Scheduled for release in 2025, the iPhone 17 Air aims to be the slimmest smartphone from Apple, measuring just 5 mm thick. Featuring an aluminum chassis, it will sport a 6.6-inch screen with LTPO technology for enhanced refresh rates. Powered by the new A19 chip and equipped with 8GB RAM, the device promises improved performance. The camera setup may include a single 48-megapixel sensor, emphasizing software optimization, while the front camera resolution is expected to increase to 24 MP.
Slated for release in 2025, the iPhone 17 is set to include a sleek variant known as the iPhone 17 Air or iPhone 17 Slim, which will replace the current Plus model in Apple’s lineup.
Recent leaks have surfaced, providing intriguing insights into what could potentially be the thinnest smartphone ever crafted by Apple.
Stunningly Slim Design
The standout feature of the iPhone 17 Air is anticipated to be its remarkably slim profile. This model may achieve an astonishing thickness of just 5 mm, a significant reduction compared to the iPhone 16 Plus, which measures 7.8 mm and has maintained the same thickness for three generations.
Apple has already demonstrated its capability to create thinner devices, as seen with the recent iPad Pro, which boasts a height of 5.1 mm.
To attain this sleek design, Apple might innovate with its battery technology, while the device would likely feature a lightweight aluminum chassis similar to that of the current iPhone 16 Plus.
A More Fluid Display
Beyond its thinness, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to also include a 6.6-inch display. Analyst Jeff Pu from Haitong Securities indicates that this will be a notable upgrade.
Further insights from MacRumors’ Ross Young suggest that Apple will implement LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) technology in its base iPhones, including the iPhone 17 Air. This technology enables a variable refresh rate from 1 to 120 Hz, ensuring a smoother visual experience while optimizing power consumption – a feature currently reserved for Apple’s Pro models.
Powerful Performance: A19 Chip and 8GB RAM
In terms of performance, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to be equipped with the new A19 chip, which promises substantial improvements in both power and energy efficiency over the A18 chip found in the iPhone 16 Plus.
This new chip is anticipated to feature advanced etching thanks to TSMC’s 3-nanometer N3P process, with the next-generation 2 nm chip reserved for the iPhone 18 Pro expected in 2026.
The iPhone 17 Air should also come with 8GB of RAM, enhancing multitasking capabilities and allowing seamless operation of Apple’s intensive tasks.
Camera: A Minimalist Yet Powerful Solution
In a surprising twist, rumors suggest that Apple may opt for a minimalistic camera setup on the iPhone 17 Air, potentially eliminating the rear ultra-wide-angle 12 MP lens and relying solely on a 48-megapixel main sensor, likely a wide-angle type.
Should this rumor hold true, Apple would rely on sophisticated software optimization to make up for the reduced number of camera sensors—a strategy reminiscent of Google’s successful approach with the single-sensor Pixel 3 in 2018.
On the front, the camera is claimed to have an enhanced resolution, increasing from 12 MP to 24 MP, while still fitting within the existing pill cutout. However, only the Pro models may feature a minimized Dynamic Island, due to the Face ID sensors being placed beneath the display.
The Face ID technology is indeed believed to be integrated under the screen, promising an innovative approach to user authentication.