Apple’s September keynote is almost here—and expectations are sky high. This year’s iPhone 17 lineup is shaping up to be the biggest design refresh since iPhone X, with a new ultra-thin model rumored to headline the show. Below is your crisp, no-nonsense briefing on what to expect, when to watch (UK time), and what it could mean for your accessories and upgrade plans.


When is the event (UK time)?

Multiple outlets report Apple’s iPhone keynote will take place Tuesday, 9 September 2025. If Apple keeps its usual 10am PT start, that’s 6:00pm BST for the UK. AppleInsider has a live-watch guide, and Forbes says Apple has now locked in the date. AppleInsiderForbes


The lineup at a glance

Expect four models this year, with one major shake-up to the range:

  • iPhone 17 – the mainstream model, reportedly stepping up to a 6.3-inch display.

  • iPhone 17 Air (aka “Slim”) – the star of the show: a super-thin iPhone with an ≈6.6-inch screen.

  • iPhone 17 Pro6.3-inch display, pro-grade cameras and chip.

  • iPhone 17 Pro Max6.9-inch big-screen flagship.

The Plus is widely tipped to disappear in favor of the new Air/Slim model. MacRumors+2MacRumors+2


Headline rumors we’re watching

1) 120Hz ProMotion across the entire lineup
For the first time, ProMotion is expected on all iPhone 17 models (not just Pro), enabled by LTPO OLED. Always-on may still remain Pro-only. MacRumors

2) Ultra-thin “Air” design
Reports point to an extremely slim chassis (~5–6mm) and a mid-sized 6.6-inch display. Some leaks also suggest a new, horizontal camera bar look on Air and Pro models. MacRumors

3) Cameras: big front-camera jump, Pro telephoto gains
All models are rumored to move to a 24MP selfie camera. Pro models could see a 48MP telephoto (with some chatter of up to 8× optical on the Max) and potential 8K video. MacRumors

4) Performance & thermals
A19 Pro silicon is expected for the Pro phones, with whispers of vapor-chamber cooling to sustain peak performance longer.

5) Connectivity
Wi-Fi 7 is widely tipped across the lineup. Apple’s first in-house 5G modem may debut in the “Air,” while other models likely stick with Qualcomm. Expanded eSIM-only availability is also rumored.

6) Battery & charging
Apple may extend its easier battery removal adhesive to more models, explore reverse wireless charging on Pro, and bump third-party wireless charging to up to 25W with Qi 2.2.

As always, these are rumors until Apple is on stage. We’ll update our take once details are official.

What this could mean for accessories

  • Cases: A horizontal camera bar or revised bump layout would require new, model-specific case fits—especially for the Air/Slim and Pro.

  • Wireless chargers: If Qi 2.2 @ up to 25W lands, expect faster, standards-based wireless charging across more pads—not just MagSafe-certified ones.
  • Stands & docks: A lighter, thinner “Air” plus ProMotion on all models makes desk-use and gaming on stands even better (less blur, smoother scrolling).

How to watch (quick guide for the UK)

  • Date: Tuesday, 9 September 2025

  • UK time: 6:00pm BST (assuming Apple’s standard 10am PT start)

  • Where: Apple’s site and YouTube; AppleInsider has a handy viewing guide.

Upgrade checklist (before you hit “pre-order”)

  • Do you want 120Hz but skipped Pro before? This might be your year.

  • Need the thinnest iPhone with a larger screen? Watch the Air/Slim segment closely.
  • If you shoot a lot of video or portraits, the Pro cameras (and possible 8K/longer zoom) are likely the move.

TL;DR

  • Event: Tue, 9 Sept 2025, ~6pm BST stream.Lineup: 17, 17 Air/Slim, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max.

  • Lineup: 17, 17 Air/Slim, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max.
  • Big bets: 120Hz on all models, ultra-thin Air, camera upgrades, Wi-Fi 7, and Pro-level A19 + better cooling.

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