Apple’s fall keynote returns next Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET, streamed from Apple Park. As always, the next generation iPhone lineup is the headliner—but this year’s show looks a little less routine and a little more, well, “awe-dropping.” Below is a guide to what’s very likely on deck—and the wildcards that could crash the party.
Near-locks: The Headliners
Apple is poised to unveil the full iPhone 17 family, and the narrative this time isn’t just “faster chip, better cameras.” Expect the usual iPhone 17 / 17 Pro / 17 Pro Max cadence—plus a new twist: an all-new “iPhone 17 Air” that introduces a thinner form factor and a fresh camera layout. That single addition alone makes this keynote feel different, enticing upgraders who might not need a “Pro” phone and would otherwise default to a standard model.
On the wrist, the annual Apple Watch refresh should include Series 11—leaving room to emphasize new capabilities after last year’s thinner Series 10—along with the Apple Watch Ultra 3 following an atypical release rhythm for Ultra in 2024. In short: Ultra 3 is expected to represent more than a paint-job refresh.
In your ears, AirPods Pro 3 are now widely expected to be introduced next week. Apple delivered a long run of new features via software on AirPods Pro 2 without changing hardware; that raises the bar for a more substantial hardware update this fall.
And don’t overlook new accessories and software: after FineWoven’s tumultuous exit, the rumor mill points to a new “TechWoven” case material and even Crossbody Strap accessories to freshen the lineup. And beyond hardware, Apple is teeing up a major “OS 26” visual redesign across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and even CarPlay—framed as the biggest UI shift since 2013 thanks to the new Liquid Glass design language.
The betas have been available since earlier in the summer and look to be nearing their final form. You can check out our documentation of that process here.
The “Maybe” Column: Five Wildcards to Watch For
AirTag 2: The original launched in 2021; signs suggest its successor is ready, and it fits Apple’s pattern of pairing iPhone with key accessories at September events.
Apple TV 4K with A17 Pro: A big boost that could enable Apple Intelligence features along with streaming quality improvements is reportedly due by the end of the year, which might push Apple TV to an October slot unless Apple wants a fuller “Apple Home + TV+” moment next week.
HomePod mini 2: Also said to be on deck this fall and often paired with Apple TV; timing depends on whether Cupertino spotlights home products at the iPhone show or holds them for a later date.
M5 iPad Pro: As the rumored debut device for the M5 chip, iPad Pro typically gets extra stage time—suggesting an October reveal is more realistic than squeezing it into a busy iPhone event.
New Vision Pro: Conflicting reports point to either M4 or M5 silicon; if it’s M5, it likely shares the stage with the M5 iPad Pro later. If M4, a brief mention this month is conceivable—but don’t count on it.
When and how to watch
The keynote kicks off Tuesday, September 9 at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET, streamed from the Steve Jobs Theater. Apple’s YouTube placeholder is already up if you want a reminder set.
Why This One Matters
Even if you’ve followed Apple’s fall cadence for years, the combination of a new iPhone form factor (17 Air), a more meaningful Watch Ultra year, a fresh AirPods Pro cycle, and the promised “OS 26” visual refresh makes this keynote feel bigger than a typical spec bump.
For creators and power users that likely means improved camera pipelines, on-device AI features that are more tightly integrated with your apps and data, and accessory updates that ripple through everyday workflows.
We’ll be watching live and breaking down everything Apple announces—what’s real, what’s shipping when, and how it fits into pro workflows—right after the show. Stay tuned to Rocket Yard for more.
