Apple is working on a super-slim iPhone for 2025, and we just got a closer look. New photos shared by Sonny Dickson give us a better idea of what the upcoming iPhone 17 Air might look like, and it’s shockingly thin.
The device is expected to be only 5.5mm thick, making it Apple’s slimmest iPhone ever. For comparison, the iPhone 17 Pro models are around 8.73mm thick, according to rumors. When you see them side by side, the difference really stands out. The 17 Air is so slim, it’s nearly the same thickness as the side buttons.
A Super Thin Design, But Still Built to Last
Of course, Apple isn’t just chasing thinness without thinking things through. According to reports, the company plans to use a mix of titanium and aluminum for the body. This combo should keep the phone strong while staying light. It’s a smart move, especially after the infamous “bendgate” issues with the iPhone 6 Plus years ago. Apple clearly wants to avoid a repeat of that.
Rumors have suggested that Apple planned to make the iPhone 17 Air’s screen a bit larger, a little over 6.6 inches. However, the company had a change of plan, hinting that such a larger display could make the device easier to bend. This decision underscores Apple’s aim of making the iPhone 17 Air stronger and durable, irrespective of how slim it could be.
iPhone 17 Air Could Have Fewer Parts
As a budget-friendly smartphone, the iPhone 17 Air could have a few trade-offs. The maiden edition could feature a single rear camera, which would allow more space for the battery pack. Knowing Apple’s capabilities with just a single camera, I don’t think the camera of the iPhone 17 Air is going to perform subparly compared to its standard counterparts.
Another trade-off with this ultra-thin handset would be the lack of a physical SIM card slot. Reports say that Apple will likely go strictly e-SIM with the iPhone 17 Air globally. This doesn’t just underscore Apple’s push for portless devices but also gives more space within the phone for other components.
There is also a high possibility that the handset features Apple’s custom C1 modem, as seen in the iPhone 16e. This chip is said to have very high power efficiency. This will enable the battery life on the iPhone 17 Air to be on the same level as other models despite its slimmer design.
When Can You Expect It?
Apple is expected to announce the entire iPhone 17 lineup in mid-September, which is its usual launch window. The iPhone 17 Air will likely be revealed alongside the next-gen AirPods Pro 3.
If these leaks are true, this new device could be one of the most interesting iPhones in years, not just for its design, but for what Apple had to do to make it happen.
