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  • iPhone 17 Air dummy models leaked: Apple’s ultra-thin design revealed

    iPhone 17 Air dummy models leaked: Apple’s ultra-thin design revealed

    Apple is planning to release a brand-new member of its iPhone 2025 lineup: the iPhone 17 Air, which is a seriously thin phone set to be the thinnest iPhone ever out. As shown by recent leak and hands-on teasers such as a just-released new video by technology YouTuber Lewis Hilsenteger at Unbox Therapy, the iPhone 17 Air will come to market this fall alongside the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max.

    iPhone 17 Air dummy model reveals thinnest iPhone yet

    The iPhone 17 Air should be around 5.5 mm thick, much thinner than the speculated 8.725 mm thickness of iPhone 17 Pro models. Apple hasn’t yet announced the dimensions, but the dummy units demonstrated by Hilsenteger provide a close-up view of what can be Apple’s most daring design change in years.

    To counter structural concerns with such a thin profile, Apple is using a titanium and aluminum frame, selected for their strength-to-weight ratio. The choice of materials aims to prevent a repeat of the 2014 “bendgate” debacle, when several iPhone 6 Plus models bent under pressure.

    Display size adjustments for durability

    The iPhone 17 Air will have a 6.6-inch screen, a bit short of Apple’s initial internal design to have a 6.9-inch screen. The reduction is reportedly due to concerns that a larger screen would weaken the structural integrity of such a thin phone.

    By reducing the screen size and concentrating on toughness, Apple seems to be prioritizing everyday practicality over screen estate. The 6.6-inch display still provides an expansive view with fewer chances for bend-related issues.

    Apple's iPhone 17 Air dummy model reveals early first look
    Courtesy: Unbox Therapy, via YouTube
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    Efficiency gains to offset smaller battery

    One of the biggest issues with ultra-thin smartphones is battery life, and Hilsenteger expressed doubts in his video about whether the iPhone 17 Air’s small frame can accommodate a battery that will provide all-day performance. Apple is reportedly tackling this issue from several angles.

    First, Apple is reportedly cutting more camera hardware from the Air model, most likely confining it to a single- or dual-lens configuration, to make room internally for the battery. Second, Apple will incorporate a new C1 modem chip Apple has designed in-house that should be more power-efficient than what has come before.

    With the software optimizations, these changes should maintain battery performance on a par with existing iPhone models, even with the slim profile of the iPhone 17 Air.

    Market expectations and broader implications

    The upcoming launch of iPhone 17 Air demonstrates Apple’s consistent effort to grow its product portfolio through engineering ingenuity. Although pricing and exact availability remain undisclosed, the latest model is expected to appeal to those who prioritize compact design and portability without compromising core performance.

    As Apple continues to dominate in hardware innovation, the iPhone 17 Air has the potential to impact future design trends in the industry, particularly if it can provide a solid user experience in an ultra-thin device.

  • Apple’s iPhone 17e nears trial production, May 2026 launch tipped by supply chain leak

    Apple’s iPhone 17e nears trial production, May 2026 launch tipped by supply chain leak

    Apple is said to be gearing up for trial production of its upcoming mid-range phone, the iPhone 17e, for release in late May 2026. The information comes through Fixed Focus Digital, a WeChat-based leaker with reliable news gathered from Apple’s Chinese supply chain.

    iPhone 17e progressing toward trial production

    As reported by Fixed Focus Digital, the iPhone 17e is close to reaching a major milestone in its production cycle, which means Apple is right on schedule for a second quarter launch in 2026. Although the date remains unconfirmed, the leaker stated that Apple will soon initiate production trials, paving the way for an early May release.

    This coincides with Apple’s latest move towards bringing more budget-friendly mid-cycle devices, especially the launch of the iPhone “e” series. The iPhone 16e released in February 2025 was the pioneering model and looks to have paved the way for subsequent models like the 17e.

    Apple iPhone 17e nears trial production, May 2026 launch tipped
    Courtesy: Apple

    Positioning in the mid-range market

    The iPhone 17e will likely battle in the mid-range smartphone market, a category held tightly by companies such as Xiaomi, Redmi, and vivo, particularly in China. Such competitors tend to launch their products in the same quarter, so the market is highly competitive in terms of timing and features, which can play a major role in market share.

    For those who are unaware, the iPhone 16e, priced from $599, boasts a 6.1-inch OLED screen, Face ID, Apple A18 chip, and USB-C port, which will be an attractive choice for buyers looking for top-notch features at a more affordable price tag. The iPhone 17e will probably follow the same strategy with incremental hardware advancements.

    History of accurate leaks

    Fixed Focus Digital has an increasing track record of reliable Apple-related leaks. In December 2024, the same leaker accurately forecasted the iPhone 16e name when all reports still anticipated an iPhone SE refresh. A day prior to the iPhone 16e announcement, the leaker spoke of a new project codename seen in Apple’s supply chain, thought to be related to the iPhone 17e.

    Although Apple has yet to officially reveal the existence of the iPhone 17e, supporting information came from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP), which also predicted a new “e” model for the year 2026. CIRP previously, however, had indicated a different February launch, leaving one to wonder if Apple is testing a less rigid launch pattern for its mid-range series.