Apple traditionally unveils four new iPhones annually, including a standard model, two Pro versions, and a Plus variant. This year may bring a change, with the Plus potentially being replaced by a new model called the iPhone 17 Air.
The iPhone 17 Air is still unofficial. However, rumors surrounding it are gaining traction. Read on for the latest information regarding the speculated iPhone 17 Air.
Table of Contents
- iPhone 17 Air: Display
- iPhone 17 Air: Design and build
- iPhone 17 Air: Cameras
- iPhone 17 Air: Battery life
- iPhone 17 Air: Apple Intelligence
- iPhone 17 Air: Custom 5G modems and Wi-Fi chip
- iPhone 17 Air: No physical SIM slot
- iPhone 17 Air: Other rumored specifications
- iPhone 17 Air: Pricing
iPhone 17 Air: Display
According to display analyst Ross Young, the iPhone 17 Air might feature a 6.6-inch OLED display.
It may use the same LTPO panel as the Pro models, potentially featuring a ProMotion display. The screen refresh rate may vary from 1 Hz to 120Hz, offering smooth scrolling and improved content viewing without excessive battery drain.
The iPhone 17 Air will likely include Face ID and Dynamic Island, a notable upgrade for users of the iPhone 14 or older.
A ProMotion display is more power efficient. The refresh rate can be reduced to as low as 1Hz, which is not possible in current non-pro models. This could allow the iPhone 17 Air to support Always On Display.
iPhone 17 Air: Design and build
The iPhone 17 Air is expected to be lighter and thinner than other models, potentially featuring an aluminum build and an ultra-thin design measuring around 5.5mm at its thinnest point.
All iPhone 17 models may feature a “super-hard anti-reflective layer” on the outer glass. This could result in a more scratch-resistant and durable screen.
The device could have a single rear camera, with a wide camera bar extending across the back instead of a circular camera bump. The camera placement may resemble current models, with the flash on the right.
iPhone 17 Air: Cameras
The iPhone 17 Air may feature a single 48MP rear camera and a 24MP front shooter.
While other smartphones offer multiple rear cameras, such as telephoto or ultra-wide lenses, a single rear camera on the iPhone 17 Air may seem limiting.
However, the iPhone 17 Air may include Apple’s “Fusion” camera technology.
iPhone 17 Air: Battery life
The slimmer design of the iPhone 17 Air may impact battery life. The smaller physical space might not accommodate a battery as large as the 3,561 mAh battery in the standard iPhone 16.
iPhone 17 Air: Apple Intelligence
The iPhone 17 Air will likely support Apple Intelligence features, such as Writing Tools, Image Playground, and Notification Summary. Support for Visual Intelligence remains uncertain.
iPhone 17 Air: Custom 5G modems and Wi-Fi chip
The iPhone 17 Air may be Apple’s second smartphone to feature an Apple-made 5G modem. This custom 5G modem could bring faster speeds and better energy efficiency.
At least one iPhone 17 model may include an Apple-designed Wi-Fi 7 chip. It is possible the iPhone 17 Air will be that model.
iPhone 17 Air: No physical SIM slot
The ultra-thin design of the iPhone 17 Air might exclude a physical SIM slot. This could mean the iPhone 17 Air relies solely on e-SIM functionality, even outside the United States.
The availability of the iPhone 17 Air in China is uncertain, as eSIM use in smartphones is not currently authorized there.
iPhone 17 Air: Other rumored specifications
The iPhone 17 Air may be powered by the same A19 chip planned for the base iPhone 17 model.
The device will likely have 8GB of RAM. The iPhone 17 Air will undoubtedly feature a USB-C port.
The device might feature an Action button instead of the Ring/Silent switch.
iPhone 17 Air: Pricing
Given that the iPhone 17 Air may be a more basic version than the Pro models, a lower price is possible. There are speculations that it will replace the iPhone 17 Plus model, the price could be similar to the current iPhone 16 Plus, around $899 in the US.
The iPhone 17 Air could have a higher price than the Pro Max model.
While its ultra-thin design might appeal to many, the iPhone 17 Air may involve compromises compared to Apple’s flagship models due to its slim profile. Apple is expected to release the iPhone 17 Air in September, alongside other iPhone 17 models.