Phone 17: What to Expect Ahead of Apple’s September Event

August is winding down, and that means Apple’s annual iPhone launch is right around the corner. Based on Apple’s usual schedule, the big event is expected to take place in September, where the company will introduce the iPhone 17 lineup and officially roll out iOS 26. While we’ll need to wait for the official unveiling to know everything for sure, plenty of rumors and leaks have already surfaced — giving us a decent picture of what Apple might announce.

Rumored Design and New Cases

One of the more talked-about accessories is a new line of “TechWoven” cases, which could replace the discontinued FineWoven option. Early reports suggest these cases will feature a wide camera cutout and come in multiple colors, including black, blue, green, purple, and orange. Some leaks also mention lanyard holes, potentially allowing the cases to be worn around the neck.

On the hardware side, speculation points to an updated design for the iPhone 17 Pro models. Leaked images hint at a full-width “camera island” on the back, as well as refinements to antenna placement to improve wireless performance.

Pricing and Storage

Pricing is always a question mark, especially with fluctuating trade policies and supply chain challenges. Analysts suggest Apple may offset any potential price bumps by increasing base storage to 256GB across the iPhone 17 lineup — double the current entry-level capacity. Whether Apple chooses to raise prices slightly or absorb the costs remains to be seen.

iPhone 17 Air: The Ultra-Thin Model

Perhaps the most intriguing rumor is the introduction of a new “iPhone 17 Air.” This model is said to prioritize thinness and lightweight materials, possibly incorporating titanium. Reports suggest it could ship with a single rear camera, a 6.6-inch display, and Apple’s A19 chip. Battery capacity may be smaller than other models, but the design would set it apart as the thinnest iPhone yet.

Expected Lineup and Colors

Apple is expected to announce at least four models:

  • iPhone 17
  • iPhone 17 Pro
  • iPhone 17 Pro Max
  • iPhone 17 Air

Color leaks point to a wider palette this year. Standard models may come in black, white, gray, green, purple, and light blue. The Air could have lighter-toned finishes such as white, gold, and pale blue. Pro models are expected in darker shades, including black, gray, navy, and orange.

iOS 26 Highlights

All new iPhones will ship with iOS 26, which Apple previewed earlier this year. The update introduces a fresh “Liquid Glass” design language, redesigned Phone and Photos apps, new AI-driven tools like live translation and Visual Intelligence search, and quality-of-life updates such as support for polls in group chats.

Other Possible Announcements

Alongside the iPhone, Apple typically refreshes other products in September. This year, we may see the Apple Watch Series 11, a new Watch Ultra, and updated AirPods. Rumors also point to new accessories like AirTags and even iPads, though Apple may reserve some of those for a later fall event.