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.
A few days ago, Masimo sued U.S. Customs over its decision to let Apple resume selling the Apple Watch in the United States with the blood oxygen feature enabled. Now, the government agency has responded with a motion to dismiss the lawsuit. Here are the details.
tvOS 26 is the next major update for Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD users. Joining the Liquid Glass design, new screensavers, and FaceTime upgrades, tvOS 26 introduces a new feature that could make AirPlay speakers an asset in your home theater setup.
Apple has changed up the wallpaper collection on CarPlay in iOS 26 Several new options have been added. The update also removes many of the existing wallpaper options that were still hanging around from older iOS versions.
’Think different’ was an iconic Apple ad campaign, and it might just be the best way to summarize the company’s new Apple TV+ strategy for movies. Here’s why recent debuts like Highest 2 Lowest and F1 reflect a growing trend of Apple making movies that Hollywood won’t.
For the last few months, there’s been no lack of news involving Apple and India, from retail to production and everything in between. Now, according to Bloomberg, Tim Cook’s newest bet is starting to pay off. Here are the details.
Home Key has been one of my favorite HomeKit features since it launched a few years ago. You never have to dig for keys; you can still get in when your phone battery is dead, and in my experience, it works instantly every time. There is no app to launch or waiting for a Bluetooth connection. The brings all of that convenience to more homes at a very reasonable price point.
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.
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.
Among the various rumors about Apple’s new iPhone 17 lineup, one of the most curious centers on design materials. Apple will reportedly drop titanium from the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max in favor of aluminum, and now we might finally know why.
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. This article, "How Do Case Makers Reveal iPhone 17 Designs Before Apple?" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Apple is set to announce a slew of new products on Tuesday as part of its “Awe dropping” special. We’re expecting the new iPhone 17 lineup, new Apple Watches, and more. Head below for all the rumors of what to expect.
IFA 2025 is now in full swing with all the latest in consumer tech, wild concepts, and more. Robots for your robots that climb stairs, lawn mowers that play fetch with your dog, the latest Qi2.2 25W MagSafe tech, modular charging stations, flagship headphones, the latest in gaming handhelds, Gemini smart TVs, and new tablets have all surfaced over the last couple days, and you’ll find the most interesting new gear on display from IFA 2025 collected for you down below.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 is almost here, with an unveiling expected at Apple’s September 9 event. Here’s every new feature rumored for the long-awaited Apple Watch Ultra 3.
Apple is set to unveil the iPhone 17 series in just four days from now, and the biggest design mystery surrounding the Pro models has finally been solved.
In a report outlining his expectations for Apple's event next week, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said the iPhone 17 Pro models will have "a new cutout area on the bottom two-thirds of the phone that doubles as the wireless charging area."
Last year, The Information reported that the back of the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max would feature "a new part-aluminum, part-glass design." However, it was not entirely clear what this design would look like, leading to rumor blogs and graphic designers creating differing concept images and 3D renders of the devices.
MacRumors renders of the iPhone 17 Pro showed a rounded rectangle area on the back of the device, and Gurman's report makes it sound like this is indeed the design that Apple has planned. The reason for this rectangular glass area is wireless charging like MagSafe and Qi, which would not be possible with an all-aluminum back.
It is still not entirely clear if the glass and aluminum will have a uniform color, or if Apple will opt for a two-tone appearance around the MagSafe area.
It is also not clear why Apple is apparently returning to an aluminum frame for the iPhone 17 Pro models, but Gurman says it could be for weight and heat dissipation benefits. iPhone X through iPhone 14 Pro models have a stainless steel frame, while the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro models are equipped with titanium frames.
Beats Solo 4 – JENNIE Special Edition are now available to order on Apple.com. The headphones can also be purchased at select Apple Store locations.
Apple teamed up with K-pop star Jennie Kim on the custom headphones, which feature a Ruby Red finish, two attachable red bows, and a color-matched carrying case. In addition, one of the ear cushions has symbols inspired by her.
The headphones are available in the U.S., U.K., China, Japan, and South Korea, and at the following Apple Store locations, for a limited time:
Apple The Grove — Los Angeles
Apple Fifth Avenue — New York City
Apple Jing'an — Shanghai
Apple Omotesando — Tokyo
Apple Myeongdong — Seoul
In the U.S., pricing is set at $199.99, which is the same price as regular Beats Solo 4. Only the extra design elements are new, with tech specs and features unchanged.
Beats frequently releases limited-edition products in collaboration with musicians, artists, athletes, and other high-profile individuals.
With Apple's "Awe dropping" iPhone 17 event now less than a week away, in this episode of The MacRumors Show we talk through all of our final expectations for the announcements. In a special ad-free bonus episode, we also talk to director Kayci Lacob about her new Steve Jobs-focused movie, "Everything to Me."
At the very least next week, Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 11, and Apple Watch Ultra 3.
The iPhone 17 is expected to gain a slightly larger display with slimmer bezels and the A19 chip. The iPhone 17 Air is set to debut a radically thin new design with a single rear camera and gain Apple's custom C1 modem.
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are rumored to introduce a new, all-aluminum design with a glass cutout on the back to enable wireless charging. The overall look is significantly different with a large rear camera bump that spans the entire width of the device and a relocated Apple logo. They are also expected to gain a 48-megapixel telephoto camera for the first time, longer battery life, brighter displays, and a new thermal architecture. Reverse wireless charging is also a possibility.
