Apple is shaking things up with its 2025 iPhone lineup, and the star of the show might just be the all-new iPhone 17 Air. The tech giant is reportedly skipping the usual “Plus” variant and introducing a fresh model aimed at users looking for something differentโlighter, sleeker, and more balanced. Alongside the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to stand out with its streamlined design, modern performance, and a few surprises under the hood.
Hereโs what we know so far.
Slim Design
One of the headline features of the iPhone 17 Air is its incredibly slim profile. According to leaks, the phone may measure as little as 5.5mm to 6.25mm at its thinnest point. That would make it one of the thinnest iPhones everโthinner even than previous lightweight models like the iPhone 6 or iPhone SE.
Apple is also reportedly simplifying the camera layout. Instead of the multi-lens systems weโve seen in recent years, the 17 Air will feature a single 48MP rear camera. This marks a big shift in design and functionality, likely making the phone lighter and cleaner in appearance while still packing solid imaging power.
Bigger Display
The iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature a display between 6.5 and 6.6 inches. That puts it right in the middle of the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro Max when it comes to screen real estate. While Apple was exploring a 6.9-inch screen, it seems concerns over durability pushed that idea aside.
The display will also support ProMotion technology, which enables a 120Hz refresh rate. This means scrolling, swiping, and gaming will feel a lot smoother than on previous non-Pro models. Itโs also likely that Apple will roll out ProMotion support across the entire iPhone 17 lineup this year.
In House 5G
Another major update is the introduction of Appleโs own 5G modem. After years of using Qualcomm chips, Apple is expected to go solo with a new in-house modem that can deliver download speeds of up to 4Gbps. However, it may not support mmWave, which is mainly used in the US for ultra-fast but short-range connections.
This shift not only gives Apple more control over its hardware but could also help improve battery life and device integration, since everything is being developed under one roof.
A19 Performance
The iPhone 17 Air will be powered by Appleโs new A19 chip. While it might not match the power of the A19 Pro chip expected in the Pro models, it will still deliver a strong balance of performance and energy efficiency. That should be more than enough for daily tasks, gaming, and streaming, all while helping keep the phone’s price in check.
Apple has a track record of making even its non-Pro chips incredibly fast, so users can expect the 17 Air to handle most things effortlessly.
Camera Upgrade
For photography fans, the iPhone 17 Air will come with a single 48MP rear camera and a much-improved 24MP front-facing camera. While this might not match the versatility of triple-camera setups on Pro models, it still covers the basicsโsharp photos, clear portraits, and detailed video.
The selfie camera upgrade is a nice touch for content creators or anyone who enjoys video calls and social media. Overall, the 17 Air seems aimed at offering high-quality photos without overcomplicating the hardware.
Hereโs a quick breakdown of expected specs:
Feature | iPhone 17 Air |
---|---|
Thickness | 5.5โ6.25mm |
Display Size | 6.5โ6.6 inches |
Display Tech | AMOLED, 120Hz ProMotion |
Rear Camera | 48MP single lens |
Front Camera | 24MP |
Chipset | A19 |
5G Modem | Apple-designed, up to 4Gbps |
Protection | IP-rated (TBD) |
With the iPhone 17 Air, Apple seems to be carving out a new lane in its lineupโfocusing on design, usability, and smart performance over sheer spec overload. Whether youโre a casual user or someone who prefers a lighter, more refined device, this oneโs shaping up to be worth watching.
FAQs
When is the iPhone 17 Air launching?
Expected in 2025 with the rest of the iPhone 17 series.
What is the battery size of iPhone 17 Air?
Battery size not confirmed yet.
Will it have a 120Hz screen?
Yes, it will support ProMotion with 120Hz refresh rate.
Does it use Apple’s own 5G modem?
Yes, with up to 4Gbps download speeds.
What cameras does the iPhone 17 Air have?
It has a 48MP rear and 24MP front camera.