Apple Plans to Launch Its Thinnest iPhone Yet
The upcoming iPhone 17 Air aims to set new records for thinness, with innovative design choices and notable compromises.
Apple is reportedly on the verge of introducing its thinnest iPhone ever, as part of its iPhone 17 lineup. Dubbed the iPhone 17 Air, this groundbreaking model will feature an ultra-thin profile measuring between 5mm and 6mm, making it one of the slimmest smartphones ever developed. The design mirrors Apple’s approach with devices like the MacBook Air and iPad Air, showcasing their commitment to sleek and minimalist hardware.
To achieve this unprecedented thinness, Apple has opted for significant design changes. The iPhone 17 Air will feature a single rear camera equipped with a 48-megapixel sensor, complemented by a 24-megapixel front-facing camera for selfies and video calls. While this reduces the device’s versatility in photography, it aligns with the goal of saving space.
The phone will also abandon the traditional SIM card tray, relying solely on eSIM technology. This shift, already evident in U.S. models, could present challenges for users in regions where eSIM adoption is limited. Additionally, the device will forego the bottom-edge speaker found in current models, instead utilizing a single speaker integrated into the earpiece.
However, these design refinements come with trade-offs. A smaller battery will power the iPhone 17 Air, potentially impacting battery life compared to previous models. The device is also rumored to feature an Apple-designed 5G modem, which may lack support for mmWave technology, potentially resulting in slower connectivity speeds compared to Qualcomm-powered alternatives.
Despite these compromises, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to deliver powerful hardware. It will feature a 6.6-inch display with Dynamic Island, Apple’s A19 chip for enhanced performance, and 8GB of RAM. The device’s aluminum frame ensures durability while maintaining a lightweight design.
In addition to the iPhone 17 Air, Apple plans to release standard and Pro variants within the iPhone 17 lineup. The Pro models will reportedly transition to aluminum frames for a lighter build, alongside a part-glass, part-aluminum rear design to facilitate wireless charging. These models will also receive enhanced camera systems, including a larger rectangular camera module for improved performance.
The iPhone 17 series is expected to be unveiled in September 2025, further solidifying Apple’s position at the forefront of smartphone innovation.