Apple will shake up its iPhone lineup this September with the introduction of the iPhone 17 Air, a dramatically thinner device that could replace the Plus model entirely. Based on numerous reports and leaks we’ve included in this iPhone 17 Air rumor roundup, this new phone promises to be Apple’s most significant design departure in years.
iPhone 17 Air rumor roundup: Everything to expect from Apple’s ultra-thin handset
The iPhone 17 Air represents Apple’s boldest iPhone design change in years, potentially setting the tone for future iPhone development while offering users a compelling alternative to both standard and Pro models. The defining feature of the iPhone 17 Air will be its remarkably slim profile. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and various other reports suggest the iPhone 17 Air will measure just 5.5mm thick, making it substantially thinner than current models in a titanium body rather than its siblings’ aluminum. For comparison, the iPhone 16 Pro measures 8.25mm thick, while the base iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are 7.8mm.
If accurate, this would make the iPhone 17 Air even thinner than Apple’s previous thinnest model, the iPhone 6, which measured 6.9mm. However, these measurements likely don’t include the camera bump, which could add additional thickness.
Table of contents: iPhone 17 rumors
- Display sits between Pro and Pro Max sizes
- Camera comprises for slim design
- Performance and internal specifications
- Battery life, C1 modem
- Colors, pricing and release timing
Display sits between Pro and Pro Max sizes
Image: Apple Hub/X
Rumors says iPhone 17 Air will feature a 6.6-inch display with a resolution of around 1260 x 2740 pixels. That positions it perfectly between the iPhone 17 Pro’s expected 6.3-inch screen and the Pro Max’s 6.9-inch display. This size could appeal to users who find the Pro too small but the Pro Max too large.
The display is expected to include premium features typically reserved for Pro models. For the first time, Always On display and ProMotion high refresh rate technology are expected to come to non-Pro models, including the iPhone 17 Air.
Camera compromises for slim design
To achieve its ultra-thin profile mentioned above, Apple will reportedly make significant camera trade-offs. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature only a single 48MP rear camera for wide-angle shots, lacking the ultrawide and telephoto lenses found on Pro models.
However, there’s positive news for selfie enthusiasts. All iPhone 17 models, including the Air, could receive an upgraded 24MP front-facing camera, a significant improvement over the current 12MP sensors.
Performance and internal specifications
The chip situation for the iPhone 17 Air remains somewhat unclear. While some reports suggest it will use a standard A19 chip, others indicate it could receive the A19 Pro processor but with one GPU core disabled, potentially offering a middle ground between base and Pro performance levels.
Memory is getting a significant boost, with the iPhone 17 Air expected to include 12GB of RAM, matching the Pro models. This increase is attributed to the demands of Apple Intelligence features.
Battery life, C1 modem
Photo: Majin Bu
Despite its thin profile, the iPhone 17 Air may not suffer dramatically in battery life. Reports suggest the device could use a silicon-anode battery technology, which would be a first for any iPhone. Additionally, a high-density battery design could increase actual capacity by 15% to 20%. Rumors indicate a 2,900mAh capacity.
The phone will also benefit from iOS 26’s new Adaptive Power feature, which automatically adjusts iPhone performance based on usage to conserve battery.
And a connectivity change coming to the iPhone 17 Air could help boost battery life a bit. Apple’s in-house C1 modem first showed up earlier this year in iPhone 16e. Battery improvement is among its several benefits.
Colors, pricing and release timing
Photo: X.com@pyrobinkx
The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to come in four color options: black, silver, light gold and light blue.
The pricing is expected to be competitive, with reports suggesting a $900 price point. But tariff policies could potentially impact final pricing, and at least one analyst predicted $50 increases for all but the base iPhone 17 model.
Following Apple’s traditional schedule, the iPhone 17 lineup, including the Air model, is expected to be announced on September 8 or 9. Preorders likely begin the following Friday and shipping a week later.
