Here are the cool features coming with the next-gen iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods that experts say will redefine Apple
The wait is almost over for Apple fans all over the globe, as the tech giant is all set to hold its “awe dropping” event, where it is expected to launch a slew of new devices, particularly the next generation of its flagship phone, the iPhone 17 series.
Apple announced its much-awaited iPhone-centric event through an invitation sent to foreign press on August 27 (Manila time), according to CNN. It’ll take place on September 9 at 10 am Pacific time, or September 10, 1 am if you’re in the Philippines, at Apple Park in Cupertino, California.
The Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak-founded conglomerate rarely reveals details about its future products before announcing them, but anyone who follows the brand would know that it has been introducing new iPhones in September since 2012. The only clues included in its invitation this year are the words, “awe dropping,” so fans are expecting big things.
There is huge anticipation for a new iPhone, which is the company’s biggest revenue driver. In 2024 alone, iPhone represented 51.54% or $201.18 billion of its total $391.04 billion revenue. And since the launch of the iPhone series in September of that year, rumors and leaks about the iPhone 17 series have already begun spreading on the internet
The POST reported much of it earlier, but we thought of giving a quick rundown of them—plus other feature highlights—that you should be gearing up for before Apple’s much-anticipated event on Sept. 10.
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The new “Air” model
Apple is expected to shake things up with the first major redesign of the iPhone in years, but snagging the spotlight is a rumored iPhone 17 “Air” model, which will debut as an ultra-thin version. It should be just around 5.5mm thick, making it the thinnest iPhone by far, and sport a display that’s 163mm in height and 77.6mm in width. Its launch comes with the tech giant’s plans to ditch the “Plus” models due to low sales, according to renowned Apple analyst Ming Chi Kuo.
A camera bump like never before
As for the iPhone 17 series’ design, leaks suggest that Apple will do away with its signature square bump and upgrade instead the Pro and Pro Max’s modules with an aluminum bar that runs across the device’s width. It’s much bigger than before and predicted to house 48MP Telephoto lens with 8x optical zoom. What’s more, we’re expecting a more durable build with the entire back using aluminum instead of glass.
Fresh, striking colors
Apple has been known for choosing muted colors, especially for the premium models of its iPhone. This year, though, the tech giant is making things more exciting by giving its upcoming Pro models a new shade of orange. MacRumors said it’s likely to be more copper than orange, but still one to look forward to, as this is the first time the brand is adding a pop of color to this lineup. Not only that, the Air model is likely to come with a light blue and a gold colorway, while the standard iPhone 17 models might come in a pink variant.
Boosted Siri
Under the hood, Apple’s upcoming devices are expected to get an upgraded Siri, which CNN reported to be up to speed with OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. It launched last year’s iPhone as being “built for Apple Intelligence,” so it’s likely that they’ll continue its effort to ramp up it AI features this year. Meanwhile, Bloomberg reported earlier this week that the tech giant is in early talks with Alphabet Inc.’s Google to revamp Siri with its own Gemini in the next year.
Satellite for the Apple Watch Ultra 3
Besides the iPhone, the Cupertino-based company is upgrading the premium model of its Apple Watch Series 11 with a satellite for the wrist. According to MacRumors, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is engineered with satellite connectivity, which would allow you to get help in an emergency in remote areas where Wi-Fi and cellular data are unavailable. It is still unclear if the same is the case for users in the Philippines, but it’s definitely one to check out if you’re thinking of upgrading your smartwatch.
AirPods Pro 3 with heart rate tracker
Apple AirPods are no longer just for jamming to your favorite tunes, but for keeping your health on track, too. Bloomberg reported in late August that the tech giant is refreshing the AirPods Pro 3 with advanced health-tracking features, primarily a heartbeat tracker. Apple is believed to use an acoustic-based technology built into its in-ear microphones that measures heart rate non-invasively, and no additional sensors. In addition, the next-gen AirPods is expected to come with an H3 chip that supports Apple Intelligence and improves noise cancellation and Adaptive Transparency.
Find out all the new devices and neat features Apple is rolling out this year at its “awe dropping” event, which you can stream on its website and its YouTube channel at 1 am on September 10, 2025.
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