Apple aficionados only have a few more days to anticipate the Apple Event 2025, also known as the grand unveiling of the iPhone 17, which is set for September 9. Historically, Apple uses this occasion to unveil a range of other products as well. Last year’s gathering showcased the iPhone 16, the Apple Watch Series 10, AirPods 4, and much more. This trend is expected to continue this year, but not every item in Apple’s rumored lineup will make its debut next week.
Before diving into what’s on the slate for Apple’s release event this year, let’s recap the products we expect to see. Among them are the iPhone 17, the Apple Watch Series 11, the Apple Watch Ultra 3, an ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, and likely the AirPods Pro 3. While these launch events usually focus on the iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch, there are additional products anticipated for 2025 that could potentially sneak into the event.
However, there’s a plethora of Apple products we do not expect to see introduced during the event—either because there are plans for a separate launch later in 2025 or because their launch won’t happen until 2026.
### The Next iPhone ‘e’ Model
Apple has revamped its budget-friendly offerings by replacing the iPhone SE with ‘e’ model phones, starting with the iPhone 16e. While it’s refreshing to see Apple giving importance to its economical devices alongside the flagship models, it’s improbable that we will see the next ‘e’ iPhone debut alongside the iPhone 17. The rationale behind this is rooted in tradition; Apple typically reserves these launches for spring. This dates back to the original iPhone SE, which was released in March 2016, followed by the second and third generations in April 2020 and March 2022, respectively. Continuing this pattern, the iPhone 16e made its appearance in February 2025. It looks like we can expect an iPhone 17e next year, as suggested by Mark Gurman from Bloomberg.
### New Mac Products
Rumor has it that Apple is working on several new Mac products, including an M4 Mac Pro and the highly anticipated Mac computers with the forthcoming M5 chip. Typically, Apple reserves Mac announcements for a standalone event, which usually occurs in either October or May, depending on the specific product. Therefore, if you’re in the market for a new MacBook, you may need to exercise a little patience.
In fact, some of those announcements could be pushed back to 2026. The rumored MacBook Pro featuring an M5 chip has been said to be delayed until next year, alongside several other products. Consequently, we’re not likely to see any new Mac offerings at the iPhone launch next week, and some of those new releases may not surface until 2026. However, the M4 Mac Pro could potentially make its debut before the end of the year.
### New iPads
Similar to Mac products, Apple generally saves new iPad announcements for distinct events, usually in concert with the Mac line. In recent years, the company has favored springtime for iPad talks, and there’s no indication that Apple will deviate from this tradition to unveil anything early alongside the iPhone 17.
According to Gurman, Apple will certainly keep its iPad news under wraps until early 2026. The lineup may include a new budget-friendly iPad, iPads equipped with M4 chips, and the aforementioned iPhone 17e as part of a “flurry of new products” set for release in the first half of the upcoming year. Thus, it’s safe to say that we shouldn’t expect any iPads at the September Apple Event 2025.
### New AirPods Max
While the AirPods Pro 3 are rumored to be on the agenda for the upcoming announcement, it doesn’t appear that the AirPods Max will be. With the first generation having aged around five years, the next iteration of the AirPods Max seems to still be quite some time away. Reports from MacRumors indicate that Apple will keep the next generation under wraps until 2027, which is considerably further off than next week’s event.
The update is anticipated to be warmly received, as rumors suggest the new model will be lighter, include innovative tech like heart rate monitoring, and enhanced internals. Last year, Apple did refresh the AirPods Max with new color options and a USB-C port, but they remain widely viewed as first-generation products.
### Any HomePod Products
Apple is reportedly developing a couple of new offerings, including a HomePad smart home hub and the HomePod mini 2. While it’s improbable we’ll see either at the September Apple event, it’s not entirely out of the question. Apple aims to release the HomePod mini and a new Apple TV 4K device by the end of 2025. Given their smaller size, they could sneak into the iPhone event agenda. However, more typically, Apple would announce them at a separate event alongside new Mac products.
Meanwhile, the HomePod smart home hub may require an even longer wait for its launch. Reports suggest that Apple has delayed its competitor to the Google Nest Hub to 2026. Initially, the launch had been expected by the end of 2025, but recent reports indicate that Apple is holding out until 2026 for better alignment with Apple Intelligence development. Thus, it’s unlikely we’ll see any HomePod offerings on September 9.
### The Next Apple Vision Pro
Speculations regarding the Apple Vision Pro have been intensifying in recent months, as Apple looks to unleash a refreshed model of the Vision Pro before the close of 2025. This update is expected to feature the M5 chip and enhanced comfort levels. This release aligns with the forthcoming VisionOS 26 update, set to arrive in autumn 2025. Additionally, Apple is believed to be working on the Vision Air, but we doubt this will be out before 2027.
It’s highly unlikely that this cutting-edge technology will be unveiled alongside the iPhone lineup. Since the refresh is expected to feature an M5 chip, it’s more probable it will debut alongside other M5-powered products planned for launch. Given that these won’t be introduced with the iPhone, we can likely expect to see the upgraded Vision Pro later in 2025.
Nonetheless, if we’re fortunate, Apple might drop a few hints about some of these products during next week’s event.
### Conclusion: The Focus Remains on Mobile
When it comes down to it, Apple typically groups its products by category, and as we’ve discussed, the iPhone event primarily showcases the iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods offerings (and this year, likely the AirTag 2). Therefore, if a product doesn’t fall within the mobile category, you can bet it’s not making an appearance next week.
Priyam Gera