Apple is expected to unveil its iPhone 17 lineup in September 2025, and leaks suggest a new device will join the standard, Pro, and Pro Max models: the iPhone 17 Air.
This new addition is rumoured to be the slimmest iPhone ever, offering a fresh design and a different approach to performance and camera capabilities. Here’s a roundup of the top 5 things we know about the iPhone 17 Air so far.
1. Ultra-Thin Design That Rivals iPad Air
The standout feature? Thickness between 5.5mm and 6.25mm making the iPhone 17 Air the thinnest iPhone Apple has ever produced.
For comparison, the iPhone 6 (6.9mm thick) was previously Apple’s slimmest. The iPhone 17 Air is said to rival the iPad Air’s sleek profile, aiming to turn heads with its minimalist look.
However, this ultra-slim build could mean some compromises, possibly in battery size or other hardware specs.
2. Single 48MP Rear Camera in a Bold Design
Unlike its Pro siblings, the iPhone 17 Air is rumoured to come with just one rear camera: a 48-megapixel main sensor.
Rather than the usual multi-camera array, Apple might opt for a wide rectangular camera bar, giving the device a unique aesthetic. While you might miss out on advanced zoom or ultrawide shots, this setup should still deliver solid photo quality for everyday use.
Some early leaks showed a top-centre camera placement, so Apple’s final design may still surprise us.
3. Larger Display, Compact Body
Leaks suggest the iPhone 17 Air will feature a 6.6 to 6.7-inch display, making it larger than the base iPhone 17 but smaller than the Pro Max.
The idea is to offer a big-screen experience in a slim, portable form ideal for users who want more display without carrying a bulky phone.
If true, this display-to-body size balance could make the iPhone 17 Air a fan favourite.
4. Apple’s Own 5G Modem Chip
The iPhone 17 Air might be the second iPhone to feature Apple’s in-house 5G modem, following the iPhone 16e.
This modem will reportedly support download speeds up to 4Gbps, though it won’t support mmWave 5G. Still, it marks Apple’s continued move away from using Qualcomm’s chips and signals greater control over its hardware ecosystem.
It’s unclear whether Apple will reuse the same chip from the iPhone 16e or introduce an updated version.
5. Powered by A19 (Not A19 Pro)
To differentiate it from the higher-end Pro models, the iPhone 17 Air is likely to run on Apple’s base A19 chip, not the more powerful A19 Pro.
This means users can expect solid performance, but not quite on the same level as the Pro and Pro Max models. The move also helps Apple position the Air as a more affordable option within the lineup.
For users who prioritize design and usability over raw performance, the A19 chip may still be more than enough.
The iPhone 17 Air looks set to be one of the most interesting additions to Apple’s iPhone family in years. From its ultra-thin design to a refined single-camera setup and Apple-made 5G modem, it’s shaping up to be the go-to iPhone for users who want sleek looks and reliable performance.
Of course, these are all rumours for now but if the leaks hold true, the iPhone 17 Air could be one of the most stylish and balanced iPhones yet.
