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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- iPhone 17 Air could debut as Apple’s thinnest cellphone ever.
- Single rear digicam reveals Apple’s thinness trade-offs.
- Anticipated to debut on Sept. 9, 2025, priced round $900.
Apple is predicted to introduce an ultra-thin mannequin within the 2025 iPhone lineup. Referred to as the “iPhone 17 Air,” it is presupposed to be a lot slimmer than every other iPhone up to now and can substitute the Plus fashions.
Additionally: Buy the iPhone 16 or wait for iPhone 17? Here’s how I help friends and family decide
Due this September alongside the remainder of the iPhone 17 family, it has been repeatedly described as a super-slim new tier, with a goal value round $900. However what else makes this cellphone so completely different, and why do you have to care?
Let’s take a look at all of the rumors and leaks up to now.
Why is it known as iPhone 17 Air?
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has referred to the upcoming model as “skinny” and repeatedly calls it “iPhone 17 Air.” So, that is what everybody else calls it. Apple hasn’t confirmed the identify simply but, so take into account “Air” a working moniker till it debuts in September.
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With any pre-release reporting, particulars can change. However Gurman is a managing editor with a robust report on Apple scoops. AppleTrack currently rates his accuracy round 86%. This website tracks, verifies, and charges the accuracy of Apple leaks and rumors. MacRumors additionally graded Gurman’s WWDC 2025 predictions as an A+.
How skinny is the iPhone 17 Air actually?
If the rumors are proper, the iPhone 17 Air may very well be the thinnest iPhone ever.
Additionally: Best iPhone 2025: I tested the top models and found the best options for you
Famous analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who has a 72% accuracy according to AppleTrack, says the cellphone will measure 5.5mm at its slimmest level — however the digicam bump is not going anyplace. Nonetheless, Bloomberg’s Gurman described the Air as slimmer than present fashions and urged it may very well be a step towards Apple’s long-rumored port-free future. For comparability, the iPhone 16 Professional is 8.25mm thick.
Renders and videos from Jon Prosser’s Entrance Web page Tech additionally level to an ultra-thin chassis in addition to a “digicam bar” stretching throughout the again. On one facet sits a single rear lens, whereas the opposite homes a mic and LED flash. Prosser is being sued by Apple for allegedly leaking iOS 26 info, however his leaks align with a supposed iPhone 17 Air shell that surfaced weeks ago.
In fact, making a cellphone this skinny requires some engineering trade-offs. AppleTrack posted a video with dummy fashions suggesting refined {hardware} compromises, just like the USB-C port being nudged nearer to the again edge as a substitute of sitting neatly within the center.
As for weight, MacRumors noticed South Korean leaker yeux1122 claimed in a Naver weblog that the Air will are available in at about 145g (5.11 ounces). That may make it a lot lighter than the 199g iPhone 16 Professional, nevertheless it’ll be barely heavier than the 141g iPhone 13 Mini.
What’s the show measurement?
Several leakers and analysts, together with Ming-Chi Kuo, mentioned the iPhone 17 Air may have round a 6.6-inch show with very slim bezels and a refined front layout, and it will hold the Dynamic Island largely the same as current models. In the meantime, Macworld just lately noticed a brand new 1260×2740 wallpaper decision in iOS 26 betas that does not match any present iPhones.
What concerning the cameras?
To maintain the iPhone 17 Air as skinny as potential, Apple is predicted to make some concessions.
Additionally: How to clear your iPhone cache (and why you should do it before the iOS 26 update)
Each Kuo and Bloomberg’s Gurman reported the cellphone will drop ultrawide and telephoto lenses, as a substitute delivery with a single rear digicam — doubtless 48MP. Jon Prosser’s renders again this up, displaying only one lens inside the highest “digicam bar.” Up entrance, analyst Jeff Pu mentioned all iPhone 17 fashions will function a 24MP selfie digicam. According to AppleTrack, Pu’s report sits at about 50% correct.
Will iPhone 17 Air final all day?
A thinner iPhone means a smaller battery, proper? Not so quick. This is how Apple plans to deal with the problem of battery life:
- Environment friendly charging and thermal administration: Leaker Majin Bu has shared photos and measurements of what is claimed to be the Air’s battery: an L-shaped, steel-cased module that is about 2.49mm thick with an estimated capability of two,900mAh. The prototype options welded edges, new adhesives to make replacements simpler, and will enable for extra environment friendly charging due to improved thermal administration. Collectively, these particulars recommend Apple is optimizing inner area and battery efficiency.
- Excessive-density battery with silicon-anode cells: Kuo has floated the concept of a high-density battery for the iPhone 17 Air, whereas AppleInsider, citing a report from DigitTimes, claimed provider TDK is making ready silicon-anode cells. The mixture of this tech can be a significant leap, primarily permitting the iPhone 17 Air to retailer extra power in the identical area.
