Apple is reportedly set to introduce the iPhone 17 Air in September 2025, marking a shift in its product lineup by replacing the Plus model. According to Mark Gurman, the iPhone 17 Air will launch at $899, the same starting price as the iPhone 16 Plus, reinforcing earlier speculation that Apple would phase out the Plus series in favour of a new design.
Ultra-thin design with improved battery life
The iPhone 17 Air will come with an ultra-thin and lightweight build, but it won’t sacrifice battery life. According to Gurman, Apple has introduced several tech upgrades to ensure the battery lasts as long as or even longer than current iPhones. The device will use a battery with higher energy density and pair it with the more efficient C1 modem to boost usage time.
To free up space for a bigger battery, Apple has reportedly dropped the ultra-wide-angle lens, relying on software tweaks to enhance overall battery performance. While this might disappoint some photography fans, it fits Apple’s goal of balancing performance and cost in the Air model.
Camera button and display upgrades
The iPhone 17 Air will feature the camera control button first seen in the iPhone 16 series, enabling quick access to the camera and easy adjustments to settings. The 6.6-inch screen will support a 120Hz ProMotion adaptive refresh rate, matching the iPhone 16 Pro, for a smoother and more responsive experience.
A19 Bionic chip and eSIM-only design
Inside, the iPhone 17 Air will run on the A19 Bionic chip, though it will be a standard version, setting it apart from the Pro models. It will have a single 48MP camera lens, which is less advanced than the dual or triple-camera systems in higher-end models but still capable of handling everyday photo needs.
The industry expects Apple to move fully to eSIM technology, removing the physical SIM card slot. This change will make SIM management easier for users while freeing up space inside the device for other components.
With the iPhone 17 Air, Apple is reshaping its non-Pro lineup, emphasizing a slim design, efficiency, and a polished user experience. As the September event draws closer, we will likely get more information about this device.