The Kaipher Editorial Team 
Apple’s “Awe Dropping” Event Announcement
Apple confirmed that its annual “Awe Dropping” event will begin at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Tuesday, September 9, live from Apple Park in Cupertino, California. This follows the company’s tradition of launching new iPhones on the second Tuesday of September, setting the stage for pre-order and pricing announcements.
Conflicting Price Predictions
Analysts are divided over whether Apple will raise iPhone prices in 2025. According to MacRumors, JPMorgan forecasts no across-the-board hikes. Instead, Apple may eliminate the entry-level 128 GB iPhone 17 Pro to push consumers toward the 256 GB model at $1,099, effectively raising the floor price by $100 while doubling storage.
By contrast, TrendForce anticipates selective increases:
- iPhone 17 starting at $799 (unchanged)
- iPhone 17 Air at $1,099 for 256 GB, replacing the underperforming Plus model and marking a $200 jump from the iPhone 16 Plus’s $899 price
New Ultra-Thin iPhone 17 Air Design
The most dramatic change this year is the iPhone 17 Air, measuring just 5.5 mm at its thinnest point and weighing 145 g. Featuring a 6.6-inch display, the Air will slot in place of the Plus series, offering a sleek form factor for users seeking large screens without added bulk.
Alongside the Air, Apple will unveil:
- iPhone 17 with A19 chip performance upgrades
- iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models with A19 Pro chips, potential ProMotion displays, and a new aluminum frame with a horizontal camera module
Pre-Order and Release Timeline
Preorders are expected to open at 5:00 a.m. Pacific on Friday, September 12, with deliveries beginning on Friday, September 19—mirroring past launch cycles. The event will also cover Apple’s broader hardware refresh, including the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and possibly AirPods Pro 3.
TrendForce projects a 3.5% increase in iPhone 17 shipments compared to the iPhone 16 series, although economic headwinds and any price adjustments could temper demand.
