iPhone 17 Air Rumors: What We Know So Far

Despite a projected September 2025 release, the iPhone 17 lineup is already causing a stir, especially with rumors swirling around a new, ultra-thin model dubbed the iPhone 17 Air. Although the name isn’t confirmed, industry insiders have speculated on whether Apple will adopt the “Air” label, with Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and YouTuber Jon Prosser both suggesting it to appeal to customers. The device has also been called the iPhone 17 Slim, but regardless of the final name, the leaks have created considerable anticipation.

Release Date and Price

While specifics remain unclear, early rumors hint at a premium price tag. The Information has reported that the iPhone 17 Air could be more expensive than the current Pro Max model, which starts at $1,199. This might mean a base price of $1,299 or higher. However, this doesn’t quite align with its rumored specifications, which are expected to be lower than the Pro Max, leaving some confusion around the pricing logic.

There’s also speculation from analyst Jeff Pu that the iPhone 17 Air might replace the “Plus” model, suggesting a possible starting price close to the iPhone 16 Plus at $899. If this proves true, it would make the Air model a unique offering in terms of both pricing and features. Apple’s release schedule is more predictable, with a likely launch in September 2025 alongside other iPhone 17 models.

Design and Display

The iPhone 17 Air is expected to be a significant departure in terms of design. Although early leaks pointed to a radically thin body, Apple seems to have scaled back expectations. A MacRumors report revealed that plans to slim down the battery using new technology were scrapped due to cost and technical challenges. As a result, the device might end up thicker than initially anticipated, though still slimmer than most of the lineup.

The Air could feature a 6mm-thick battery, resulting in a profile slimmer than the current 7.8mm iPhone 16 but not as thin as hoped. To aid in achieving a lightweight feel, the chassis will likely be made from aluminum, with some rumors suggesting a combination of aluminum and titanium, albeit with less titanium than seen in the Pro models.

As for the display, the iPhone 17 Air may sport a 6.6-inch screen with a 2,740 x 1,260-pixel resolution and support for ProMotion technology, offering refresh rates up to 120Hz. The introduction of “metalens” technology could reduce the camera cutout size, while a new anti-reflective AR layer is rumored to increase scratch resistance. There’s even talk about a possible OLED panel, though details remain scarce.

Camera Features

A major shake-up could be coming to the iPhone camera setup. The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to feature only a single 48MP rear camera, a decision that might divide opinion. This camera is expected to be similar to the main camera on the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, but without the 12MP ultrawide lens. If the price of the Air model mirrors that of the Plus, the removal of the ultrawide camera could become a contentious point.

On the front, all iPhone 17 models are expected to upgrade from a 12MP selfie camera to a more advanced 24MP sensor, which would enhance image quality and be a selling point across the lineup.

Outlook

Although it may not be the thinnest iPhone ever, the iPhone 17 Air still stands out with its rumored sleek and lightweight design. The need for larger batteries to support all-day use limits how thin smartphones can be, but the Air’s potential to replace the Plus model could position it as a distinct choice for those seeking a large display with a streamlined form. As WWDC 2025 approaches, more concrete details are expected, and leaks will likely continue to shape expectations.

Stay tuned as more information becomes available, with frequent updates from industry sources. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the iPhone 17 Air lives up to the growing anticipation.