Apple is planning to release a brand-new, ultra-thin iPhone this year, expected to debut alongside the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max.

While we’ve seen several renders and dummy models of the upcoming device, new details from Lewis Hilsenteger of Unbox Therapy give us a better look at just how thin the iPhone 17 Air will be.

The Thinnest iPhone Yet

At around 5.5mm thick, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to be Apple’s thinnest iPhone to date. This sleek design is a departure from the iPhone 17 Pro models, which are rumored to be about 8.7mm thick. The iPhone 17 Air’s minimal thickness raises some concerns, particularly about the device’s durability. Hilsenteger even speculated about whether it could bend, throwing us right back to 2014’s infamous Bend-gate scandal.

However, Apple plans to use a combination of titanium and aluminum for the chassis, which should help prevent bending and offer durability.

Size and Display Choices

Initially, Apple considered a 6.9-inch display for the iPhone 17 Air, positioning it closer to the iPhone 17 Pro Max in size. However, it is believed we’ll see a 6.6-inch display, likely due to concerns over the phone’s susceptibility to bending. This smaller display size seems to be a strategic move to ensure the device’s durability while still offering a large, vibrant screen.

iPhone 17 Air dummy vs iPhone 17 Pro  and Pro Max
iPhone 17 Air compared to the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max

Battery Life Considerations

Apple is reportedly addressing the lack of battery room by skipping extra camera lenses and optimizing space to prioritize battery life. Additionally, the new iPhone will use a more efficient Apple-designed C1 modem and benefit from software optimizations. As a result, battery life is expected to be similar to current iPhone models.

What’s Next?

While much of the iPhone 17 Air’s specs remain under wraps, this new, slim model is shaping up to be an intriguing addition to Apple’s lineup. It’ll be interesting to see how the iPhone 17 Air performs in real-world use, particularly with the challenges posed by its thin form factor.

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Apple, News,

Last Update: April 23, 2025

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