Commentary: As someone who has been writing about the iPhone for over a decade, I'm ready to see Apple step it up in this perhaps unexpected way.

The iPhone 17 is reportedly rumored to be announced in September, meaning Californians may be just weeks away from their next upgrade. Last year, Apple introduced its iPhone 16 range on Sept. 9, with the new phones ready for pre-order later that week. In September of 2023, Apple unveiled its iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

The most widely discussed rumor is that Apple might be introducing its slimmest phone ever, the iPhone Air, which may replace the iPhone Plus. This rumored device is said to have a profile thickness of 5.5 mm, making it about 0.08 inches thinner than current iPhones. It’ll also feature a 6.6-inch screen.

The Bengaluru plant, located in Devanahalli, received project approval in 2023 and was established at an investment of approximately $2.8 billion (around Rs. 24,400 crore). The facility is already producing components for the iPhone 17 after importing key parts from China starting in June.

Apple is expected to launch its new iPhone 17 lineup in September. Here’s the launch timeline and other expected products to be launched by Apple.

August, meaning that Apple's annual iPhone event is just around the corner. This year, Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone

The base model iPhone 18 might not make its debut until spring 2027, reportedly so Apple can showcase new foldables. Higher-end iPhone 18 models are still on tap for 2026, though.

The standard iPhone 17 could see some welcome display upgrades. At least one supply chain source claimed it will add a 120Hz variable refresh rate (ProMotion) display, which the Pro series has used since 2021.

Most flagship phones, like the OPPO Find X8 Ultra, Sony Xperia 1 VI, and Xiaomi 15 Ultra, offer periscope lenses that max out between 4x and 7x optical zoom.

AppleAAPL stock has been creeping higher recently as the consumer electronics giant prepares to unveil its fall product lineup, including the iPhone 17 family of smartphones.On Aug. 8, Apple stock cleared its 200-day moving average line for the first time since March 10.