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.
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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.
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