Apple iPhone 17 Air and Pro get surprise release date change — here’s the new timeline

Apple fans, get ready! The countdown to the iPhone 17 series has begun, but there is a twist. The iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 17 Pro are finally on their way. Apple's keynote is reportedly set for September 9, but the release date has changed in a surprising way. The tech giant is also getting ready to show off new Apple Watches and maybe even new AirPods Pro. This fall will be one of the busiest launch seasons ever, as per several reports.

With the announcement of keynote, pre-order, and iOS 26 rollout dates, fans can look forward to a busy launch window with not only iPhones but also updates for the Apple Watch and AirPods.

What changed about the release date of the Apple iPhone 17?

The iPhone 17 series from Apple is going to be one of the company's biggest releases in years. There were rumors about a set timeline, but new reports show that the schedule has changed a little. Industry insiders say that the Apple keynote is still set for Tuesday, September 9 at 10 a.m. Pacific time. However, the dates for the next launch events have changed, which gives customers a better idea of when new devices will be available in stores, as per a report by Forbes.

When is the iPhone 17 Keynote going to happen?

Apple usually sends out keynote invitations to the press and VIPs around August 26. Experts quickly said that a leaked invite that went around online was fake. Fans all over the world can get ready for a mid-September reveal, though the date and time seem to be correct.

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There will be more than just iPhones at the event. There are also rumors that Apple will announce the Apple Watch Series 11, the Apple Watch Ultra 3, and maybe even the AirPods Pro (3rd generation). All of these could come out on the same day as the iPhone 17 lineups, as per a report by Forbes.

When can I pre-order and read reviews?

If previous timetables are followed as it is, Apple will start taking pre-orders on Friday, September 12 at 8 a.m. Pacific time, just like they did for past launches. People will want the new devices a lot, especially the slim iPhone 17 Air and the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which has a lot of featuress, as per a report by Forbes.

After that, early reviews will come out on September 16 or 17, depending on when Apple lifts its ban. Apple has a history of spreading out reviews for its most popular products, so one day might be all about iPhone reviews and the next day might be all about Apple Watch or AirPods reviews.

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As usual, the first pictures of new iPhones in customers' hands will probably come from Australia and New Zealand before they go to Europe and the U.S.

When can I download iOS 26?

Along with the new hardware, Apple is releasing iOS 26, one of the most eagerly awaited software updates in years. The system will come pre-installed on all iPhone 17 models, but it will also be available for older models, all the way back to the iPhone 11s, as per a report by Forbes.

Mark Gurman of Bloomberg says that the sixth beta version feels "ridiculously snappy," which means that the public release is coming soon. Based on what Apple has done in the past, iOS 26 will probably come out on Monday, September 15 at 10 a.m. Pacific time, just a few days after the keynote and before the iPhone 17 goes on sale.

A Lot Going On in September for Apple Fans

Everything points to a great September for Apple. The company is getting ready for one of its busiest launch windows in a long time. It will release the iPhone 17 lineup, new Apple Watches, upgraded AirPods Pro, and iOS 26.

FAQs

When is the iPhone 17 coming out?
The keynote speech from Apple is expected to happen on September 9. Pre-orders will start on September 12, and the official release will be on September 19.

Is iOS 26 going to come out with the iPhone 17?
Yes, iOS 26 will come out with the iPhone 17, and it will probably be available to the public on September 15.