Apple is reportedly planning to launch the iPhone 17 Air as a slimmer and more affordable alternative to its Pro models. Set to replace the iPhone Plus lineup, the Air will likely debut in September 2025. It is expected to be the thinnest iPhone ever, potentially measuring between 5mm and 6.25mm, significantly slimmer than the current iPhone 16 lineup, which starts at 7.8mm. This model will have a simplified design, including a single 48MP rear camera and reduced features like no physical SIM card and a single speaker, which help keep its price lower than Pro models—possibly starting around $899【5†source】【6†source】.
Additionally, Apple is preparing to introduce a foldable iPhone by 2026. The iPhone 17 Air may serve as a technological stepping stone for this innovation by developing ultra-thin components that could later be adapted for foldable designs. The foldable iPhone is expected to align with Apple’s methodical approach to major technological advancements【5†source】【6†source】.
These developments indicate a significant evolution in Apple’s product strategy, focusing on innovative form factors and addressing different market segments.
Apple’s highly anticipated iPhone 17 series, set to launch in Fall 2025, is expected to include a brand-new model — the iPhone 17 Air — alongside the standard and Pro variants. The iPhone 17 Air is speculated to introduce a slimmer design, boasting a thinner profile compared to the current models, which feature a thickness of around 8mm. This new addition marks Apple’s first fresh model since the iPhone 14 Plus debuted in 2022, signaling a strategic move to reinvigorate sales and appeal to a wider audience.
Affordable Price Point & Streamlined Features
According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, the iPhone 17 Air will be positioned at a lower price point compared to the iPhone 17 Pro models. To achieve this affordability, Apple is rumored to be making compromises on certain flagship features, particularly the camera system. While the iPhone camera remains a marquee selling point, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature a simplified camera setup, distinguishing it from the advanced multi-lens systems available on Pro models. This cost-cutting measure will allow Apple to price the Air variant competitively, potentially replacing the existing Plus model.
Ultra-Slim Profile & New Design
The iPhone 17 Air is tipped to have an ultra-thin build, aligning with Apple’s design ethos of sleek and minimalist aesthetics. Reports suggest it may achieve a thickness as low as 5mm to 6.25mm, making it the thinnest iPhone ever, even surpassing the iPhone 6’s record of 6.9mm. This design evolution is expected to be paired with toned-down features, ensuring the phone remains lightweight, stylish, and cost-efficient while maintaining core performance.
Apple’s Foldable Devices in 2026
Additionally, Apple is actively developing two foldable devices slated for a 2026 release, marking the tech giant’s entry into the foldable smartphone market. These devices are anticipated to set new industry benchmarks, leveraging the ultra-thin components developed for the iPhone 17 Air. Apple’s meticulous approach to foldable technology aims to optimize user experience while delivering premium durability and performance.
Key Features of the iPhone 17 Air:
- Slimmer Design: Ultra-thin body, potentially between 5mm and 6.25mm.
- Simplified Camera: A cost-efficient single-lens system to keep pricing below Pro models.
- Affordability: Expected to sit below the Pro model price, likely replacing the Plus variant.
- Market Strategy: Aimed at reviving iPhone sales growth with innovative design changes.
Apple’s iPhone 17 Air is positioned to cater to a broader market segment, offering a sleek, affordable alternative to its premium Pro models. As the tech giant prepares for its next-generation foldable devices, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Apple smartphones.
By combining cutting-edge design, a competitive price, and strategic compromises, the iPhone 17 Air may set a new benchmark for mid-tier premium smartphones, reinforcing Apple’s dominance in the global smartphone market.
How big is the iPhone 17 air?
The iPhone 17 Air (possibly named the iPhone 17 Slim) is expected to be 2 millimeters thinner than the iPhone 16 Pro, according to a report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Given that the iPhone 16 Pro has a thickness of 8.25mm (0.32 inches), this reduction means the iPhone 17 Air will measure approximately 6.25mm (0.24 inches) in thickness.
This makes it one of the thinnest iPhones ever produced, potentially breaking the previous record held by the iPhone 6, which measured 6.9mm. Apple’s focus on an ultra-slim design highlights its effort to create a lightweight, sleek smartphone that combines portability with aesthetics.
For additional details, this ultra-thin form factor is reportedly part of Apple’s broader design overhaul aimed at differentiating its lineup and attracting new customers looking for a more compact device.
What year did iPhone 17 come out?
The iPhone 17 models are expected to come out in September 2025, and they will follow the 2024 iPhone 16 models.
iphone release date. when will iphone 17 come out?
Apple is expected to release the iPhone 17 series in September 2025, following its traditional annual launch schedule.This lineup is anticipated to include a new model, the iPhone 17 Air (also referred to as the iPhone 17 Slim), which is rumored to feature a significantly thinner design compared to current models.The iPhone 17 Air is projected to be approximately 2 millimeters thinner than the iPhone 16 Pro, suggesting a thickness of around 6.25mm (0.24 inches).This would make it the thinnest iPhone to date, surpassing the iPhone 6’s 6.9mm thickness.The introduction of the iPhone 17 Air is part of Apple’s strategy to revitalize growth by offering innovative designs and features.
For a visual overview of the anticipated features in the iPhone 17 Pro Max, you might find the following video informative:
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