Hardware reveals these days have been a bit of a mixed blessing for consumer electronics giant Apple (AAPL). While it is always interesting to see what Apple hath wrought this time, sometimes it just looks like a big pile of more of the same. Recent reports suggest that Apple’s hardware reveal this time could feature some exciting prospects. Investors, though, took little interest, and sent Apple shares down fractionally in Friday afternoon’s trading.
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The reveal event will be in just a few weeks, with September 9 slated to be the big day. Expected to appear at the event are updates for the Apple Watch, for AirPods, and the iPhone 17 lineup. In a point that demonstrates why some people are getting tired of the whole Apple phenomenon, the iPhone 17 models are expected to boast “…bigger screens and improved cameras.”
One point, however, is catching particular interest ahead of the big reveal. Reports suggest that the next iPhone line could include the iPhone Air, which is set to replace the iPhone Plus line. The iPhone Air is said to be an “ultra-thin iPhone,” which would make it Apple’s “…slimmest phone ever.” The iPhone 17 is also set to get a bit of a makeover, with a 6.3 inch screen to bring it more in line with the Pro and Pro Max models. And, the iPhone 17 is also set to have a 120Hz display. That’s stepped up substantially from the original 60Hz display, and that makes a huge difference in home theater circles. Whether or not it works in a smartphone display, though, is more a matter of personal taste.
Apple Arcade Rolls Out New Titles
But Apple is also known for its gaming chops; just ask anyone who has whiled away a few moments over Candy Crush or the like. One of the biggest arrivals is NFL Retro Bowl ’26, which comes just in time for the start of football season in a few weeks. Jeopardy! Daily will also be getting a slot in the arcade, as will My Talking Tom Friends+.
Perhaps the biggest update, though, will come from an old favorite that once got a mention on South Park about 15 years before it even existed: Hello Kitty Island Adventure. The new update will be out September 18, and take players off to Wheatflour Wonderland, an area packed with ruins to explore and “stained-glass castles” to marvel at.
Is Apple a Buy, Hold or Sell?
Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Moderate Buy consensus rating on AAPL stock based on 16 Buys, 11 Holds and one Sell assigned in the past three months, as indicated by the graphic below. After a 2.98% rally in its share price over the past year, the average AAPL price target of $239.18 per share implies 3.64% upside potential.