- An Apple-made battery case: The Information’s Wayne Ma claimed Apple’s inner testing reveals the Air’s battery life will not fairly hit the corporate’s traditional targets. He mentioned the share of customers who can go a single day with out recharging the skinny cellphone will probably be between 60% and 70%. To make up for that, Apple has been creating its personal battery case.
- Software program methods: Let’s additionally not neglect that iOS 26 introduces a brand new function known as Adaptive Energy, which was extensively mentioned throughout and after WWDC. Apple’s iOS 26 overview does not go into a lot element, however ZDNET’s Adrian Kingsley-Hughes tested it and reported that the system robotically adjusts efficiency and background duties to stretch battery life when wanted.
Any info on different specs?
In case you’re questioning about which A-series chip the iPhone 17 Air will get or how a lot RAM it’s going to have, here is what’s leaked up to now:
- Processor: Bloomberg’s Gurman claimed the iPhone 17 Air will get the standard A19, whereas the iPhone 17 Professional fashions will get the A19 Professional chip. A counter-rumor from Fixed Focus Digital on Weibo (through MacRumors) claimed the A19 Professional is coming to the Air.
- RAM: Kuo mentioned to anticipate 12GB DRAM on no less than three iPhone 17 fashions.
- Wi-Fi: Kuo additionally mentioned Apple’s in-house Wi-Fi chip will probably be used throughout all iPhone 17 fashions, that means it is transferring away from Broadcom. This reporting echoes earlier protection from Reuters outlining Apple’s in-house Wi-Fi/Bluetooth transition.
Will there be new colours?
Leaker Majin Bu — posting on his own site and X — has repeatedly mentioned the iPhone 17 Air will probably be obtainable in 4 colours: a really mild “sky” blue, silver, black, and a lightweight gold. You’ll be able to see these colours, in addition to the opposite iPhone 17 fashions’ colours, within the tweet under.
How a lot will iPhone 17 Air price?
Bloomberg’s Gurman reported that the iPhone 17 Air will probably be priced round $900, consistent with the concept it can substitute the Plus tier.
Additionally: Apple’s tariff costs and iPhone sales are soaring – how long until device prices are too?
Nevertheless, in May 2025, President Donald Trump publicly threatened a 25% tariff on iPhones not constructed within the US — a transfer that, if enacted and utilized to the Air’s provide chain, could affect pricing.
When will iPhone 17 Air launch?
Apple historically holds its iPhone occasion in early to mid-September to unveil the most recent fashions, which normally go on sale inside a few weeks. Whereas Apple hasn’t confirmed the iPhone 17 Air, it has mentioned its next event will take place on Sept. 9, 2025, and a number of experiences, together with Bloomberg’s Gurman most just lately, recommend the ultra-thin mannequin will debut throughout this occasion.
What is the fast TL;DR for iPhone 17 Air?
This is a fast checklist of all of the rumors and leaks I discussed above for the iPhone 17 Air:
- Chassis: Extremely-thin “Air” design measuring 5.5mm at its slimmest level.
- Show: ~6.6-inch panel with a ~2740×1260 decision.
- Cameras: Single rear (vast) digicam, 24MP selfie digicam, and Dynamic Island largely unchanged.
- Chip: Both A19 or A19 Professional.
- Wi-fi silicon: Apple’s in-house Wi-Fi will probably be in all iPhone 17 fashions.
- Battery: Metal-cased pack round ~2,900 mAh; Apple battery case reportedly within the works.
- Colours: 4 rumored finishes (black, silver, mild gold, and lightweight blue).
- Value: Round $900 for Air, per Bloomberg.
- Launch date: September 2025 unveil alongside the remainder of the iPhone 17 household.
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Is “Air” actually the ultimate identify?
Bloomberg makes use of “Air” to explain the skinny mannequin changing Plus, however Apple’s official names are solely confirmed on occasion day.
Why will the iPhone 17 Air have just one rear digicam?
Kuo says it can, and Prosser’s renders present the identical. If true, Apple appears to be prioritizing thinness with the iPhone 17 Air.
Does Apple plan to launch different iPhone fashions in 2025?
Sure. A number of experiences level to a four-phone lineup in September 2025: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air (changing the “Plus” fashions), iPhone 17 Professional, and iPhone 17 Professional Max.
How massive is the display screen in comparison with different fashions?
Kuo estimated the iPhone 17 Air’s show at about 6.6 inches, which might put the Air between the usual iPhone 17 and the Professional fashions. Display analyst Ross Young, nonetheless, extra particularly listed it at 6.55 inches in his breakdown of the lineup, as proven under. With a 92% accuracy rating from AppleTrack, his numbers are doubtless near what we’ll truly see.
- iPhone 17: 6.27-inch show (up from 6.12 inches)
- iPhone 17 Air: 6.55-inch show
- iPhone 17 Professional: 6.27-inch show (identical as iPhone 16 Professional)
- iPhone 17 Professional Max: 6.86-inch show (no change from iPhone 16 Professional Max)
