Updated August 14 – More clarity has emerged around Apple’s upcoming September event, which is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series, Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and possibly new AirPods Pro.
While an alleged event invite has circulated online, it is almost certainly a fake. However, the overall timeline — from keynote to onsale — is becoming clearer, thanks to insights from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and past Apple launch patterns.
📱 iPhone 17 Keynote: September 9
Apple is expected to hold its next major product launch event on Tuesday, September 9 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, at Apple Park in Cupertino. This keynote will likely be a hybrid presentation, blending live segments with pre-recorded content.
The official press invites are likely to be sent around 8 a.m. PT on Tuesday, August 26 — although slight variations are possible. Any invite circulating before this date is likely inauthentic.
🛍 iPhone 17 Pre-Orders: September 12
Apple typically opens pre-orders for new iPhones the Friday after the keynote. This year, expect pre-orders to begin on Friday, September 12 at 8 a.m. PT.
📰 First Reviews: September 16–17
Embargoed reviews for the iPhone 17 lineup are expected to drop between Tuesday, September 16 and Wednesday, September 17, likely around:
- 6 a.m. PT
- 9 a.m. ET
- 2 p.m. UK time
🛒 iPhone 17 Onsale Date: September 19
The official retail launch date is expected to be Friday, September 19, starting at 7 a.m. local time in Apple Stores globally. As usual, customers in Australia and New Zealand will be the first to get their hands on the new devices, followed by Europe, then North America.
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💻 iOS 26 Public Release: September 15 (Likely)
Alongside new hardware, Apple will roll out iOS 26, the next major software update. According to Gurman, the sixth developer beta is already “ridiculously snappy,” suggesting a stable and early rollout.
Based on previous years, iOS 26 will likely be released to the public on:
- Monday, September 15 (most likely), or
- Tuesday, September 16 at 10 a.m. PT
iOS 26 will come pre-installed on the iPhone 17, but it will also be available for devices going back to the iPhone 11.
🕒 Key Dates At a Glance
| Event | Expected Date | Time (Pacific) |
|---|---|---|
| Press Invites Sent | Tuesday, Aug. 26 | ~8:00 a.m. |
| Apple Keynote Event | Tuesday, Sept. 9 | 10:00 a.m. |
| iOS 26 Public Release | Monday, Sept. 15 | 10:00 a.m. |
| iPhone 17 Pre-orders Open | Friday, Sept. 12 | 8:00 a.m. |
| First Reviews Go Live | Sept. 16 or 17 | 6:00 a.m. |
| iPhone 17 Onsale Date | Friday, Sept. 19 | 7:00 a.m. (local) |
🔍 What to Expect at the Keynote
- iPhone 17 series: Multiple models expected, including Pro and Pro Max
- Apple Watch Series 11
- Apple Watch Ultra 3
- Possibly new AirPods Pro
- iOS 26, watchOS 11, and other OS updates
More details will be confirmed closer to the event. For now, September 9 is the date to mark on your calendar.
