iPhone 17 Air Rumored to Feature Ultra-Thin Design, Hands-On Images Leak

Cupertino, California — Apple is reportedly gearing up to unveil its new iPhone 17 lineup, which will include the highly anticipated iPhone 17 Air. Set to debut this September, the Air model is expected to replace the iPhone 17 Plus, with a particular focus on a slimmer and lighter design.

Recent leaks, attributed to noted tech leaker Majin Bu, feature purported hands-on images of the iPhone 17 Air. Although the images depict a dummy unit, they align closely with previously leaked renders, showcasing a matte finish on the back and a single camera module that protrudes from a notable camera bump reminiscent of Google’s Nexus 6P.

The upcoming device is rumored to measure approximately 5.5mm, making it potentially Apple’s slimmest iPhone to date. For comparison, the current thinnest device from Apple, the M4 iPad Pro, stands at 5.1mm. The newly leaked images suggest the iPhone 17 Air may surpass the Tecno Spark Slim, which recently made headlines at MWC 2025 as the world’s thinnest phone at 5.75mm.

Despite its sleek design, analysts emphasize that the iPhone 17 Air will not prioritize high-end specifications. Instead, sources indicate it will feature a 6.6-inch ProMotion-equipped OLED display, positioned between the sizes of the existing iPhone 16 Pro (6.3 inches) and iPhone 16 Pro Max (6.9 inches).

An insider report from Bloomberg mentions that Apple will implement an anti-reflective material on the Ceramic Shield display, likely enhancing durability and scratch resistance. However, it remains unclear whether this improvement will extend to the standard iPhone 17 and the Air model.

Apple initially considered producing the iPhone 17 Air with a display as large as the Pro Max but scrapped the plan due to concerns over potential bending vulnerabilities in a thinner chassis. The device is expected to maintain a single rear camera and an upgraded 24MP front camera, representing a substantial boost from the iPhone 16’s 12MP front-facing camera.

Other expected specifications include Apple’s forthcoming A18 or A19 chipset, which will likely match the base iPhone 17 in processing power. The device may also feature 8GB of RAM alongside the new in-house C1 modem, which was first introduced with the iPhone 16e. Apple is set to release iOS 19 concurrently, introducing enhanced customization options for users.

The iPhone 17 Air is projected to retail around $900, strategically positioned between the standard iPhone 17 and the higher-tier Pro models. As the lineup is finalized, it will include the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max, effectively discontinuing the Plus model.

While much attention is placed on the iPhone 17 Air, all four models in the upcoming lineup are anticipated to feature ProMotion technology, providing a smoother user experience through a 120Hz refresh rate. This advancement signifies the expansion of ProMotion from previous exclusivity to include standard models.

Apple has yet to unveil the colors for the iPhone 17 series, though speculation abounds regarding potential design changes. Pro models may transition from titanium to aluminum for improved durability, while various camera configuration rumors suggest possible horizontal arrangements to maintain cutting-edge aesthetics.

With the iPhone 17 Air nearing its launch, it’s clear that Apple aims to redefine the smartphone market once again, focusing on a balance of innovative design and practical performance.