iPhone 17 - new features to expect as Apple unveils new phone tonight

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By James Kay

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It's that time again, as all eyes will be on Apple as they are set to unveil the new iPhone... but what can we expect?

Scheduled for September 9, the event will be livestreamed at 10:00AM Pacific, 1:00PM Eastern, and 6:00PM British Summer Time, per the Guardian.

Fans around the world can tune in via Apple’s official website, YouTube channel, or the Apple TV app on any compatible device.

For weeks, rumors have been circulating, teasing what Apple has in store for its next generation of products.

While Apple is notoriously secretive, speculation is high, and based on the company’s usual release patterns, we’re expecting a big reveal.

Among the expected announcements are new iPhones, Apple Watches, AirPods, and possibly even an update to the Apple TV.

Expect cutting-edge AI-powered features to make their way into these devices, too. Here’s a breakdown of what to look out for.

GettyImages-2157035756.jpg Apple are set for their biggest event of the year. Credit: Justin Sullivan / Getty

iPhone 17 Air

Perhaps the most exciting news could be the introduction of the iPhone 17 Air.

This new model is expected to be lighter and thinner than its predecessors, with a design focused on being as sleek as possible, as reported by Wired.

The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to feature a 6.6-inch OLED screen and a super-thin profile at just 5.5 mm thick, making it 2.3 mm thinner than the iPhone 16.

Given its slim design, the Air may come with some trade-offs.

It could feature design changes to maintain its thinness, including a USB-C port that’s not centered at the bottom of the phone.

Rumors also suggest that the Air will come equipped with a single 24-megapixel camera, located at the side of a distinctive Google Pixel-like oval bulge on the back.

GettyImages-2112143030.jpg Apple is set to unveil the iPhone 17. Credit: Sean Gallup / Getty

iPhone 17 Lineup: Exciting Features and Sleek Redesigns

As for the rest of the iPhone 17 lineup, expect a host of new features.

These models will be the first to debut iOS 26’s Liquid Glass design, a visually striking look that transforms icons and apps into rounded, translucent bubbles.

While this fresh visual aesthetic looks stunning, it might present readability challenges, particularly for users with vision impairments.

The iPhone 17 Pro may get a more dramatic redesign, particularly in its camera module, which is expected to feature a new 48-megapixel lens, along with several other lenses.

There’s also speculation that Apple may move away from using titanium in the Pro models, opting instead for a mix of aluminum and glass.

Under the hood, we can expect upgraded performance, possibly with a new Apple-designed Wi-Fi 7 modem to enhance connectivity.

New Apple Watches: Improved Battery Life and Health Features

Apple is also expected to unveil two new models of the Apple Watch: the Apple Watch 11 and the more premium Apple Watch Ultra 3.

Both versions are rumored to come with improved battery life, as well as some new health-related features.

One of the most notable additions could be a blood pressure monitor capable of alerting users to signs of hypertension.

Apple will likely continue marketing the Watch as a device that can literally save lives, highlighting its health-monitoring capabilities.

With the rise of AI-powered features across devices, it’s possible that the Apple Watch will see enhancements in areas like assistive listening or even satellite communications.

GettyImages-1445281649.jpg Apple is also expected to announce news regarding their AI. Credit: Scott Olson / Getty

AirPods Pro 3 and a Possible New 4K Apple TV

Apple may have a few more surprises up its sleeve. There's a chance we’ll see a new 4K Apple TV, which could offer an enhanced viewing experience with improved resolution and performance.

Additionally, we’re likely to see a new version of Apple’s popular AirPods - AirPods Pro 3. This update will likely bring improved battery life, but we may also see new features aimed at assistive listening or language translation.

These updates would align with Apple’s growing focus on AI-driven technology and enhanced user experiences across its ecosystem.

AI-Powered Features Across the Board

One thing is certain: AI will be a major part of Apple’s announcements.

With the company increasingly integrating machine intelligence into its products, it’s no surprise that we can expect AI-driven capabilities in almost every device revealed on September 9.

Whether it’s enhancing camera functions, improving user experience, or streamlining connectivity, Apple’s focus on AI will undoubtedly be a key theme at this year’s event.

Featured image credit: Scott Olson / Getty