Apple’s countdown is nearly over, and the last wave of credible leaks points to one of the company’s most ambitious refreshes in years: a radically thin iPhone 17 “Air,” a redesigned camera system on the Pro line, major health pushes for Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3, and smarter AirPods Pro 3 with wellness features.
iPhone 17: Ultra-thin design, camera visor, smarter charging
Factory CADs circulating among case makers and images shared by longtime leakers suggest a new iPhone 17 Air that prioritizes thinness and weight, reportedly dipping to around 5.5mm. If accurate, that would make it Apple’s slimmest modern iPhone, aimed at users who want a big screen without the heft.
On the Pro side, multiple supply chain notes picked up by Bloomberg and Display Supply Chain Consultants point to a larger “camera visor” module. Expect a beefed-up telephoto—potentially an improved tetraprism—alongside computational photography upgrades that lean on a more capable Neural Engine.
A two-tone rear panel has been rumored, with a designated coil area that hints at stronger Qi2 alignment and faster MagSafe. Reverse wireless charging, common on Android flagships, is once again in play according to accessory makers prepping two-way charging cases.
One strategic twist: the iPhone 17 Air is tipped to replace the underperforming Plus. Consumer research firms like CIRP have repeatedly found lukewarm demand for the mid-tier big iPhone, and an ultra-thin Air could reset that narrative with a more premium hook at a lower price than Pro Max.
Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3: Health takes the lead
Watch Series 11 is expected to slim down while adding health sensors and smarter measurements. Reports from The Information and long-time analyst notes suggest trend-based blood pressure insights (not clinical readings) and deeper temperature analytics integrated with recovery metrics.
Rumors also point to refinements in blood oxygen handling and low-power workout modes that squeeze out longer runs or hikes. Apple’s custom S-series chip is due for a meaningful efficiency bump, which would dovetail with WatchOS features teased at WWDC.
Ultra 3, Apple’s rugged flagship, is said to gain expanded safety capabilities and upgraded GPS. Satellite-enabled features for remote alerts have been discussed in industry circles; even a modest expansion of emergency coverage would be a marquee addition for adventure users.
An SE 3 model is rumored to round out the lineup, keeping price-sensitive buyers in the ecosystem. Counterpoint Research notes Apple’s dominant revenue share in smartwatches, driven by health features; a broader portfolio would consolidate that lead.
AirPods Pro 3: Health sensors and smarter ANC
AirPods Pro 3 chatter has centered on wellness tracking and next‑gen noise cancellation. With Apple-owned Beats already fielding heart-rate features on models using similar silicon, analysts expect basic health signals (like HR trend detection) to land in AirPods Pro without compromising battery life.
On the audio side, anticipate better wind handling for calls, adaptive ANC that retunes in noisy commutes, and tighter Find My with louder case chirps. Hearing wellness nudges—such as safe-listening prompts and optional hearing tests—are also rumored, aligning with Apple’s accessibility push.
Apple Intelligence: The iPhone 17’s quiet superpower
Beyond hardware, the iPhone 17 family is expected to be the best showcase yet for Apple Intelligence, the on‑device AI suite announced at WWDC. Think a more proactive Siri, systemwide writing tools, and image creation features that run locally when silicon allows and hand off to private cloud compute when needed.
Apple has said the newest AI capabilities require recent A‑series and M‑series chips for on-device processing. That means older iPhones will get a subset of features, while the iPhone 17’s upgraded Neural Engine should unlock faster, more private responses and smarter app integration.
Accessories, ecosystem clues, and one odd leak
A curious late leak from well-known device spotter Sonny Dickson shows a crossbody strap attachment for new iPhone cases. It’s fashion-forward, but it also hints at Apple leaning into lifestyle accessories—an area that drives high margins and deepens daily wearability.
Under the hood, expect Wi‑Fi and Ultra Wideband improvements to tighten device-to-device handoffs. DSCC has floated brighter, more efficient LTPO displays expanding across more models, pushing smoother scrolling and always‑on behaviors beyond the Pro tier.
IDC and Counterpoint data show Apple’s premium share remains resilient even as global smartphone shipments fluctuate. A thinner flagship, stronger health story, and meaningful AI lift would be a textbook Apple play: polish the experience where people notice it daily.
How to watch and what to watch for
Apple will stream the keynote on its website, the Apple TV app, and YouTube. Expect rapid‑fire demos: camera upgrades on the Pro models, AI‑infused workflows on iPhone, new Watch health tiles, and a quick AirPods segment focused on smarter noise control and wellness.
The big questions lingering: Does reverse wireless charging finally arrive? How far does Apple push cuffless blood pressure trends? And will AirPods Pro 3 lean fully into health without sacrificing sound? We’re minutes from answers—and potentially from Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever.