Apple is set to redefine smartphone design with the iPhone 17 Air, an ultra-thin model expected to launch in September 2025 alongside the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Replacing the iPhone Plus, the iPhone 17 Air will likely prioritize a sleek form factor, drawing inspiration from the MacBook Air and iPad Air. With a focus on aesthetics over top-tier specs, this device aims to be Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever, outshining iPhone knockoff peddlers like Samsung with its Galaxy S25 Edge.
The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to measure just 5.5mm thick, surpassing the iPhone 6’s 6.9mm record, though the camera bump may reach 9.5mm. Its lightweight titanium-aluminum frame is expected to weigh around 145 grams, comparable to the iPhone 13 mini. The device will likely feature a 6.6-inch OLED display with ProMotion, offering a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling, a first for non-Pro iPhones. However, compromises include a single 48MP rear camera, omitting ultra-wide and telephoto lenses, and potentially reduced battery life due to a slim 2,800mAh battery.
Apple’s in-house C1 5G modem and Wi-Fi 7 chip promise improved connectivity, though the lack of mmWave 5G and a physical SIM tray may limit functionality in some regions. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to run on an A19 chip with 8GB or 12GB of RAM, supporting Apple Intelligence features. Its price is projected to start around $899-$950, potentially rising due to tariffs.
Expected Specs for iPhone 17 Air:
• Design: 5.5mm thick (9.5mm with camera bump), titanium-aluminum frame, ~145g weight.
• Display: 6.6-inch OLED, 120Hz ProMotion, always-on capability.
• Camera: Single 48MP rear Fusion camera, 24MP front camera.
• Performance: A19 chip (possibly A19 Pro with reduced GPU), 8GB or 12GB RAM.
• Connectivity: Apple C1 5G modem, Wi-Fi 7, no mmWave or physical SIM tray.
• Battery: ~2,800mAh with high-density technology, Adaptive Power in iOS 26.
• Price: $899-$950.
While the iPhone 17 Air sacrifices some features for its slim profile, its innovative design and solid performance make it a compelling choice for style-conscious consumers.
MacDailyNews Take: While we hope Apple finally drops the numbering system and just calls it the iPhone Air (2025) — alongside the iPhone (2025), iPhone Pro (2025), and iPhone Pro Max (2025) — even if it’s the “iPhone 17 Air,” it’ll have buyers – significantly more buyers than any iPhone Plus model, that’s for sure!
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Make a MINI!!!!!!
They tried that, it was a spectacular failure.
I’m not interested in it because I’m style-conscious, but rather because I want a phone that isn’t very heavy. Also, if it’s thinner it may be easier to use one-handed (though still won’t be as easy to handle as my 13 mini). To be honest though, if the Apple Intelligence isn’t substantially better than it was last year (when I bought and then returned—a first for me—an iPhone 16), I may hang onto the mini for another year. At this point, the most compelling feature I don’t yet have is satellite texting and emergency services. Considering how many years ago that came out, it’s a damning statement about the last couple generations.
For the record, I was an iPhone/iPad early adopter—I waited in line on day 1 for both. These recent models just aren’t worth the heft though, in my book!
What did AI fail at for you to return your 16?
It’s on my current IP 16 Pro but I’m not at all sure what it is doing that makes it any better.
It was unable to do the most basic of tasks. For example, I started driving to an event that was entered in my calendar. I asked Siri to “navigate to my next appointment.” She couldn’t. I tried invoking chatgpt, which lacked context. It just really couldn’t do much of anything—aside from remove stuff from photos. Nice feature and all, but I’m not going to upgrade my phone just for that. I never used the email-related AI features and aside from dabbling with the image playground (which seemed very limited), I didn’t see much of value.
I’m not interested in it because I care about fashion; rather, I want a phone that weighs less. Additionally, it would be simpler to operate one-handed if it is thinner, albeit it won’t be as manageable as my 13 mini.