Apple Reportedly Developing Its Thinnest iPhone Yet
The upcoming iPhone 17 Air may feature an ultra-thin design with notable compromises on battery life and camera capabilities.
Apple is reportedly working on its thinnest smartphone to date, with the new iPhone 17 Air expected to feature a thickness of just 5mm to 6mm. Inspired by the success of its ultra-thin MacBook Air, iPad Air, and M4-equipped iPad Pro, Apple aims to push the boundaries of smartphone design with this upcoming model. However, the pursuit of slimness will come with compromises, including a smaller battery and a single rear camera.
The iPhone 17 Air is expected to introduce several significant design changes to achieve this ultra-thin profile. Among them, the traditional bottom-edge speaker found in recent models will be removed, with a single earpiece speaker taking its place to conserve space. Additionally, the device will eliminate the physical SIM card tray, relying exclusively on eSIM technology. While this aligns with Apple’s shift toward eSIM-only models in regions like the United States, it may pose challenges in countries where eSIM adoption is less prevalent.
The device may also face connectivity constraints, as Apple plans to utilize an in-house 5G modem that reportedly lacks mmWave support. This could result in slower data speeds compared to competitors using Qualcomm’s advanced 5G technology. The ultra-thin design also raises concerns about a smaller battery, which could lead to reduced battery life compared to previous iPhone models.
Despite these trade-offs, the iPhone 17 Air will offer advanced features, including a 6.6-inch display with Dynamic Island, an A19 chip, and 8GB of RAM, ensuring improved performance and energy efficiency. Constructed with an aluminum frame, the device will aim to balance durability with lightweight design.
In addition to the iPhone 17 Air, Apple is expected to enter the foldable smartphone market by the second half of 2026. Display analyst Ross Young predicts that Apple’s foldable device could revitalize interest in this segment, setting new standards for design and functionality.
Looking further ahead, Apple is reportedly exploring innovative products, including smart glasses and AirPods equipped with built-in cameras. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, these cutting-edge devices are expected to debut by 2027, signaling Apple’s commitment to pioneering new technology categories.