What we think we know about the still mythical iPhone 17 Air
Has Apple really run out of surprises? Image c/o: Jacinta Iluch Valero/Flickr
Apple may introduce a super-slim, somewhat expensive all-new iPhone design in the coming months, one that the Apple Speculation Council has already declared will be called the iPhone 17 Air. What do we think we know about it? Here’s what is known as of April 2025.
What is iPhone 17 Air?
The iPhone 17 Air is for those who want a slim but powerful smartphone that represents the cutting-edge of Apple design. That means precision-manufactured components, incredible lightness, and supermodel-status slimness, all with a silvery Apple logo on the back and a powerful AI that makes this hugely portable device the computer you always have with you. It’s not intended to be cheap but, like the Vision Pro, a desideratum, a promise, an intimation of a whole new design generation to come.
How slim is slim?
A report from Jeff Pu in Nov 24 claimed the device will be around 6mm thin. To enable this the device will feature high-density components to make it thinner. Look closely at these, as this same compact component cluster is likely to appear in next year’s iPhone Fold range. You’ll also get a 6.6-inch always-on display.
What about battery?
While the battery will be thinner, it will also likely hold more charge per cubic centimeter. That’s going to give this phone really excellent battery life.
What about the camera?
Yes, there will be a 4mm camera bump for the device’s 48MP camera bar with a 48MP camera.
What about the chip?
You’ll get an A19 processor, 8GB of RAM (for AI). This is going to be c.20% more performant than the current iPhone.
What about 5G?
Expect an Apple-designed C-series 5G modem to feature in the device. And an eSIM, to enable the thinness.
Sure, but how slim is slim, really?
This video which claims to show a dummy model of the device obtained from a third-party supplier provides a potential glimpse.
When will it be announced?
It was speculated Apple would introduce the product in spring, but this did not happen. It’s not too hard to imagine that Apple has other production and supply problems to overcome right now, so it may now appear with the rest of the iPhone 17 range during the company’s annual iPhone refresh event in September.
What will it cost?
There is some confusion. Some people seem to think it will cost $899, making it a replacement for the Plus range, which will then be retired. Others suggest it will be more expensive than the current Pro Max.
Where will it be made?
I confess I don’t know. Will these be made in India, or does the precision engineering demand these are manufactured elsewhere?
Will people buy it?
Only time will tell.
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