Article: iPhone 17 Air: Apple’s Thinnest iPhone Yet?
With the iPhone 17 launch pencilled in for September 2025, there’s a growing buzz around what could be Apple’s most design-forward iPhone to date - the iPhone 17 Air. Whispers from the Apple grapevine suggest that the Air will replace the usual “Plus” model, bringing a lighter, sleeker alternative into the mix. Apple, as always, is keeping things close to its chest.
Still, if even half of the current speculation is true, the iPhone 17 Air might just be the thinnest, most elegant iPhone ever.
Slim, Stylish, and Seriously Lightweight
Rumour has it the Air will be around 5.5 mm thick, making it Apple’s slimmest handset to date. Even with a camera bump nudging it closer to 9.5 mm at its thickest, it’s still significantly trimmer than previous models. Weight-wise, we’re hearing about 145 grams, which would make it lighter than the standard iPhone 17 and a far cry from the Pro Max’s bulk.
Design-wise, early renders show a minimalist rear with a single 48 MP camera, housed in a horizontal bar across the top. It’s clean, modern, and distinctly different from the familiar triple-lens cluster we’ve grown used to.
As for the display, the Air is expected to feature a 6.6-inch OLED with 120 Hz ProMotion - the same buttery-smooth refresh rate as the Pro models. There’s talk it won’t support always-on display, likely in favour of battery savings, but we’ll have to wait for official word.
What’s Powering It?
Inside, sources suggest the Air will be powered by Apple’s upcoming A19 chip, with up to 12 GB of RAM, which would bring it closer to the Pro line in performance.
We’re also hearing the Air will drop the SIM tray altogether, moving to an eSIM-only setup, even in the UK. That’s a first for Apple here and a nudge towards a future where ports and trays are a thing of the past.
Connectivity is said to include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and Apple’s own new C1 modem. Whether that means faster speeds or better battery efficiency remains to be seen.
Cameras: One and Done?
In a break from Apple’s multi-lens tradition, the iPhone 17 Air is tipped to sport a single 48 MP rear camera, no telephoto or ultra-wide. It’s a minimalist move, possibly to maintain that impossibly thin frame.
On the front, the selfie camera is expected to get a serious boost too, moving to 24 MP for sharper video calls and social snaps. While this may not win over photography purists, for many users, it’s more than enough.
Battery Life (and Its Limits)
Here’s where things might get a little trickier. The Air’s battery is rumoured to be around 2,800 mAh, which is significantly smaller than the rest of the iPhone 17 family. Apple may use silicon-anode battery tech and AI efficiency tools to stretch battery life further, but real-world results are anyone’s guess.
Charging will likely be capped at 35W wired, with MagSafe support up to Qi 2.2, though whether we’ll see the rumoured 50W wireless speeds is still up in the air.
A Touch of Colour
One of the more playful rumours? The iPhone 17 Air could arrive in a new “Light Apple Blue”, a subtle shade so pale it might pass for white in certain light. Other colour options may include Black, Grey, and White. Keeping things classic, but with a soft, modern twist.
So… What’s the Verdict?
All things considered, the iPhone 17 Air (if it arrives as described) looks set to be Apple’s boldest design pivot in years. It’s slim, striking, and seemingly built for those who value lightness and elegance over brute-force specs.
Of course, until Tim Cook takes the stage and shows us the real thing, all of this remains delightfully speculative.
Wrap It in Something Just as Thoughtful
If the Air does land as rumoured, it’ll be a thing of beauty and we think it deserves protection that doesn’t cramp its style. At Snakehive, we craft luxurious leather phone cases that offer slimline protection and timeless looks. Whether you go for the subtle charm of vintage leather or the smooth touch of our pastel shades, our cases are made to elevate your iPhone experience.
Explore our iPhone cases and find a fit that’s just as refined as the phone inside.
Explore our iPhone cases collection and find your perfect fit.
