With the iPhone 16 barely two months old, Apple enthusiasts are already buzzing about the 2025 lineup.
The most intriguing prospect is the iPhone 17 Air—dubbed Apple's slimmest smartphone yet. Also referred to as the iPhone 17 Slim, this device could redefine the brand’s focus on design and portability.
Release date and price:
Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 17 Air in September 2025, staying consistent with its annual launch timeline.
Pricing is still speculative, but historical data provides some context. The iPhone 16 starts at $799, while the 16 Plus begins at $899. Early rumours suggest that the iPhone 17 Air might replace the Plus model or even surpass the Pro Max, which currently starts at $1,199. If true, the iPhone 17 Air could position itself as a premium offering, driven more by its form factor than hardware specifications.
Design and size:
As the name implies, the iPhone 17 Air’s standout feature is its ultra-thin design. Prototypes suggest a thickness of just 5–6mm, compared to the iPhone 16’s 7.8mm. If accurate, this would make it the slimmest iPhone ever, potentially even thinner than the iPhone 6's 6.9mm frame.
Despite its slim profile, the phone might boast a screen size of around 6.55–6.6 inches, placing it between the iPhone 16 and the 16 Plus. Analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo and Jeff Pu expect the device to feature a titanium-aluminium alloy or aluminium frame for durability without compromising weight.
Features and hardware:
While the iPhone 17 Air’s design is exciting, its slimness poses challenges for hardware. Reports indicate:
- Battery: A thinner battery may result in a reduced capacity, potentially affecting battery life.
- Audio: The iPhone 17 Air might include only a single speaker near the ear, foregoing the traditional dual-speaker setup.
- SIM Tray: Following Apple's eSIM-only strategy in the U.S., this model could lack a physical SIM tray globally.
- Camera: Rumoured to feature a single 48MP rear camera, breaking Apple's tradition of multi-camera setups. The front camera, however, could be a 24MP upgrade.
- Performance: Equipped with Apple’s A19 processor, 8GB RAM, and a 120Hz ProMotion display, the phone is expected to deliver seamless performance.
Additionally, the iPhone 17 Air may debut Apple’s in-house 5G modem, potentially signalling the end of its reliance on Qualcomm chips.
The iPhone 17 Air promises to emphasize portability and aesthetics, appealing to users seeking a sleek and minimalistic smartphone. While it may sacrifice some hardware elements, features like a high-resolution display, advanced processor, and next-gen 5G modem could still make it a competitive flagship.
With its anticipated September 2025 launch, the iPhone 17 Air is shaping up to be one of Apple’s most intriguing innovations.
