Apple’s iPhone 17 Air guarantees a smooth design, however battery points may make it thicker than anticipated. Is it definitely worth the wait?
Are you looking out for an iPhone that places smooth design over top-of-the-line specs however nonetheless packs a fairly strong punch? The iPhone 17 Air may simply be what you’re hoping for. Truthfully, I’m all for it as a result of, as iPhones have grown in energy and battery life, a return to ergonomics wouldn’t be a nasty transfer. Nonetheless, leaks trace that the iPhone 17 Air may not find yourself as skinny as Apple initially aimed for.
For me, smaller and sleeker telephones are simply…higher. Keep in mind how tech used to get smaller, slimmer, and lighter with every improve? That was the gold commonplace for progress. So, what can we count on from the iPhone 17 Air? Let’s dive in!

What’s the thinnest iPhone?
Again in August, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that Apple plans to launch an “Air” model of the iPhone subsequent 12 months. This mannequin is predicted to fit between the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Professional. The large thought is a a lot thinner design, much like how the unique MacBook Air was positioned between the MacBook and MacBook Professional.
Nonetheless, based on leaker Lanzuk, Apple’s having bother making the cellphone as slim as they needed. The primary problem is the battery—thinner batteries imply much less energy. And Apple’s going through each technical and value challenges to make it work. So, they could have to stay with their standard battery tech.
The iPhone 17 Air’s battery is now prone to be about 6mm thick, which suggests the cellphone itself will doubtless be a bit thicker than first deliberate. For comparability, Apple’s thinnest iPhone was the iPhone 6 at 6.9mm, so it seems to be just like the iPhone 17 “Slim” gained’t be a lot thinner than that.

Outlook
Apple will doubtless market the iPhone 17 Air because the cooler handset within the lineup. It’ll emphasize the fashionable design whereas skipping the additional energy, display screen dimension, and cameras discovered within the Professional fashions. Ultimately, Apple plans to suit Professional-level specs into this smaller design, however that would take till 2027, based on Gurman.
I believe the “Air” line will find yourself being its personal factor, type of just like the “SE” collection, however costlier. Apple will most likely launch it each on occasion, not on a yearly foundation. With toned-down options and a give attention to seems to be and slimness, I doubt it’s going to observe the same old yearly replace cycle.
iPhone 17 Air launch date and worth
Apple often holds its iPhone and Apple Watch occasion round September. As of now, I count on the iPhone 17 lineup to debut and launch in September 2025. After all, this timeline may change relying on manufacturing and provide chain challenges. It’s additionally price noting that for the reason that announcement remains to be months away, Apple’s plans may shift.
In accordance with The Data, Apple could worth the iPhone 17 Air larger than the iPhone Professional Max fashions. To place that in perspective, the iPhone 16 Professional Max begins at $1,200, so the iPhone 17 Air may kick off at $1,300 or extra. However, remember, that is all simply hypothesis proper now. I don’t even know for certain if this cellphone is definitely within the works.
Ultimate ideas
Should you’re like me and like a smooth, fashionable iPhone over the Professional-level energy, the iPhone 17 Air sounds fairly thrilling. Apple’s aiming for a thinner, lighter really feel, although battery challenges imply it may not be as slim as initially deliberate. Nonetheless, a design-focused iPhone appears like a refreshing addition to the lineup.