As Apple's highly anticipated 'Awe Dropping' event draws near, the tech world is abuzz with speculation about the company's upcoming product launches. While the iPhone 17, including the new iPhone 17 Air, the Apple Watch Series 11, and the next-generation AirPods Pro 3 are widely expected to take center stage, a torrent of last-minute rumors hints at an even broader array of hardware innovations. Enthusiasts are eager to discover whether these whispers of new accessories, unexpected device upgrades, and a potential early reveal of the M5-powered iPad Pro will materialize, promising an event filled with significant announcements beyond the core lineup.
A recent regulatory filing in China appears to have prematurely disclosed the battery specifications for the iPhone 17 series. This leak largely confirms previous expectations, particularly the iPhone 17 Pro Max's groundbreaking achievement of exceeding the 5,000 mAh mark, a first for Apple, bringing it into direct competition with devices like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. The filing also sheds light on the iPhone 17 Air, revealing it will feature a 3,149 mAh battery, making it the smallest in the iPhone 17 collection.
Adding to the excitement, whispers emerged over the weekend about fresh accessories designed for the iPhone 17. Among these is a new Crossbody Strap, crafted to integrate seamlessly with Apple's forthcoming TechWoven cases, which are set to replace the existing FineWoven line. This innovative strap boasts magnetic properties along its entire length and is envisioned to offer users a convenient alternative to pocket storage, potentially even extending compatibility to AirPods. This suggests a focus on enhanced portability and user convenience for Apple's mobile ecosystem.
The Apple Watch SE, which hasn't seen an update since 2022, is widely anticipated to receive its third iteration at the upcoming event. Reports indicate that the Apple Watch SE 3 will incorporate the S11 chip, mirroring the processing power of the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3. This upgrade is expected to introduce features like on-device Siri processing, a notable absence in the SE 2. While earlier speculation suggested a plastic casing for cost reduction, it appears Apple has opted to retain the aluminum design. To maintain its budget-friendly positioning, the SE 3 will likely feature a more streamlined set of health functionalities compared to its premium counterparts.
In a surprising twist, a prominent leaker on X has hinted at the possibility of the M5-powered iPad Pro making an appearance during the iPhone unveiling. Traditionally, iPad announcements are reserved for separate events later in the year, making this a highly unusual, though not impossible, development. The original iPad Pro was introduced on September 9, 2015, marking its tenth anniversary this year. This milestone, coupled with the impending release of iPadOS 26, could serve as a rationale for Apple to unveil the latest iPad Pro sooner than anticipated, despite the rumor being considered less probable by some observers.
Further fueling the rumor mill, there's unexpected talk of the AirPods Pro 4. Despite the widespread expectation of the AirPods Pro 3 launching alongside the iPhone 17, a recent post from renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests a swift follow-up, with the AirPods Pro 4 potentially arriving as early as 2026. The AirPods Pro 3 are already rumored to bring significant advancements, including Apple's new H3 chip for enhanced audio quality and improved active noise cancellation, a redesigned form factor, and new health monitoring capabilities such as heart rate and temperature sensing.
Apple is renowned for its knack of introducing unexpected products at its events, and this year could be no different. There remains a possibility that the company will unveil a refreshed AirTag 2, an updated Vision Pro hardware, or even new Apple TV and HomePod mini devices. As the event approaches, the tech community eagerly awaits to see which of these rumors will translate into official announcements, undoubtedly shaping the landscape of consumer electronics in the coming year.
