Apple is preparing to introduce a new “Air” model to its iPhone lineup, offering a slimmer design with a mix of high-end and budget-friendly features. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the iPhone 17 Air is set to launch this fall and will be thinner than standard iPhones, much like the MacBook Air.
Developing a slimmer device without compromising battery life was reportedly a major challenge for Apple engineers. Achieving this required redesigning components, particularly making batteries thinner while maintaining performance. Despite these efforts, Apple aimed to balance innovation with practicality.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the iPhone 17 Air’s development was Apple’s consideration of making it a completely portless device. Gurman reports that the company explored eliminating charging ports entirely, relying solely on wireless charging and cloud-based data syncing. This would have marked a significant shift in iPhone design, removing the need for physical connections altogether.
However, Apple ultimately decided against this approach, at least for now. A major factor in this decision was regulatory concerns, particularly in Europe, where lawmakers have mandated that smartphone manufacturers support USB-C charging. Given this requirement, Apple may have faced legal or consumer backlash if it removed ports entirely.
While the iPhone 17 Air will retain some form of physical connectivity, its design still represents a step toward Apple’s vision of a more wireless future. With each iteration, the company continues to refine its devices, prioritizing thinner, more efficient technology while balancing user convenience and regulatory compliance. The iPhone 17 Air’s launch later this year will likely signal how Apple plans to evolve its smartphones in the coming years.
