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September has arrived, marking the close of summer and the start of a bustling autumn for Apple. In the upcoming weeks, there are several significant dates that Apple enthusiasts should mark on their calendars, even beyond the highly anticipated iPhone 17 event scheduled for September 9th.
On Tuesday, September 9th, at 10 am PT/1 pm ET, Apple will host its traditional fall keynote at the Steve Jobs Theater within Apple Park. Expectations are high for the unveiling of the iPhone 17 series, including the ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air, along with the new Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 models.
Additional product reveals are anticipated, possibly featuring the new AirPods Pro 3, TechWoven cases for the iPhone, crossbody strap accessories for cases, and a redesigned Apple Clear Case. Apple Watch bands in new styles and colors are also expected to make an appearance.
Our team members Chance Miller and I will be at the keynote to provide in-depth hands-on impressions of the new hardware directly from Cupertino, immediately following the livestream.
Later that day, around 12:30 pm PT/3:30 pm ET, beta testers and developers should receive the release candidate versions of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26, and macOS Tahoe 26. Xcode RC typically becomes available simultaneously, and the App Store Connect portal usually opens for submitting apps compatible with iOS 26 that afternoon.
During the event, we’re also expecting updates on the official launch dates for these software updates, along with improvements for HomePod and AirPods firmware.
On Friday, September 12th, at 5 am PT/8 am ET, preorders for the new iPhone 17 models and Apple Watch Series 11 are expected to commence. Carriers are likely to introduce updated trade-in promotions beforehand, and those enrolled in the iPhone Upgrade Program may be able to pre-approve their orders in the days leading up to the pre-sale.
The official release of iOS 26 is projected for Monday, September 15th, marking the start of the public rollout. Around the same time, reviews of the iPhone 17, Apple Watch Series 11, and AirPods Pro 3 are likely to be under embargo from September 15th through the 17th, following a pattern observed with recent product launches.
Friday, September 19th, is expected to be the official launch day for the in-store availability of the iPhone 17 and Apple Watch Series 11. Customers who preordered will see deliveries arrive, and Apple Stores will likely see the usual early-morning crowds.
Furthermore, iOS 26.0.1 is anticipated before the end of September, with developers potentially gaining access to iOS 26.1 beta 1 later in the month.
Looking beyond September, October could bring another Apple event, though updates via press releases appear equally probable. Rumors suggest the iPad Pro might receive an upgrade with the new M5 chip, and the Apple Vision Pro could see a processor boost to M4 or M5, possibly launching in early 2025. Updated MacBook Pro models with M5 chips are also rumored, but they might not emerge until spring 2026. Clues about these future releases are expected to surface through rumors and leaks during September.
As always, the release of new iPhones stirs speculation about the next generation. The most exciting prediction for 2026 is the potential arrival of Apple’s first foldable iPhone, which is expected to feature a design inspired by the iPhone 17 Air. Stay tuned to 9to5Mac for continuous updates and breaking news throughout September.
What are you most eager to see from Apple this month? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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