iPhone 17 Air: The thinnest iPhone

One of the biggest rumors we have been hearing for some time that Apple can offer a new model called iPhone 17 Air this year. This model is expected to sit between standard iPhone 17 and pro lineups. As the name suggests, the iPhone 17 Air is asked to focus on sleekness and minimalism – similar to other ‘air’ equipment of Apple, such as iPad Air and Macbook Air. The air of the iPhone 17 can be the thinnest iPhone ever, measuring less as 5.5 mm at its thinner point – the iPhone 16 Pro is significantly thinner than 8.25 mm of Pro.

The iPhone 17 air performance is expected to be around 6.6 inches, it is placed in the PRO (currently 6.3 inches) and Prof. Max (6.9 in) size. While the new iPhone Air is expected to prioritize mild performance, it can come up with some compromise – such as a single rear camera to maintain a slim profile.

Now Apple is launching 4 iPhones models in its new lineup. With rumors of a new model, will this be the fifth iPhone? No report states that the new iPhone lineup will not have the fifth model. Instead, the iPhone 17 Air will replace the existing iPhone Plus variant.

End of iPhone Plus

With the iPhone 17 series, Apple is allegedly retiring the iPhone Plus line completely. The company is allegedly watching a lukewarm reception and weak sales for its plus variants. Apple-Vachers like Mark Gurman reported that now as part of a change in strategy, Apple has decided to close the plus variant. The iPhone 17 Air Vanilla will serve as a new mid-tier option between iPhone and iPhone professionals. This will provide a lighter and more compact option for users who want something larger than the base model, but are less heavy than the Pro Max.

Promotion is displayed for all models

A region where the Android fan has been making fun of the iPhone users over the years, the standard 60Hz refresh rate on the non-pro model. However, with the iPhone 17 series, Apple is expected to address this. For the first time, all iPhone 17 models – including standard and air variants – are expected to facilitate promotion display with 120Hz refresh rates.

Additionally, all variants can adopt Ltpo OLED panels, which can always enable performance features. A new anti-concentration, scratch-resistant coating is also a rumor of the first film, possibly improving the place of ceramic shield and screen durability and clarity.

Huge performance

Apple is also likely to upgrade its new iPhone 17 series display size. The iPhone 17 can probably get a 6.3-inch screen compared to the 6.1-inch display of the iPhone 16. Pro models will follow the same pattern that will receive the iPhone 17 Pro 6.3-inch display, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max can have a 6.9-inch screen.

Powerful camera upgrade in lineup

This year’s iPhone may be more capable of photography and videography. According to reports, the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro Max features a triple camera system with three image sensors-every 48-megapixel-wide, ultra-wide and telephoto capabilities. There is also a possibility of 8K video recording on the iPhone for the first time. Mark Gurman of Bloomberg reports that Apple wants the iPhone 17 Pro offer a camera system capable of complementing professional video cameras. And these upgrade are corresponding to that vision.

On the other hand, the iPhone 17 Air may have a single, 48-megapixel rear camera. The base version-iPhone 17-second to the second side will have a two-camera setup like the iPhone 16.

All models, including the base iPhone 17, are likely to receive the 24-megapixel front camera upgraded, doubled the resolution from the previous models.

In-house 5G modem in iPhone 17 Air

Apple introduced its in-house 5G modem with the iPhone 16E, and the iPhone 17 Air could be next. While the standard and pro models can still use the Qualcomm Modem, the slimmer air variant can adopt its modem of Apple that can allow better battery for life. This modem will provide speeds up to 4GBPS, but cannot support mmwave.

Wi-Fi 7 and easy repair

All iPhone 17 models are expected to support Wi-Fi 7, which gives rapid speed and reduces delay. Apple is also expected to make the equipment easier to fix, possibly the battery adhesive technology initiated in the iPhone 16 is likely to maintain.

The air of the iPhone 17 is also expected to be an ESIM-ONELY version, which completely removes the physical sim tray.

A19 and A19 Pro Chips

The standard iPhone 17 and 17 air will be allegedly operated by the new A19 chip, built on an increased 3Nm process. On the other hand the pro model can facilitate more powerful A19 Pro chip. The RAM upgrade is also expected, the pro models grow from 8GB to 12GB – possibly there is a possibility of increasing multitasking and overall accountability.

Aluminum to replace titanium in pro model

Only two years after using titanium, Apple can return to aluminum for iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. According to reports, Apple can go back to aluminum because the metal is lighter, more cost effective, and is better for durability. This change can also occur to its attention of Apple on its 2030 carbon-plate goals.

Another major design is expected. The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max have a new horizontal camera competition that can replace the current class layout.

iPhone 17 launch timeline and pricing

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series in September 2025, after its specific release schedule. The iphone starts at $ 799 for May 17 – around Rs 79,900 in India. However, there are reports that due to the limit of significant upgradation and current tariff chaos, it is likely that the Apple iPhones may increase the principal to $ 899 with the base price – which will be around Rs 89,900 in India.