Rumors of the iPhone Air: What We Know So Far
Speculation has been building for months about Apple possibly launching a new iPhone model this year, rumored to be called the iPhone Air. This ultra-thin device could represent the first major design shift for the iPhone lineup in years.
Rather than being a budget-friendly base model or a feature-rich Pro device, the iPhone Air is said to target those who prioritize a sleek, lightweight design over advanced features. Essentially, it’s expected to be the iPhone equivalent of the original MacBook Air.
The Thinnest iPhone Yet
Reports suggest the iPhone 17 Air will be exceptionally thin, though exact dimensions are still debated.
- Ming-Chi Kuo predicts a 5.5mm thickness, slightly thicker than the 5.1mm M4 iPad Pro.
- Mark Gurman estimates it will be about 2mm thinner than the 8.25mm iPhone 16 Pro.
- Jeff Pu suggests it will measure around 6mm.
Regardless of the final figure, the iPhone 17 Air is set to be Apple’s thinnest product yet, surpassing the 6.9mm iPhone 6.
Battery Challenges
Apple is reportedly facing challenges fitting sufficient battery capacity into such a slim design.
- Early rumors pointed to new, denser battery technology using materials like carbon nanotubes.
- However, recent leaks suggest Apple may use standard battery tech, optimizing internal components instead.
A recent report hints at a 3,000–4,000mAh battery, with Apple prioritizing a balance between size and efficiency.
Display Details
The iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature a 6.6-inch OLED display with LTPO technology, supporting refresh rates up to 120Hz and as low as 1Hz for energy efficiency.
- It will likely include the Dynamic Island and Face ID, aligning with Apple’s flagship designs.
Internal Hardware
- Apple is rumored to equip the iPhone 17 Air with in-house Wi-Fi, Bluetooth chips, and its first custom cellular modem, moving away from Qualcomm.
- The phone is expected to feature an A19 chip, paired with 8GB of RAM, and support Apple’s AI-driven features.
Simplified Camera Setup
Leaks indicate the iPhone 17 Air will include just one rear camera — a 48-megapixel lens — and a 24-megapixel front-facing camera.
Price Speculation
Rumors about the iPhone 17 Air’s price vary:
- Some suggest it could exceed the $1,299 price of the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
- Others argue it will be positioned below the $999 starting price of the iPhone 16 Pro.
Why the iPhone Air?
Apple’s motivation appears twofold:
- Boosting Sales: After years of lukewarm reception for Mini and Plus models, Apple is reportedly betting on the Air to reignite consumer interest.
- Testing New Tech: The iPhone Air could serve as a platform to trial new wireless and modem chips, as well as pave the way for a future folding iPhone.
Release Timeline
The iPhone 17 Air is expected to debut as part of the iPhone 17 lineup this fall. While plans could still change, the volume of reports suggests Apple is serious about this new direction.
Stay tuned for more updates as Apple’s next big launch approaches!
