According to a new report, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to be Apple’s thinnest device yet, boasting a sleek 6.25mm thickness. This would make it approximately 20% thinner than the standard iPhone 16 models and 25% slimmer than the iPhone 16 Pro, setting a new benchmark in smartphone design.
Rumors suggest that Apple aims to replace its struggling Plus models with this new addition, which combines a lightweight, aesthetic appeal with a competitive price point. Industry insiders indicate that the iPhone 17 Air will adopt the pricing strategy of its predecessor, the iPhone 16 Plus, starting at $899. However, some reports speculate that it may even undercut this price to attract a broader audience, with starting configurations possibly beginning at $800.
To achieve its remarkable thinness, Apple appears willing to make calculated compromises. Leaks point to a single rear camera with a centered design—an unusual move compared to the dual-camera setups typical of recent iPhone models. Additionally, the iPhone 17 Air may feature a single earpiece speaker, a departure from the stereo setup present in other models. Despite these trade-offs, the device is expected to pack impressive internals, including an A19 chip, a Dynamic Island, 8GB of RAM for Apple Intelligence features, and potentially Apple’s first in-house 5G modem.
Apple’s shift from the Plus model to the Air seems to stem from the poor sales performance of the iPhone Plus lineup, which failed to gain traction as a successor to the iPhone mini. In contrast, the Air’s ultra-thin design and carefully curated feature set are likely aimed at carving out a niche among users who value aesthetics and portability. With the iPhone 16 Plus reportedly selling just 3.7 million units compared to the 21.8 million units of the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple appears ready to pivot its strategy to rejuvenate its mid-tier offerings.
The competition, however, is not standing still. Samsung is reportedly developing its own ultra-thin flagship variant, the Galaxy S25 Slim, which aims to match the iPhone 17 Air’s 6mm thickness. Unlike Apple’s Air, Samsung’s Slim model is rumored to feature an “Ultra camera” and other premium specifications, catering to a slightly different segment of the market.
Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 17 lineup, including the Air, in September, with more details likely to emerge in the coming months.
(via Sisa Journal)
