iPhone 17 Air: New Ultra-Thin Design, Features, and Release Details

07/09/2025 Mobile

The iPhone lineup is about to get a whole lot thinner! I'm talking about the highly anticipated iPhone 17 Air, rumored to be a sleek, redesigned model positioned between the standard iPhone 17 and the more powerful Pro version. It sounds like Apple is aiming for something truly special, a device that could redefine what we expect from our smartphones. While replacing the Plus model, which hasn't exactly flown off the shelves, this new "Air" variant could be Apple's attempt to capture a wider audience seeking both style and substance.

So, what makes the iPhone 17 Air so exciting? Well, let's start with the thickness – or rather, the lack thereof. Word on the street is that this phone will be significantly thinner than anything we've seen before, potentially even slimmer than the iPhone 6. Some reports suggest it could measure as little as 5.5mm! That's about 30% thinner than the iPhone 16. I can already imagine how good it would feel in my hand and how easily it would slide into my pocket. If these rumors turn out to be true, the iPhone 17 Air would definitely be a head-turner.

However, that's not all. When we think about the design, the iPhone 17 Air might feature a display somewhere around 6.6 inches. Also, don't get your hopes up for a dual-speaker setup – there might only be enough room for a single one in the earpiece.

Display and Performance

On a positive note, it looks like Apple plans to bring ProMotion – that smooth 120Hz refresh rate – to the entire iPhone 17 lineup, including the Air model. I think this will make a huge difference in everyday use, from scrolling through social media to playing games. And with the expected use of Samsung's high-performance OLED display panel, the visuals should be stunning. Plus, this could also mean an always-on display, showing you important info even when the phone is locked.

Under the hood, expect Apple's A19 chip to deliver top-notch performance. While the Pro models might get a slightly more powerful "Pro" version of the chip, the standard A19 should still be a beast, easily handling anything you throw at it. And with rumors of increased RAM, possibly up to 12GB, multitasking should be a breeze. I mean, who doesn't want a phone that can handle everything at once without breaking a sweat?

Camera and Other Features

Now, let's talk cameras. This is where things get interesting. Some reports suggest a completely redesigned camera setup, possibly with the lenses moved to the top center of the device. This would be a major departure from the traditional iPhone design. Also, there are whispers of a single-lens rear camera, which is quite unusual considering current trends. I believe that would be a bold move by Apple, focusing on simplicity and potentially using software to enhance image quality. Beyond that, every iPhone 17 will likely have a 24-megapixel front-facing camera, great for selfies.

Other notable features include a more durable, scratch-resistant screen with an anti-reflective coating. Apple is also expected to include its custom-designed Wi-Fi chip, supporting the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard for faster and more reliable connectivity. And despite the slim design, it seems MagSafe will still be on board for wireless charging. I am also expecting that all iPhone 17 models will lack a physical SIM card slot, but how this will happen in the chinese market, is something that remains to be seen.

Finally, regarding colors, there is a new light blue finish. They say that it will be central to Apple's marketing for the new device, and may appear almost white in low-light conditions.