Apple iPhone 17 Air Rumored Design and Feature Overhaul

According to industry sources, Apple is reportedly planning a significant design overhaul for its upcoming iPhone 17, expected to launch in 2025. The device, potentially named the iPhone 17 Air or iPhone 17 Slim, aims to shift Apple’s focus back to a design-forward approach, likely resulting in noticeable aesthetic changes at the expense of some high-end features.

Design and Build

The iPhone 17 Air is anticipated to showcase an ultra-thin profile, marking a shift from recent iPhone designs. Reports indicate that this model will return to an aluminum body rather than the titanium currently featured in iPhone Pro models. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested a blend of titanium and aluminum may still be used to enhance durability while achieving a slim design.

Display and Front-Facing Technology

For its display, sources indicate the iPhone 17 Air will feature a 6.6-inch or 6.55-inch screen, with ProMotion refresh rates up to 120Hz and a resolution of approximately 2,740 x 1,260 pixels. Additionally, Apple is reportedly working on reducing the size of the Face ID sensor and front camera cutout using its “metalens” technology, which may allow a more seamless and compact screen design. A new display coating under development may also enhance scratch resistance and reduce reflections.

Camera

A notable departure from past models, the iPhone 17 Air is rumored to include only a single rear camera to maintain its slim profile. This rear camera will likely feature the same 48MP sensor found in current iPhone models, while the front-facing camera is expected to receive a boost from 12MP to 24MP. The rear camera may also be repositioned from the top-left corner to a central location, a significant change from Apple’s traditional design layout.

Performance and Chipset

In terms of performance, the iPhone 17 Air will likely include Apple’s A19 chip, with 8GB of RAM, setting it apart from the Pro models expected to feature the A19 Pro chip and 12GB of RAM. With no plans for a 2nm chip process until 2026, Apple is expected to use a 3nm N3P fabrication process for the A19 series, promising incremental improvements in performance and power efficiency.

Apple’s Custom 5G Modem

The iPhone 17 Air is anticipated to be among Apple’s first devices to incorporate an in-house 5G modem, a strategic move to reduce reliance on Qualcomm. This modem will support not only 5G connectivity but also Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS functionalities, with an initial rollout expected in the 2025 iPhone SE 4.

Price and Release

Price-wise, the iPhone 17 Air is rumored to carry a premium, potentially exceeding the current Pro Max lineup, with estimates around $1,300 or more. However, some analysts speculate that the iPhone 17 Air could serve as a replacement for the Plus model, which may indicate a more accessible price point.

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 lineup in September 2025, though potential supply chain issues could impact this timeline.