Apple AirPods Pro 3 Launch Imminent, Reverse Wireless Charging for iPhone 17 Pro, Camera Control Changes for iPhone 18

Apple is expected to launch AirPods Pro 3 in the fall, alongside the iPhone 17, with a smaller charging case and capacitive pairing button. The iPhone 17 Pro line may support reverse wireless charging, while the iPhone 18 may downgrade the Camera Control button to a simple Camera launcher and capture button. The timing of these releases and features remains uncertain.

Apple is set to unveil its next generation of premium wireless earbuds, the AirPods Pro 3, alongside the highly anticipated iPhone 17 lineup in the fall. The event is expected to take place during the week of September 8, 2025, with September 9 or 10 emerging as the most likely dates [1].

AirPods Pro 3: A Refreshed Design and Enhanced Features

The AirPods Pro 3 is rumored to feature a sleeker design with a smaller charging case and a front-facing capacitive pairing button, a design cue taken from the fourth-generation AirPods [1]. Under the hood, the earbuds are expected to come with an improved H3 chip, offering better Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) performance, crucial for staying ahead of rivals like Sony's WF-1000XM5 and Bose's QuietComfort Ultra [1].

Additionally, the AirPods Pro 3 is expected to include in-ear heart-rate monitoring, a feature that has been absent in previous generations [1]. The earbuds will also support on-device live translation, allowing users to have real-time conversation translations directly through the earbuds [1].

iPhone 17 Lineup: Design Revamps and Potential Features

The iPhone 17 lineup is expected to include a range of new features and design revamps. The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to be Apple's thinnest phone ever, at just 5.5 mm thick, priced near $950 [2]. The iPhone 17 Pro Max, on the other hand, is expected to have a larger battery with a slightly thicker build [2].

One of the most anticipated features for the iPhone 17 Pro line is reverse wireless charging. While the feature was rumored to be included, it is now highly likely that it will not be supported due to compatibility issues with the Qi2 wireless charging standard [3]. However, the iPhone 18 may see a downgrade of the Camera Control button to a simple Camera launcher and capture button [4].

Uncertainties and Legal Settlements

While the product cycle is exciting, the unresolved weight of Apple’s $490M settlement over China iPhone demand disclosures lingers in the background [2]. The settlement, which closed a long-standing investor lawsuit, highlights regulatory risks that persist even as Apple gears up for a critical product launch cycle [2].

The timing of these releases and features remains uncertain. While some reports suggest a 2025 release, others hint at potential delays into 2026 [1]. Apple is expected to hold its annual iPhone announcement event during the week of September 8, 2025, with September 9 or 10 emerging as the most likely dates [1].

References

[1] https://www.macrumors.com/2025/08/25/airpods-pro-3-coming-this-fall-heres-what-we-know/
[2] https://www.tradingview.com/news/11thestate:e57ce2f15094b:0-aapl-iphone-17-thinnest-ever-to-debut-490m-settlement-still-shadows-stock/
[3] https://www.gsmarena.com/iphone_17_pro_reverse_wireless_charging_probably_isnt_happening-news-69210.php
[4] https://www.ainvest.com/news/apple-unveils-iphone-17-lineup-ai-driven-features-design-overhaul-2508/