Apple to Unveil iPhone 17 on Sept. 9; Leaks Point to Major Design Shake-Up
Rumors suggest a large camera island, dedicated camera button and a slim 'iPhone Air' model as tariffs threaten to push prices higher
Apple will hold a media event on Tuesday, Sept. 9, where it is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 lineup, industry leaks and reports say. The next-generation devices are widely described in leaks as among the company's most significant design and hardware changes in years, with new models and price adjustments possible.
Details remain unconfirmed until Apple’s announcement, but multiple reports circulating ahead of the event point to an enlarged camera island, a dedicated camera button, a new glass-and-metal back plate and the introduction of a new model called the iPhone Air. Rumors also indicate broader performance and camera upgrades compared with the current iPhone range.
The most prominent design change described in leaks is an oversized camera island that would dominate the rear of the device. Reports say the revised camera module could house larger sensors or additional optics, and the inclusion of a dedicated physical camera button would mark a departure from recent iPhone designs. The alleged glass-and-metal back plate is said to differ from Apple’s current finish, but vendors and supply-chain sources have not confirmed material specifics.
Among the purported additions is an "iPhone Air" model, described in leaks as the slimmest iPhone Apple has produced. If introduced, the Air model would represent a new subcategory in Apple’s smartphone lineup, positioning itself alongside the standard and Pro versions that the company has offered in recent cycles.
On performance and features, reports have been less specific, referring generally to "major tech upgrades." Analysts and leakers expect incremental improvements typical of Apple’s annual refreshes, such as faster chips, camera enhancements and software-driven capabilities, though the precise specifications and how they will differ across models remain unverified until Apple’s presentation.
Price expectations vary. Several reports have suggested that U.S. tariff changes and supply-chain pressures could translate into higher retail prices for the new models. Industry observers caution that pricing remains speculative until Apple publishes official figures at the event. Historically, Apple has announced pricing and preorder timelines during its keynote presentations.
The timing and format of Apple's Sept. 9 event follow the company’s recent pattern of early-September launches for iPhone hardware. Apple traditionally details availability, pricing and preorder dates at the event, with shipments beginning days or weeks afterward. Observers will look to the keynote for confirmation of the rumored features and to assess how any hardware or pricing changes may affect the market.
Until Apple confirms specifics, the details about the iPhone 17 lineup should be treated as unverified reports. The company’s presentation on Tuesday will provide definitive information on models, features, pricing and shipping schedules, and will allow consumers and industry watchers to compare the announced devices against the expectations set by the leaks and reports that have circulated in the run-up to the event.