Apple’s iPhone 17 Air Rumored to Be Just 5.5mm Thin, Expected to Launch This Year

Apple is preparing to make waves this year with the release of the iPhone 17 Air, a device set to redefine expectations for smartphone design. Expected to debut this fall, the iPhone 17 Air will take the spotlight as Apple's thinnest iPhone to date, replacing the underperforming iPhone 16 Plus.

Combining cutting-edge engineering and bold design choices, this model could mark a turning point for Apple's mobile lineup.

Thinner Than Ever

The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to be as thin as 5.5mm at its slimmest point, according to industry insider Ming-Chi Kuo. This would place it among the thinnest smartphones ever created, rivaling the 5.1mm thickness of Apple's 13-inch iPad Pro. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman adds that the iPhone 17 Air will be about 2mm thinner than current iPhone models, with other estimates suggesting a range of 5.5mm to 6.25mm.

This ultra-thin profile is not merely a design flex. As Gurman notes in his Power On newsletter, Apple views this model as a "testing ground for future technologies" like foldable iPads and iPhones.

Showcasing Homegrown Technology

The iPhone 17 Air is expected to introduce Apple's in-house cell modem, codenamed Sinope, following its debut in the iPhone SE 4 earlier this year. Additionally, reports suggest the device may feature Apple-designed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips, signaling the company's continued push toward greater control over its hardware ecosystem.

A 6.6-inch ProMotion OLED display-previously exclusive to Pro models-is rumored to grace the iPhone 17 Air. This 120Hz variable refresh rate screen promises smoother scrolling and more immersive visuals, further enhancing the user experience.

Compromises in the Name of Thinness

Achieving such a slim design has reportedly led Apple to make a few trade-offs. According to Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone 17 Air will feature a single 48-megapixel rear camera and a 24-megapixel selfie camera, a departure from Apple's typical multi-lens setups. This simpler camera configuration aligns with Apple's design goals but could impact its appeal to photography enthusiasts.

Another notable change is the removal of the physical SIM card slot. By adopting an eSIM-only design, Apple can maintain the phone's slim profile. However, as Kuo points out, this decision may face resistance in markets like China, where eSIM technology is not yet widely adopted.

Pricing Speculations

While pricing remains speculative, Gurman notes that the iPhone 17 Air is unlikely to follow the budget-friendly pricing of models like the iPhone SE. Its premium design and cutting-edge technology will likely place it closer to Apple's Pro models in terms of cost.

Looking Forward

The success of the iPhone 17 Air will depend on how well consumers respond to its compromises, including its pared-down camera system and potentially higher price. As Gurman and Kuo both suggest, this device is as much about shaping Apple's future as it is about addressing the present market.