iPhone 17 event countdown live — last-minute rumors, specs, release date and more

There’s argument that Apple has fallen behind in the AI arms race. Our AI Phone face-off showed just how much better the likes of Gemini and Galaxy AI actually are. While it’s not too late, my colleague John Velasco has argued that the iPhone 17 could mark a turning point for Apple’s AI success.

Apple doesn’t need to necessarily catch up, but it does need to put on a show of strength — and make sure that the iPhone 17 is at least competitive. Even if it’s not top dog right now.

Because if Apple appears weak, and underperforms on AI for the second year running, then things are not going to be looking good in the near future.

The launch is certainly close, since the iOS 26 beta 8 update was more or less identical to beta 7. That suggests Apple is ready to launch the new update, bringing iOS 26 features like the Liquid Glass redesign, updated AI features, the brand new version of CarPlay and other upgrades out of beta and into the hands of the public.

New iPhones, and other Apple products are exciting, but it does mean some older stuff ends up discontinued. The iPhone 17 event is going to be no exception.

The main loss comes with the older iPhones, with the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max getting the boot in favor of their iPhone 17 counterparts. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus should stick around, with a small price cut, which means the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus will dissapear from the App Store.

Depending on what Apple announces at the Awe Dropping event, we may also see the Apple Watch Series 10, Watch Ultra 2, Watch SE2 and AirPods Pro 2. In favor of their respective successors.

Apple has always struggled with the idea of a fourth iPhone, whether it was a mini or a Plus-sized model. And my colleague Richard Priday is worried about whether the iPhone 17 Air could go down that same path.

The Air should offer something different, since it’s not just a resized version of the standard iPhone 17. But he does wonder whether four iPhones is just too many, and if Apple should follow the example laid out by rival phone companies.

Because the three-flagship release seems to work out ok for them. And if rumors are to be believed, Samsung may revert back to that by scrapping the S26 Plus in favor of the S26 Edge.

It’s something we worry about every year, and it could be happening with iPhone 17 — prices could be going up.

Rumor is that we could see a price increase of around $50 per iPhone 17, which would put the entry-level model price up to $849. Following that lead the iPhone 17 Air could be $949, with the 17 Pro starting at $1,049.

Meanwhile the iPhone 17 Pro Max would be $1,249. While expensive, this would still be cheaper than the $1,299 Galaxy S25 Ultra.

A new iPhone means we may see Apple release a bunch of new accessories out into the world. The first of which are the new “TechWoven” cases, which are designed to fix all the flaws of the controversial FineWoven cases from two years ago. Offering a sustainable, premium feel without compromising durability in the process.

We may also see a new Bumper case, like the one from the iPhone 4, to account for the fact the iPhone Air is so much thinner than its counterparts. Alongside a new Liquid Silicone case and a magnetic “crossbody strap” that seems to merge a wrist strap with a lanyard design — thanks to built-in magnets.

We have a whole new series of iPhones coming next week, and that means some of the older models have to be sent to a farm upstate. In this case it’s the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus that have been sent out to pasture, and have been added to Apple’s “vintage” list.

This is standard practise for phones once they hit their 5th birthday, and it’s more of a warning sign that a phone is on the verge of being declared obsolete. That officially happens at year 7. There are no immediate consequences, but it does mean that iPhone 8 owners may have trouble getting any kind of support from Apple moving forwards — including repairs.

Considering both phones stopped getting iOS updates a few years back, this may be a sign that you need to upgrade. Maybe the iPhone 17 could tempt you?

According to one rumor, iPhone 17 could be an eSIM-only device in other regions too. No doubt because the ultra-thin design means there isn’t as much space for a physical SIM card tray.

Then again Apple could just be doing a renewed eSIM push, and it’ll all depend on whether the entire iPhone 17 lineup is set to be eSIM only around the world.

Rather having that square-shaped camera bump, leaks and dummy units show both phones with an extended camera bar instead. The camera lenses haven’t moved, but the actual bump itself has been stretched out to the other side of the phone.

Why? We’re not entirely sure, and I’m sure Apple has some explanation lined up. But what we do know is that it means that your Pro-tier iPhone is going to look a lot different this year.

A similar set of upgrades could come to the Ultra 3, albeit in a larger and more rugged design than the standard model. As for the SE 3, that’s the biggest mystery right now — though it’s likely to have similar capabilities as an older flagship Apple Watch model.

Be sure to check out our iPhone 17 vs iPhone 17 Air vs iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone 17 Pro Max breakdown for all the rumored changes on the way.