apple's hardware event buzz.

: Apple's September 9 event will likely unveil the iPhone 17 lineup alongside updates for the Apple Watch and AirPods. The iPhone 17 series is expected to feature a 6.3-inch screen, 120Hz display, and a 24-megapixel front camera, with the Pro Max priced at $1,250. Rumors also suggest a new ultra-thin iPhone Air, which could replace the Plus model and boast a 5.5mm thin design. Additionally, there are speculations about Apple Watch Ultra 3's larger display and innovative health-monitoring features.

Apple is gearing up for a potential launch on September 9, 2025, where it is anticipated to introduce the iPhone 17 series along with new versions of the Apple Watch and AirPods. According to rumors, the iPhone 17 will receive a significant facelift, aligning more with Apple's Pro models, featuring a slightly larger 6.3-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, replacing the usual 60Hz, alongside a 24-megapixel front camera. New color options such as purple and green have been hinted at, according to Majin Bu on Twitter.

Conceptual designs available on YouTube suggest that the Pro models will see the rear cameras arranged in a continuous rectangular bar across the back. The Pro devices may also transition from titanium to aluminum bands around the screen, potentially leading to cost and weight reductions. The iPhone 17 Pro Max could see fewer upgrades but might feature a thicker body to accommodate a larger battery.

Rumors from Instant Digital on Weibo suggest an iPhone 17 price around $800 with the iPhone 17 Pro Max priced at $1,250. Another leak implies that storage options for the Pro models might be limited to 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB, removing the 128GB option. Aside from the financial aspect, the Pro model's price is rumored to be $1,050.

A major speculation is the introduction of the iPhone Air, billed as potentially Apple's slimmest device yet, at only 5.5 mm thick. Featuring a 6.6-inch display, it might outshine its competitors, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, in slimness. For internals and features, it is rumored to possess a single rear camera and possibly use the front earpiece as the sole audio source due to spatial constraints.

iPhone gadgets aside, the Apple hardware event is also expected to showcase the Apple Watch Ultra 3 with significant updates like a larger display, 5G support, and blood pressure monitoring capabilities. Battery life and health tracking are also predicted to become centerpieces of the new release's capabilities. Meanwhile, the third iteration of the Apple Watch SE could remain more static in its offering, aside from a larger display. AirPods Pro 3 rumors point to a sleek design with better noise cancellation, possibly featuring Apple's latest H3 chip.

Sources: TechCrunch, MacRumors, Bloomberg, 9to5Mac, Majin Bu

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