The Slimmer iPhone 17: Is the ‘Air’ Monicker Coming to Apple's New Smartphone?

 Apple has been known for its meticulous design choices, but its upcoming iPhone 17 might take things a step further with a potential new slim variant, rumored to be called the iPhone 17 Air. Building on Apple’s tradition of offering both performance and sleek designs, this new iteration promises to deliver an ultra-thin profile without compromising on functionality. But is this just another piece of tech gossip, or is Apple gearing up to surprise us?

The iPhone 17 Air: What's the Buzz?

The iPhone 17 lineup is still more than a year away, with an expected release around September 2025, but rumors have already started to swirl about a slimmer model that could bear the “Air” name SimplyMac TechRadar. For those familiar with Apple’s past releases, the “Air” monicker is no stranger. It’s been used for the iPad and MacBook lines, denoting lightweight and compact designs without sacrificing key features. Now, reports indicate that the iPhone 17 might follow suit, potentially introducing a 5mm-thick variant, which would make it one of the thinnest smartphones Apple has ever produced​.

While the iPhone 16 models are set to offer the usual Pro models, the Air model will allegedly target users who want a slim device that still packs a punch, without the higher price tag of the Pro versions. This strategy aligns with Apple's previous moves with the iPad and MacBook Airs, where they positioned the "Air" products as more affordable but stylish alternatives​.

Sleeker Design with Premium Features

The slim design of the iPhone 17 Air is arguably one of the most exciting aspects. Expected to be around 6.25mm thick, this device would beat the current iPhone 15 Pro, which is 8.25mm thick​. 

This drastic reduction in thickness has been achieved by utilizing a new, proprietary modem that allows Apple to maintain the performance of the phone while slimming down the overall form factor​.

However, slimming down doesn’t mean sacrificing essential features. The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to feature a 6.6-inch ProMotion display with a 120Hz refresh rate—a first for the non-Pro iPhone models. The display is expected to offer a resolution of 1,260 x 2,740 pixels, which should ensure vibrant colors and smooth scrolling​.

What About the Camera?

Despite the thin design, Apple hasn’t skimped on the camera experience. While we likely won’t see the advanced setups of the Pro models, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to come with a 48MP rear camera and a 24MP front camera for high-quality selfies and video calls​.

This simplified camera system will help keep the cost down while still delivering impressive performance for casual photographers and social media enthusiasts.

The Performance Game: A19 Chip

Powering the iPhone 17 Air will be the A19 chip, which promises to deliver efficient performance for everyday tasks, but it won’t match the more powerful A19 Pro chip found in the Pro models​. With 8GB of RAM, the Air version should easily handle multitasking and the latest apps. While it may not appeal to power users who need the top-end specs for gaming or heavy professional use, it will be perfect for those seeking a smooth, user-friendly experience.

Affordable Price: Is Apple Moving Downmarket?

Perhaps the most exciting rumor about the iPhone 17 Air is its affordable pricing. Initial leaks had suggested that this model could start at a hefty $1,299, but recent insights point to a much more budget-friendly price tag of around $899.​

This price point positions the iPhone 17 Air as a direct competitor to mid-range smartphones while still offering premium features like a stunning display and the slim profile Apple fans love.

This strategic pricing could also mean that the iPhone 17 Air will replace the iPhone 16 Plus model, which was often considered too large for many users who preferred the feel of smaller, more manageable devices.​

The Air’s more compact dimensions make it an attractive option for people who want a larger screen without the extra bulk.

Design Tweaks: Dynamic Island and More

Alongside the thinner body, other design improvements are rumored for the iPhone 17 Air. The Dynamic Island—a feature that debuted with the iPhone 14 Pro models—is expected to make its way to the Air variant, offering users more screen space and interactive features. Furthermore, the camera placement might shift to the center of the device’s back, marking a change from the typical corner alignment​.

What’s Next for the iPhone 17 Lineup?

Apple’s bold move to introduce the iPhone 17 Air could potentially reshape the landscape of affordable smartphones, offering a balance of sleek design and robust features. Whether or not the "Air" name sticks remains to be seen, but if the rumors are accurate, the iPhone 17 Air will likely find its place as an accessible yet stylish option in the broader iPhone lineup.

As we approach the expected launch in September 2025, keep an eye on further leaks and announcements. Apple is no stranger to surprises, and the iPhone 17 Air might be one of the most exciting updates in years.