The most-awaited launch event of the year or the iPhone 17 series launch, is right around the corner. Tech-industry experts are expecting major upgrades and improvements from the smartphones. Moreover, several insider leaks and reports have suggested design changes which you can take with a pinch of salt. Alongside the iPhone 17, Apple is also expected to unveil the Watch Series 11 and AirPods Pro 3 in the near future.
What is Apple Planning to Launch?
Apple is likely to unveil and launch four new iPhone models at this year’s launch event, which are the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max and for the first time, iPhone 17 Air. The iPhone 17 Plus model will be discontinued from this year onwards. Additionally, the company is planning to launch the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch SE3, and the Apple Watch Ultra 3 alongside the smartphones, making it a very big event with a packed product lineup.
Apple iPhone 17 series:
The most important launch of this year by Apple is obviously the iPhone 17 series lineup. Moreover the launch of the new Air model in the lineup could shake up the event. Apple is expected to introduce an all-new A19 Pro chip fabricated with TSMC’s latest 3nm process, the smartphone is also believed to get upgraded to 12GB of RAM. This will result in the first time for an iPhone to offer 12GB RAM options. iPhone 17:
The iPhone 17 model could also offer 8K video recording. Moreover, in the front, the selfie camera may also be getting a 24 MP camera. Lastly, the most important expectation from the iPhone 17 the battery might get an upgrade. It’s expected to get a bulkier build due to a bigger battery. Alongside a bigger battery, iOS 26 has also introduced a new Adaptive Power mode that restricts certain background actions to provide longer battery life.
Apple AirPods Pro 3:
Apple Accessories usually arrive during Apple’s fall event, and we expect this year to be no different. Last year saw the release of the Apple AirPods 4. The AirPods Pro 3 didn’t arrive, but are rumored to come out this year. The headphones are due for an upgrade since the AirPods Pro 2 were launched back in 2022. These AirPds should cost a similar $250 as the most expensive in-ear headphones that Apple produces.
Rumors indicate that Apple may put a touchscreen on the charging case and a heart monitor in the buds themselves, and there may be additional sensors for more health tracking. Lastly, the controls on the in-ears could change to more conventional swipes and taps rather than capacitive squeezes.
Apple HomePod 3 and Apple TV 4K:
Many insiders and experts are predicting the launch of the Apple TV 4K streaming device and an upgraded HomePod 3 speaker at the event. Both of these two reportedly could launch sometime in the latter half of 2025, though it’s likely that they won’t arrive until October or November since the rumors dont look very promising.
The HomePod 3 will assist Apple develop smart home integration, which would integrate with the new Apple TV box. Some rumuors suggest Apple introducing a built-in camera to the box, which was teased by tvOS 17, and adding a FaceTime app.
The HomePod 3 was reportedly delayed as Apple struggled to get Apple Intelligence and an improved Siri together because it would utilize Siri and AI to control other smart devices. It also may feature an iPad-like display, making it more reminiscent of the Amazon Echo Show 15.
Apple Watch Series 11 and Watch Ultra 3:
Multiple reports have suggested that the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will finally launch this year as a long-awaited follow-up to the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Beyond new wellness features and a new chip, we don’t know what other upgrades or design changes it will offer.
Some rumors have hinted at a wide-angle OLED display that is slightly larger. It also might get satellite connectivity, which would enable emergency text messages. A similar feature debuted in iOS 18 for iPhones. The watch could cost $399, the same as the current Apple Watch Series 10, but again, tariffs could affect it.
Lastly, we expect the entry-level Apple Watch SE 3 to arrive this year, so that could make an appearance.