The change was subtly mentioned in a press release announcing the December 12 streaming debut of F1: The Movie, which stated: “Apple TV+ is now simply Apple TV, with a vibrant new identity.”

The company gave no further explanation on the rebrand, and as of Monday, Apple’s website and press portal still displayed the old Apple TV+ branding. 

However, early beta versions of iOS and tvOS reportedly show small design adjustments that point at the new identity.

While the Apple TV rebrand appears straightforward, it has already led to confusion among users and observers in the space. Apple now operates three distinct products under the same name, the Apple TV streaming service, the Apple TV app for content aggregation and rentals, and the Apple TV hardware such as the Apple TV 4K device. 

Even Apple’s own press release added to the muddle, stating that “Apple TV is available on the Apple TV app… on Apple TV.”

The decision also separates Apple from the crowded group of streaming platforms that embraced the “plus” naming trend, including Disney+, Paramount+, and ESPN+. 

Interestingly, Apple continues to use the symbol for other subscription-based products like Apple News+, Apple Fitness+, and iCloud+, making the rebrand somewhat inconsistent across its ecosystem.

Apple TV+, launched in November 2019, was Apple’s entry into the global streaming competition against Netflix, Amazon, and HBO. The service gained early recognition through The Morning Show and later secured major acclaim with CODA, which became the first film from a streaming platform to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. 

Other successes, such as Ted Lasso, helped establish Apple’s reputation for high-quality original content.

Still, this branding decision invites comparisons to a similar misstep by Warner Bros. Discovery, which rebranded HBO Max to Max in 2023. Confusion among subscribers and the entertainment industry grew, prompting the company to restore the original name months later.

Apple has yet to clarify whether the rebranding will extend to visual elements such as a new logo or app design. The company also declined to comment on whether its Apple TV hardware or app experience will be updated to align with the change.

For now, the “vibrant new identity” is more of a statement than a visible transformation, and users may have to wait to see exactly what Apple’s simplified streaming identity really looks like.

The event, set to start at 5 p.m. WAT (10 a.m. PT), promises a lineup led by the iPhone 17 series, including a radically thinner model which is a design shift for the company.

The new iPhone 17 lineup will feature a standard edition, iPhone 17 Pro, Pro Max, and the all-new iPhone 17 Air, which replaces the previous Plus variant. 

Reports reveal the Air model will measure just 5.5mm thick, making it Apple’s thinnest iPhone to date, while sporting a 6.6-inch display and a single-lens rear camera. The device is expected to appeal to users seeking sleek form factors, though compromises on battery capacity are likely.

“I think the thinner design will attract new customers to the iPhone,” an analyst noted, reflecting Apple’s strategy to combine innovation with customer expansion. The Pro versions will undergo a notable redesign, featuring larger camera arrays and aluminium frames, reinforcing Apple’s focus on mobile photography. 

Across all models, the A19 and A19 Pro chips will power faster processing, and ProMotion 120Hz displays may become standard.

Beyond smartphones, Apple is updating its Apple Watch line for the first time in three years. The Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3 are all set for release.

The Ultra 3 will reportedly include a larger OLED display, faster charging, and 5G RedCap support, while Series 11 could introduce blood pressure monitoring and Sleep Score analytics. The SE 3 may adopt the Series 9 design, offering a larger screen at a lower price point.

Other expected announcements include the AirPods Pro 3, featuring a compact design, H3 chip, touch-sensitive controls, and heart-rate monitoring. Apple will also likely refresh its HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K, with the latter powered by the A17 Pro chip to enhance streaming and gaming.

Software updates will accompany the hardware rollout. iOS 26 is set to debut new AI-driven features, including live call translation, AI-powered call screening, and the “Liquid Glass” interface. Apple’s Pro models, built with 12GB RAM and advanced cooling, will handle more demanding AI tasks, embedding intelligence across system apps.

The Apple September 9 event is expected to set the stage for Apple’s next three years of iPhone innovation, including foldable devices and curved-glass models leading up to the product’s 20th anniversary in 2027. 

The event will be streamed live at apple.com and via the Apple TV app.