Apple is gearing up for something big in 2025, and rumors about the iPhone 17 Air are already spreading like wildfire. The tech giant is expected to shake up its lineup, possibly ditching the “Plus” model to make way for this ultra-slim iPhone. While the official name might still be under wraps, industry insiders are buzzing with reports about what we can expect from Apple’s sleekest iPhone yet.
Let’s dive into everything we know about the iPhone 17 Air—from the rumored design to its advanced features. Here’s why you should be excited about this upcoming release.
iPhone 17 Air: What’s in a Name?
You’ve probably heard rumors about the iPhone 17 Air, but where did that name come from? Initially referred to as the iPhone 17 “Slim,” the term iPhone Air has been gaining traction, thanks to YouTuber Jon Prosser and Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. It’s rumored that Apple is drawing inspiration from the MacBook Air, aiming to create a lightweight, slim phone that fills the gap between the standard iPhone 17 and the Pro models.
Why ditch the “Plus”? Well, it didn’t sell as expected, much like the earlier iPhone Mini. Apple seems to be pivoting towards a device that feels fresh and innovative, and a thin, sleek iPhone Air might just be the answer.
A Thinner Design That Will Wow You
The iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature a “significantly thinner” design, something we haven’t seen on an iPhone since the early days. According to The Information, the phone will have an aluminum chassis instead of the titanium casing seen on the Pro models. This lighter material could be key to achieving the sleek, slim profile.
And while there’s still some debate about the exact specs, Apple is rumored to use a smaller “metalens” for Face ID, allowing for a narrower Dynamic Island at the top of the display. Although reports vary, with some suggesting a titanium frame similar to the iPhone 15 Pro but with a lower titanium percentage, one thing’s for sure—this design is going to stand out.
Display: Smaller but Mighty
Let’s talk about the screen. According to Haitong International Securities analyst Jeff Pu, the iPhone 17 Air will feature a 6.6-inch display. Other reports, like one from Display Supply Chain Consultants’ Ross Young, suggest it may actually measure 6.55 inches. Either way, it’s going to be smaller than the 6.7-inch display found on the iPhone 16 Plus, making it a more compact option for users who prefer a smaller phone without sacrificing too much screen real estate.
But don’t let the size fool you. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature ProMotion technology, allowing the screen to ramp up to a 120Hz refresh rate for super smooth scrolling and video playback. Plus, it will support a 1Hz refresh rate, enabling an always-on display that can show your clock, widgets, and notifications even when the phone is locked.
A Radical New Camera Placement
In what might be one of the biggest design shifts, rumors suggest that Apple could move the rear cameras to the top center of the device. Yes, you read that right! Ever since the iPhone’s debut in 2007, the cameras have lived in the top-left corner, but the iPhone 17 Air might flip that tradition on its head.
This move is believed to be inspired by Android phones like the Google Pixel 8 Pro, which have similarly placed cameras. But here’s the kicker: the iPhone 17 Air might only have one rear camera. That’s a pretty radical shift from the dual or triple camera setups we’re used to seeing. Could this be the start of a new trend?
Crystal-Clear Selfies: A 24-Megapixel Front Camera
When it comes to selfies, Apple is upping the ante. The entire iPhone 17 lineup is rumored to include a 24-megapixel front camera. That’s double the resolution of current iPhone models, meaning your selfies will be sharper, clearer, and more detailed than ever. The camera will also feature a six-element lens, which could further enhance image quality, making sure every shot looks professional.
Under the Hood: Performance and Power
So, what’s powering the iPhone 17 Air? According to reports, the phone will come equipped with 8GB of RAM and Apple’s new A19 chip, which is expected to be based on TSMC’s 3nm technology. That means faster processing, better energy efficiency, and improved multitasking compared to previous models.
The iPhone 17 Air could also be one of the first Apple devices to feature an Apple-made 5G modem, potentially providing faster internet speeds and better overall performance when compared to its predecessors.
Will It Break the Bank?
Here’s where things get interesting. Rumors suggest that the iPhone 17 Air could actually be more expensive than the Pro Max model, which currently starts at $1,199. While it may lack some of the top-tier features found on the Pro models, the novelty of the design could make it a must-have for Apple fans. Gurman believes that the iPhone 17 Air will serve as a stepping stone toward something even better, hinting that by 2027, we could see even more powerful hardware squeezed into this slim design.
The iPhone 17 Air is shaping up to be one of the most exciting iPhones yet. From its ultra-slim design and innovative camera placement to ProMotion support and upgraded internals, this phone is going to turn heads. Stay tuned for more details as we get closer to its expected fall 2025 launch—and start saving now, because this is one iPhone you won’t want to miss!
