iPhone 17 Air: Is It Apple’s Thinnest Phone? What We Know So Far
Even with its thin profile, the iPhone 17 Air will still pack a punch in terms of performance. Here's a look.
The iPhone 17 Air is set to launch in September and is reportedly expected to rival Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge. There have been suggestions that the iPhone 17 Air will be even thinner than Samsung's device (5.5 mm vs 6.4 mm).
If you're trying to visualise just how thin the iPhone 17 Air will be compared to other iPhone 17 models, a YouTube video titled iPhone 17 Air Early Hands On features a purported iPhone 17 Air mould from China, which shows it to be 5.65 mm thick. The latest device could be slightly heavier than the rumoured 5.5 mm, but still incredibly slim.
To achieve this slim profile, Apple has made some compromises, particularly with the camera system. While other iPhone 17 variants are expected to feature multiple rear lenses, the iPhone 17 Air will reportedly have only one. Also, its battery capacity will be smaller than its counterparts. As always, Apple fans will be eager to see how the iPhone 17 Air holds up in stress tests, including the ever-popular bend test.
Design Compromises
Apple’s focus on creating an ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air could result in sacrificing some features. While the iPhone 17 models are expected to feature multiple rear lenses, the Air will only have one. This single-lens camera system limits some photographic capabilities, but it helps maintain the device’s slim design. The iPhone 17 Air is also expected to have a smaller battery, which could affect its performance and longevity during heavy use, according to the YouTube video.
Likely Features
Even with its thin profile, the iPhone 17 Air will still pack a punch in terms of performance. Here’s what the YouTube video states:
Display: A 6.1-inch OLED colourful display, likely featuring ProMotion for smoother visuals.
Performance: Powered by the A17 Bionic chip, the iPhone 17 Air will offer fast performance for multitasking and gaming.
Storage: Likely to offer storage options starting from 128GB, with a potential maximum of 512 GB.
iOS 17: Running the latest version of iOS, which will bring privacy, along with other user-friendly features.
The iPhone 17 Air is shaping up to be a standout device in the iPhone 17 series. Its thin profile and sleek design will surely make it a favourite for those who prioritise aesthetics. While the trade-offs in camera and battery may be significant, Apple’s ability to innovate will likely make the iPhone 17 Air a highly anticipated release.