Apple’s iPhone 17 Air Design, iPad Air Specs, and Chinese Market Challenges Revealed

CUPERTINO, Calif. — Apple is making waves with leaks and updates surrounding its upcoming iPhone 17 Air, iPad Air specifications, and challenges in the Chinese market. The tech giant is also rolling out new features for AirPods Pro users in the U.K. and shifting its Apple Intelligence suite to default activation.

Speculation about the iPhone 17 Air’s design has intensified, with rumors suggesting a “camera bar” stretching across the rear of the device. This design, reminiscent of Google’s Pixel lineup, would accommodate a larger camera lens. “What’s interesting about the image is it shows the rear of the device with an elongated camera module that stretches across almost its entire back surface,” an insider noted. The design includes a single camera lens, a flash, and a microphone cutout.

Meanwhile, the next-generation iPhone SE is expected to feature Apple’s Dynamic Island, a feature previously reserved for higher-end models. Leaked images indicate the Dynamic Island will replace the traditional notch, marking a significant upgrade for the budget-friendly line.

Apple’s iPad Air is also in the spotlight, with leaks confirming the use of the M3 chipset instead of the newer M4. Evan Blass, a noted Apple leaker, revealed, “There had been speculation that Apple might use the iPad Pro’s M4 chip for the next iPad Air models instead, in a move away from chips manufactured with TSMC‘s expensive and lower-yield first-generation 3nm process, known as N3B.”

In software news, Apple Intelligence, the company’s generative AI suite, will be enabled by default in upcoming updates for macOS Sequoia, iOS, and iPadOS. Users will retain the option to disable the feature, though it may not be prominently highlighted during initial setup.

Apple is also expanding its Hearing Test feature for AirPods Pro 2 users in the U.K. after receiving regulatory approval. “With the new policy guidance from the U.K. Department of Health and Social Care, we look forward to bringing the hearing aid feature on AirPods Pro 2 in the coming weeks to help improve the daily lives of so many U.K. users,” Apple stated.

However, Apple faces challenges in China, where iPhone shipments fell by 18.2% year-on-year in the final quarter of 2024. Counterpoint Research reported that Apple’s market share dropped to 17.1%, placing it behind Huawei and Xiaomi. “iPhone shipments in China fell by 18.2% year-on-year in the final quarter of 2024. This decline resulted in a 17.1% market share for the company, placing it behind Huawei and Xiaomi, which captured 18.1% and 17.2% of the market, respectively,” the report stated.

In a nostalgic turn, the Nokia Design Archive has shed light on the company’s reaction to the original iPhone launch. Fahad X, a smartphone historian, highlighted Nokia’s initial assessment: “Nokia impact minimal in terms of financials, but may impede U.S. penetration or success. Distribution limitations may restrict impact of Apple iPhone, but device continues to have significant disruptive potential. Will pure touch input appeal to more mass market consumers?”

Apple Loop continues to provide weekly updates on Apple’s latest developments, ensuring tech enthusiasts stay informed about the company’s innovations and challenges.