iPhone 17 Air: Everything We Know So Far

Apple’s 2025 launch season kicked off with the introduction of the iPhone 16e, the most affordable option in the current flagship iPhone 16 lineup. The iPhone 16e boasts Apple’s first in-house modem, the C1. However, the excitement doesn’t end there. Later this year, Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series, including a new model: the iPhone 17 Air.

*A New ‘Air’ in Apple’s Ecosystem*

The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to take inspiration from other “Air” products in Apple’s lineup, such as the MacBook Air and iPad Air. Known for their lightweight and portable designs coupled with powerful performance, the iPhone 17 Air aims to bring a similar experience to the smartphone market.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the iPhone 17 Air will serve as a “testing ground for future technologies,” potentially paving the way for Apple’s first foldable devices. The name itself suggests a focus on thinness and portability, aligning with Apple’s history of using the “Air” branding for its sleekest products.

*Replacing the Plus Variant*

The iPhone 17 Air will replace the iPhone 16 Plus in Apple’s lineup. The Plus models, introduced with the iPhone 14 series, targeted users seeking longer battery life with a vanilla iPhone experience. However, lower-than-expected demand for the Plus model has led Apple to introduce the iPhone 17 Air, hoping to attract users who desire a premium experience without the Pro price tag.

*Thinnest iPhone Ever*

Industry insiders suggest that the iPhone 17 Air will feature an ultra-thin design, potentially measuring between 5.5mm to 6.25mm. For comparison, the iPhone 16 Pro is expected to be 8.25mm thick, while the iPhone 6, Apple’s thinnest iPhone to date, measured 6.9mm.

To achieve this slim profile, Apple may make some compromises, such as featuring a single rear camera housed in a camera bar and eliminating the bottom speaker in favor of a single speaker built into the earpiece.

*Rumored Display*

The iPhone 17 Air is expected to sport a 6.6-inch ProMotion OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This feature, previously reserved for Pro models, will offer users a smoother scrolling experience and more responsive touch input. The display is also anticipated to support Always-On functionality, further aligning it with Pro models.

*Flagship Performance*

Under the hood, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to be powered by Apple’s next-generation A19 chip. While the Pro models may feature the more advanced A19 Pro, the standard A19 chip will still deliver impressive performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and AI-driven features. The device is also rumored to come with 8GB of RAM, allowing for smooth multitasking and support for Apple’s growing suite of AI capabilities.

*Single-Lens Camera*

Unlike flagship models with dual or triple-camera systems, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature a single 48-megapixel rear camera. Apple is focusing on quality over quantity, with the 48-megapixel camera rumored to support a 2x zoom option with “optical-like” quality. This trade-off will allow for a larger battery, enhancing battery life. The front camera is expected to be a 24-megapixel selfie camera, a significant upgrade from the current 12-megapixel front cameras.

*Battery Life and Connectivity*

The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to offer impressive battery life, likely supported by the new C1 modem. The device is also expected to be eSIM-only globally, following the trend started with the iPhone 14 in the U.S.

*Target Audience*

The iPhone 17 Air is shaping up to be a compelling option for users who want a premium iPhone experience without the Pro price tag. With features like a 120Hz ProMotion display, Always-On functionality, and a 48-megapixel camera, the iPhone 17 Air could appeal to Pro users seeking a flagship-level experience in a significantly slimmer form factor.

Stay tuned for more updates on the iPhone 17 Air as we approach its official launch later this year.