What to Expect at Apple's September 2025 Event

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Apple’s September events set the tone for the company’s year—and the iPhone lineup for millions of users worldwide. On a recent episode of MacBreak Weekly, Leo Laporte, Alex Lindsay, Andy Ihnatko, and Jason Snell discussed the upcoming Apple event (set for September 9) that is rumored to bring new iPhone 17 models—including a much-rumored thin model possibly named “Air”—but not the long-awaited folding iPhone or radical reimagining just yet.

What Is Apple Announcing at the September Event?

Apple remains notoriously secretive before events, but case leaks and invitations make several details likely:

• Four iPhone 17 models: Base, Pro, Pro Max, and potentially an “Air” variant that’s thinner and lighter.
• Annual Apple Watch updates, as is tradition for September events.
• iOS 26 and related software shipping alongside new hardware.

Despite persistent social media and analyst buzz, there’s no credible evidence that this year’s event will introduce a folding iPhone, all-glass chassis, or transparent device. According to reported industry leaks, these innovations are still at least a year or two away.

Breaking Down the iPhone 17 “Air” and Folding Phone Rumors

The MacBreak Weekly panel addressed ongoing speculation fueled by supply chain chatter and tech influencers. Here’s what the panel discussed:

• The “Air”: Case manufacturers are betting that the slim new iPhone will adopt the “Air” branding, following Apple’s naming convention for thinner, lighter products. However, Apple’s naming decisions are typically the last thing to leak and remain unconfirmed before the official reveal.
• Folding Phone: Mark Gurman and other reporters have suggested Apple is working on a folding device, but it’s slated for 2026 (at the earliest). Apple is often last to market with new form factors, instead preferring to perfect the user experience—potentially leveraging a decade of iPad expertise to deliver a robust foldable.

The hosts caution against buying into rumors of “game-changing” redesigns this year. Historically, Apple holds substantial changes for milestone years (e.g., iPhone 10) rather than mid-decade refreshes.

How Will iOS 26 Change the iPhone Experience?

iOS 26 will launch in tandem with the new iPhones. While it brings some design tweaks and features, Jason Snell explained on MacBreak Weekly that these are more about refinement than reinvention:

• UI changes are visible but mostly cosmetic.
• Most users won’t notice groundbreaking shifts in daily functionality.
• Developers face challenges during transitional years, but end users usually adapt quickly unless changes are particularly disruptive.

The new operating system is rolling out to beta testers and will be preinstalled on the latest hardware as usual.

Why Apple’s September Event Matters for the Industry

The MacBreak Weekly team emphasized that the September iPhone event is Apple’s most-watched product announcement, attracting global media and shaping smartphone trends for the coming year. While the upgrades might seem incremental, Apple sells upwards of 75 million iPhones in the three months after launch, making it one of the most consequential hardware releases in consumer tech.

Apple’s event also catalyzes changes across the industry—prompting competitors to adjust timelines, feature roadmaps, and marketing to stay competitive.

Key Takeaways

• Don’t expect a folding iPhone or all-glass design in 2025—those updates are still likely several years away.
• Look for four iPhone 17 variants, including a possible “Air” model, and the yearly Apple Watch refresh.
• iOS 26 will bring design refinements but few disruptive features—upgrades will feel evolutionary, not revolutionary.
• September’s event remains critical for Apple’s business, user base, and the broader tech sector.
• Beware of escalating rumors: Focus on credible leaks and past Apple patterns to set realistic expectations.

The Bottom Line

While Apple’s September 2025 event may not deliver radical surprises, it still marks an important moment in the tech calendar. Expect reliable, up-to-date hardware and software—and, as the MacBreak Weekly team advises, think strategically about when or whether to upgrade. For those seeking a major iPhone leap or folding technology, patience (and skepticism of early rumors) is advised.

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