Apple Set to Replace iPhone Plus with New 'iPhone 17 Air'

Rumors have been circulating for months that Apple intends to discontinue the iPhone Plus model in its 2025 iPhone 17 lineup. Instead, the company is expected to introduce a radically different device, potentially dubbed the “iPhone 17 Air.” This shift in Apple’s strategy appears to be moving closer to reality as reports indicate that the phone has entered the new product introduction (NPI) stage of manufacturing.

The NPI phase marks the beginning of production for a new device, during which Apple and its manufacturing partners finalize the blueprint for creating the new model. This development signifies a critical milestone in the production process, indicating that the iPhone 17 Air may soon take shape.

Since the launch of the iPhone 12 series in 2020, Apple has followed a consistent pattern, releasing four models each year. The iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 series included a standard model, a mini version, a Pro version, and a Pro Max version. With the iPhone 14 series in 2022, Apple shifted the lineup by replacing the mini with the iPhone Plus, a configuration that has remained the same for the past three years.

However, rumors have been mounting that Apple plans to eliminate the iPhone Plus from the iPhone 17 lineup, opting instead for a thinner, more distinct model that stands apart from the other variants. This new phone is expected to be the thinnest iPhone ever made, surpassing the iPhone 6, which currently holds the record for thinness at 6.9mm. In comparison, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are 7.8mm thick, while the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max measure 8.25mm.

The iPhone 17 Air is anticipated to be around 25% thinner than the iPhone 16 Pro, potentially making it the sleekest iPhone in the lineup. Some reports even speculate that it could resemble the iPad Pro (2024), which is only 5.1mm thick. Because of its thin profile, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature a single rear camera, likely positioned in a vertical layout in the top-left corner, similar to the iPhone 16. Alternatively, Apple might opt for a large, centered camera bump on the back.

To accommodate the slimmer design, Apple could make some trade-offs in terms of features. The iPhone 17 Air may have a smaller battery, a single speaker instead of the typical dual-speaker setup, and a chassis made of lightweight titanium and aluminum. Despite these changes, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to retain a 6.6-inch display, providing a balance between portability and screen size.

Assuming the iPhone 17 Air successfully progresses through the NPI stage, Apple is likely to begin small-scale test production in the coming weeks and months. The iPhone 17 series is expected to be officially announced in September 2025, with the iPhone 17 Air possibly becoming a standout model in the company’s next-generation smartphone lineup.