Is the iPhone 17 Air the upcoming model? Here is what we currently know.
The rumoured iPhone 17 Air, which has a single 48-megapixel camera, a 6.6-inch 120Hz display, and a slimmer design, is anticipated to replace the Plus model.
Ankush Pandey
INTRO
- The anticipated release of the iPhone 17 Air will make it Apple's thinnest iPhone to date.
- It might be between 5.5 and 6.25 mm in length.
- It is anticipated to have a 6.6-inch ProMotion OLED screen as well.
The new iPhone 16e marked the start of Apple's 2025 launch season. In addition to being the most reasonably priced model in the current flagship iPhone 16 lineup, this new iPhone also includes Apple's first proprietary modem, the C1. However, we are anticipating more iPhone models this year than just the 16e. Apple is anticipated to release the new iPhone 17 Air, a slimmer iPhone that will replace the Plus model in the lineup, later this year, along with the launch of the new flagship series, most likely the iPhone 17.
The new iPhone model in the 17 series is reportedly targeted at consumers who wish to experience the iPhone in a more compact design. It has a very thin form factor, an A19 chip, and a single rear camera, much like the iPhone 16e, but with flagship-like features. The iPhone 17 Air is also expected to compete with rivals such as Samsung, which has hinted at the release of a slimmer version of the Galaxy S25 series later this year, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge.
Let's examine every rumoured detail regarding the iPhone 17 Air model.
The new 'Air' in Apple’s ecosystem
The MacBook Air and iPad Air are two of Apple's other "Air" products that are said to have served as inspiration for the iPhone 17 Air. These Air models are renowned for having powerful processors despite being small and light, and the iPhone 17 Air is rumoured to provide the same in the smartphone lineup.
The iPhone 17 Air will serve as a "testing ground for future technologies," possibly opening the door for Apple's first foldable devices, according to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg. According to the name alone, the device will emphasise portability and thinness, which is consistent with Apple's practice of using the "Air" branding for its most streamlined products.
This model, however, will replace the iPhone 16 Plus rather than being the fifth in the series. According to reports, Apple's Plus models have been selling relatively poorly. For consumers seeking a more traditional iPhone experience with a longer battery life, this model was released with the iPhone 14 series. The Plus model is reportedly less popular than Apple had expected. Apple therefore intends to replace it with the iPhone 17 Air. Apple's introduction of a new form factor is expected to revitalise its mid-tier lineup and draw in customers who desire a premium experience without the Pro price tag.
Thinnest iPhone ever
As mentioned, an incredibly thin design is anticipated for the iPhone 17 Air. Industry insiders claim that the device may be as thin as 5.5 to 6.25 mm, which would make it much thinner than the iPhones of today. In contrast, the iPhone 6—once Apple's thinnest iPhone—measured 6.9mm in thickness, while the iPhone 16 Pro is anticipated to be 8.25mm thick.
Apple is rumoured to have made some concessions in order to achieve this slim profile. It is anticipated that the iPhone 17 Air will have a single rear camera mounted in a camera bar, doing away with the need for a large camera bump. Furthermore, the gadget might only have one speaker integrated into the earpiece rather than a bottom speaker.
iPhone 17 Air’s rumoured display
There are rumours that the iPhone 17 Air will have a 6.6-inch ProMotion OLED display on the front with a refresh rate of 120 Hz. Notably, a feature that was previously exclusive to Pro models, the 120Hz display is anticipated to be included in the entire iPhone 17 series. Users will be able to scroll more smoothly and use touch input more responsively thanks to the higher refresh rate. In terms of features, the display is anticipated to resemble the Pro models by supporting Always-On functionality.
Flagship performance
Apple's next-generation A19 chip is anticipated to power the iPhone 17 Air's internal components. The standard A19 chip will still provide remarkable performance for daily tasks, gaming, and AI-driven features, even though the Pro models will probably have the more sophisticated A19 Pro.
According to rumours, the device will also have 8GB of RAM, which will enable seamless multitasking and support for Apple's expanding AI suite.
A single-lens camera like the iPhone 16e?
A new member of the flagship lineup is rumoured to be the iPhone 17 Air. The iPhone 17 Air is anticipated to have a single 48-megapixel rear camera, according to some reports, in contrast to flagship models that have dual or triple cameras. Considering that other iPhones have dual or triple cameras, this may seem like a downgrade, but Apple is reportedly prioritising quality over quantity. A 2x zoom option with "optical-like" quality is reportedly supported by the 48-megapixel camera, enabling users to take detailed pictures without the need for extra lenses.
The iPhone 17 Air will not have an Ultra Wide camera, though, so users won't be able to take 0.5x images. However, Apple is able to make room inside for a bigger battery thanks to this compromise. The 24-megapixel selfie camera on the front of the iPhone 17 Air is anticipated to be a major improvement over the 12-megapixel front cameras that are currently found on the majority of iPhones.
Battery life and connectivity
The iPhone 17 Air's battery is now anticipated to be upgraded. Apple demonstrated, however, how the new C1 modem enabled the iPhone 16e to offer the best battery life in the flagship lineup. The iPhone 17 Air is therefore said to have a long battery life, probably thanks to the new modem.
As with the iPhone 14 in the US, the iPhone 17 Air is also anticipated to be eSIM-only worldwide.
Who is the iPhone 17 Air for?
The iPhone 17 Air is expected to keep some of the flagship models' features while also rumoured to have new features and a slimmer profile. Who is Apple trying to reach with the iPhone 17 Air, then?
The iPhone 17 Air appears to be a very attractive choice for consumers seeking a high-end iPhone experience without the Pro price tag, based on industry insights and rumours. With features like a 48-megapixel camera, Always-On capability, and a 120Hz ProMotion display, the iPhone 17 Air may persuade some Pro users to switch to a flagship-level experience with a much smaller form factor.
