Apple is reportedly developing the iPhone 17 Air, an ultra-thin addition to its iPhone lineup, anticipated for release in September 2025. This model is expected to be approximately 2 millimeters thinner than current iPhones, with a thickness ranging from 5.5 mm to 6.25 mm.
To achieve this slim profile, Apple is making several design compromises. The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to feature a single earpiece speaker, omitting the second speaker found in other models. Additionally, it may lack a physical SIM card tray, relying entirely on eSIM technology, which could present challenges in markets where physical SIM cards are still prevalent.
In terms of hardware, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to include a 6.6-inch ProMotion OLED display, a single 48-megapixel rear camera, and a 24-megapixel front camera. It will be powered by Apple’s A19 chip and feature 8GB of RAM to support Apple Intelligence AI functionalities. The device is also anticipated to incorporate Apple’s in-house 5G modem, codenamed Sinope, which is expected to debut in the upcoming iPhone SE. However, this modem may lack support for mmWave 5G technology, potentially resulting in lower peak speeds compared to Qualcomm’s modems.
The iPhone 17 Air is expected to replace the iPhone 17 Plus in Apple’s product lineup, offering a thinner, more affordable option without compromising on performance. This strategy aligns with Apple’s approach to cater to a broader market segment, similar to its successful implementation of the “Air” branding in other product categories.
While official confirmation from Apple is pending, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to be unveiled in September 2025, offering consumers a new choice in the iPhone lineup.
