September 9 at 10am Pacific Time. That’s when Apple kicks off its “Awe Dropping” event, where the whole world expects it to announce the iPhone 17 line, as well as new Apple Watches, and maybe one of two other things.
September is always a big month for Apple releases, because that’s when we get new iPhones (still Apple’s most important product), Apple Watches, and sometimes another product or two. It’s also when the new operating systems are released, after a months-long beta test that started at WWDC in June.
Here’s what Apple has in store for us in this packed September.
New hardware releases
The “Awe Dropping” event exists to introduce the new iPhone 17 line to the world. Everything else is gravy.
The four models are: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone 17 Air. The refreshed models all have a new design with a camera bump that extends across the width of the phone (a “camera bar” if you will) and will have the expected upgrades to processor and cameras, though the switch to 24MP selfie cameras is notable.
But it’s that iPhone 17 Air (what we assume Apple will call it) that will grab the most attention. As the thinnest iPhone ever, this replacement for the “Plus” model will have only a single rear camera and a smaller battery, but will look and feel much thinner than whatever iPhone you’re using now. It could be a harbinger of things to come, and it’s going to get a lot of TV advertising and marketing.
Of course Apple also introduces new Apple Watches at the same time as new iPhones, and this year we expect three models: Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3. The Apple Watch SE is long overdue for an upgrade so that should be a pretty big leap, but the Series 11 and Ultra 3 are likely due for another round of pretty minor improvements.
There’s a better-than-average chance that Apple uses this event to introduce AirPods Pro 3 as well. It may have a slightly updated design, a new H3 chip for better sound quality and noise cancelling, and is said to include a heart rate sensor as well, like you find in Powerbeats Pro 2.
A new HomePod mini and updated Apple TV 4K are possible too, as is an updated Vision Pro with M4 or M5 processor. These are all expected sometime this fall—that could be at this event or at a later time.
Apps and software updates
New iPhones, Apple Watches, and other gadgets are exciting, but it’s the major new operating system updates that really bring the most change to the largest number of people. This year, Apple is changing the name of its operating systems from serial nu:bers to the primary year in which it will be prominent. So, instead of iOS 19, macOS 16, and watchOS 12, all the operating systems will be version 26.
iOS 26 brings a new Liquid Glass visual design and a host of new features and capabilities.
iPadOS 26 has much of the same as iOS, but also adds a stunning new multitasking and windowing interface for iPads. It’s pretty close to the Mac hybrid we’ve always wanted.
macOS 26 Tahoe brings the Liquid Glass look and new apps, including Phone, to the Mac, as well as a whole new and more powerful Spotlight search.
watchOS 26 is a less dramatic change. Liquid Glass finds its way here as well, and there’s a new Workout Buddy and wrist-flick gesture.
tvOS 26 will be limited to the 2nd- and 3rd-gen Apple TV 4K, and is a relatively minor update with only a handful of design tweaks and features.
In previous years, the new version of macOS sometimes lagged weeks behind the new iOS, watchOS, and tvOS. This year, all the operating systems have had beta releases synced up and seem like they’ll all release at the same time.
Services
Apple TV+
Here are the shows, series, and movies we expect to release on Apple TV+ in TK. If you want to know what’s coming later, check our full guide to upcoming Apple TV+ content.
Highest 2 Lowest: When a titan music mogul, widely known as having the “best ears in the business,” is targeted with a ransom plot, he is jammed up in a life-or-death moral dilemma September 5
The Morning Show (season 4): With the UBA-NBN merger complete, the newsroom must grapple with newfound responsibility, hidden motives and the elusive nature of truth in a polarized America. In a world rife with deepfakes, conspiracy theories and corporate cover-ups — who can you trust? September 17
Slow Horses (season 5): Follows a team of British intelligence agents who serve in a dumping ground department of MI5 due to their career-ending mistakes. One of Macworld’s favorite Apple TV+ shows. September 24
The Savant: A limited series about an undercover investigator known as “The Savant” who infiltrates online hate groups in an effort to stop domestic extremists before they act. September 26
All of You: Best friends since college, Simon and Laura drift apart when she takes a test that finds her soulmate, despite years of unspoken feelings between them. Over the years, as their paths cross and diverge, neither can deny the feeling that they’ve missed out on a life together. September 26
Apple Arcade
Apple releases most Apple Arcade games on the first Friday of each month. Check our Apple Arcade FAQ for a full list of Apple Arcade games and more details on the service. Occasionally, games are released with no forewarning, but you’ll usually see next month’s releases listed in the Coming Soon section.
My Talking Tom Friends+: A cute virtual pet adventure for kids. September 4
Jeopardy! Daily: Play Jeopardy! like they do on the show instead of multiple-choice answers. New game boards every day. September 4
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