Apple’s iPhone 17 Series to Introduce Major Changes with New 'iPhone Air'

Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 series is set to bring significant changes to its product lineup, including the introduction of the “iPhone Air.” This new model will replace the iPhone Plus and boast an impressively slim profile, reportedly measuring just 6mm in thickness. If true, this would make it the thinnest iPhone ever, surpassing the 6.9mm iPhone 6.

The shift to a thinner design necessitates trade-offs. To maintain its slim form factor, the iPhone 17 Air will likely forgo a large camera module. Analysts predict it will feature only a single main wide-angle camera, much like the approach Apple took with the 2024 iPad Pro. This marks a departure from other models in the iPhone 17 series, which are expected to include multiple lenses.

A recent report from South Korea’s The Elec supports these claims, revealing that only the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will include periscope zoom lenses. The tetraprism zoom system introduced in the iPhone 15 Pro Max and expanded to the iPhone 16 Pro will remain exclusive to the Pro models in the next lineup. Apple’s decision to limit optical zoom to higher-end devices is likely aimed at encouraging buyers to invest in pricier models.

Design-wise, the iPhone 17 Air will feature a larger 6.6-inch display, making it taller and wider than the standard 6.1-inch models. This size adjustment is expected to support a larger battery, offsetting potential battery life concerns associated with its slim profile. Meanwhile, the Pro models are rumored to see further enhancements, including upgraded 48-megapixel sensors for all three cameras, as part of Apple’s ongoing efforts to differentiate its premium offerings.

LG Innoteck, Apple’s primary supplier for camera components, is reportedly upgrading its facilities to meet the demands of the iPhone 17 series. However, The Elec notes that while the camera specs across the lineup will improve, the overall changes are not expected to be drastic.

Another notable rumor points to an upgrade in selfie cameras across all iPhone 17 models, ensuring consistency in at least one key feature across the range. These updates reflect Apple’s commitment to maintaining its competitive edge in smartphone photography, even as design constraints impact feature availability in non-Pro models.

With the iPhone 17 series slated for release next year, Apple continues to balance innovation with strategic compromises, catering to both mainstream users and enthusiasts seeking premium features.