The whole lineup is expected to offer 24-megapixel front-facing cameras, ProMotion displays for refresh-rates up to 120Hz, and a custom Bluetooth and Wi-Fi chip. The Air and Pro models are also likely to feature 12GB of memory and the A19 Pro chip. New color options are expected across the lineup, alongside a whole new selection of cases and accessories, including "TechWoven" fabric cases and a "Crossbody Strap."
The Apple Watch SE 3 is rumored to feature a larger display (perhaps like the Apple Watch Series 7), the S11 chip, and potentially a plastic casing. It could also available at a slightly lower price point.
The Apple Watch Series 11 will likely feature the S11 chip, 5G RedCap connectivity on cellular models, a "Sleep Score" feature, and potentially hypertension detection. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is rumored to also get all of these new features, as well as a slightly larger wide-angle OLED display with a faster refresh rate, and satellite connectivity.
The AirPods 3 could also be announced with new features such as a tweaked design with a capacitive pairing button, improved audio and active noise cancellation, a heart-rate sensor, and body temperature monitoring. The event takes place on Tuesday, September 9, at 10 a.m. Pacific Time.
In a bonus episode this week, we talk to Kayci Lacob, writer and director of "Everything to Me," a new movie about a girl raised in Silicon Valley amid Apple co-founder Steve Jobs' successful return to the company. The film follows Jobs' huge influence on her imagination, aspirations, and relationships, and is packed with easter eggs for Apple fans.
If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up to hear our discussion about all of the new accessories rumored to debut alongside the iPhone 17 lineup.
The MacRumors Show is on X @MacRumorsShow, so be sure to give us a follow to keep up with the podcast. You can also head over to The MacRumors Show forum thread to engage with us directly. Remember to rate and review the podcast, and let us know what subjects and guests you would like to see in the future.
Apple has always been unapologetic in its premium positioning. You know that when you buy Apple, you’re going to be paying a higher price than for almost any competing product, and are willing to do so for the perceived benefits of this – whether that’s the quality, the style, or the ecosystem.
The company has made a few nods toward affordability over the years, and we’re expecting the next one to be a new entry-level MacBook. But we’re also moving into an era where three new product launches are going to push the boundaries ever higher …
Your Friday edition 9to5Toys Lunch Break deal roundup is now ready to go. Firstly, we want to remind folks that today is your last chance to get in on our exclusive Nomad sale – you can score 20% off anything on the site including new releases using the special promo code you’ll find right here. On top of that, we have $100 off the most affordable 24GB Mac mini joined by a new Amazon low on Apple’s most affordable 13-inch M3 iPad Air Cell model at $185 off. And now, just ahead of the iPhone 17 launch, Amazon is offering up to $730 in savings on iPhone 15/16 Pro models for folks looking for a deal instead of the new model. All of that also joins the first discounts on a series of new Qi2.2 25W charging gear down below.
For the Vision Pro, he said Apple has considered a Space Black color option. For the HomePod mini, he said Apple has tested new colors, including Red.
The current Vision Pro has a mix of brighter silver and white colors, while the HomePod mini is available in Blue, Orange, Midnight, White, and Yellow.
The final section of his report listed even more products that are "also coming soon," including updated versions of the Apple TV, HomePod mini, AirTag, iPad Pro, and Vision Pro. Across his previous reports, he said that all five of those devices would be updated later this year, but it is unclear if any of them will debut at the iPhone event.
It is unlikely that all five of the devices will be announced next week, as that would be too many new products at once, but perhaps one or two of them will debut. There is precedent for Apple TV and HomePod mini announcements during iPhone events, and a new AirTag would also be a timely announcement, given it is an iPhone accessory. As for the iPad Pro and Vision Pro, it is more likely that those devices will be updated in October.
Alternatively, any of the devices could be announced in a press release on the Apple Newsroom website only, especially if updates are only minor.
The following new features and changes are expected for each device, according to a combination of Gurman's report today and previous rumors:
HomePod mini:S9 chip or newer with support for next year's revamped version of Siri powered by Apple Intelligence, an Apple-designed Wi-Fi chip with Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 support, improved sound quality, a newer Ultra Wideband chip, and potentially new color options like Red.
In iOS 26, Apple's Spatial Scenes feature can transform ordinary photos into dynamic, three-dimensional pictures that respond to your movements. By adding depth and subtle motion to flat images, this clever AI-powered feature can bring to life photos in your iPhone's library – and your iPhone doesn't need Apple Intelligence to make use of it.
Spatial Scenes in the Photos App
Spatial Scenes works by intelligently separating subjects from backgrounds in your photos. When you move your iPhone, the foreground elements stay relatively stable while background elements shift slightly. This creates a parallax effect that mimics how your eyes naturally perceive depth.
The feature works using generative AI that analyzes your photos to identify different elements and create depth maps. Importantly, it doesn't require Apple Intelligence to function, meaning Spatial Scenes works on iPhone 12 and newer models.
Unlike spatial photos captured using iPhone 16 models, Spatial Scenes works with virtually any existing photo that has a clear subject. Open any compatible image in the Photos app and look for a small hexagon icon in the upper right corner. Tap this icon, and your photo instantly gains the depth effect.
Once enabled, gently move your phone back and forth to see the spatial effect in action. The movement doesn't need to be dramatic – small tilts and shifts are enough to reveal the added depth.
Lock Screen Spatial Scenes
It's not just the Photos app where Spatial Scenes can be experienced. Your iPhone's Lock Screen wallpaper can have that same engaging depth whenever you glance at the screen.
When you're browsing Lock Screen wallpaper options, iOS automatically suggests photos from your library that are compatible with the feature. And if you manually select a Lock Screen photo that supports Spatial Scenes, you'll see a toggle on the customization screen that lets you enable or disable the effect.