Apple is rumored to be developing a new model in its iPhone lineup, the iPhone 17 Air, slated for release in September 2025. This device is expected to focus on a sleek, ultra-thin design while maintaining comparable battery life and performance to other iPhone 17 models.
Why it matters: The iPhone 17 Air could signal a renewed focus on design and portability, potentially appealing to consumers who prioritize aesthetics and ease of use over top-of-the-line specifications.
Release Date and Pricing: The iPhone 17 Air is expected to be unveiled in September 2025, aligning with Apple‘s typical release cycle for new iPhone models. The device is rumored to start at $899 in the U.S., which is the same price point as the current iPhone 16 Plus. This suggests that the iPhone 17 Air will replace the Plus model in Apple’s lineup.
Design and Form Factor: The most notable feature of the iPhone 17 Air is its anticipated ultra-thin design. The device is expected to be Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever, with a thickness ranging between 5.44mm to 6.25mm. It will have bezels as thin as those on the iPhone 16 Pro models and a sleek design that enhances its lightweight aesthetic. The device may come in exclusive color options and will feature a horizontal camera bump.
Display and Camera: The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to feature a 6.6-inch display with a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate and a Dynamic Island. However, it may not include advanced display technologies like Low-Dielectric TEE, which is expected in the iPhone 17 Pro models. The display resolution is likely to be around 1260 x 2740 pixels.
The iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature a single 48-megapixel rear camera, lacking the ultra-wide and telephoto lenses found in other flagship models. It will also include a Camera Control button, similar to the one introduced in the iPhone 16 series. The front camera is expected to be a 24-megapixel selfie camera.
Hardware and Software: The iPhone 17 Air will be powered by a standard A19 chip, rather than the A19 Pro chip found in the Pro models. It is expected to come with 8GB of RAM and storage options of 256 GB and 512 GB. The device will also feature Apple’s in-house C1 modem and will be eSIM-only, eliminating the physical SIM card slot.
The iPhone 17 Air will run on iOS 19, which is expected to include enhanced AI capabilities. The device will also include other software optimizations to improve power efficiency and performance.
Battery and Connectivity: Despite its ultra-thin design, the iPhone 17 Air is anticipated to have battery life “on par with current iPhones.” This is achieved through several factors, including the use of Apple’s power-efficient C1 modem and high-density battery cells. The battery capacity is speculated to be between 3,000 mAh and 4,000 mAh.
While specific carrier deals for the iPhone 17 Air are not yet confirmed, it is anticipated that major carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T will offer similar promotions as they have for previous iPhone models. Apple is also likely to continue its iPhone Upgrade Program for the iPhone 17 Air.
In summary, the iPhone 17 Air promises a unique blend of sleek design, efficient battery life, and robust hardware and software features, making it an exciting addition to Apple’s iPhone lineup.
