As we approach 2025, Apple is preparing for the launch of its next-generation iPhone—likely to be called the iPhone 17 Air (or possibly the iPhone 17 Air/Slim). Though the official release is still some time away, leaks and speculations have started to emerge about what the new device will feature. Here’s a breakdown of the seven most exciting rumors surrounding the iPhone 17 Air thus far.
1. iPhone 17 Air — An Ultra-Slim Design
A major highlight of the iPhone 17 Air is expected to be its incredibly slim profile. Industry insiders are predicting that the device could measure as thin as 6mm, setting a new benchmark for iPhone 17 Air thickness—thinner than the iPhone 6, which was 6.9mm. While a sleek design is impressive, the biggest challenge will be maintaining battery life in such a slim form factor, all while ensuring the device delivers strong performance.
2. iPhone 17 Air — Cutting-Edge OLED Display with 120Hz ProMotion
The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to feature a next-gen OLED screen that incorporates TDDI (Touch and Display Driver Integration) technology. This would make the display thinner while improving its responsiveness. Additionally, there’s a strong possibility that all models in the iPhone 17 Air range, including the Air, will finally adopt Apple’s 120Hz ProMotion technology, a major upgrade for the non-Pro models. This would mark the first time that standard iPhones would feature a refresh rate beyond the usual 60Hz
3. iPhone 17 Air — Powered by the A19 Chip
As with every new iPhone, the 17 Air is expected to include an upgraded processor. The A19 chip is rumored to provide substantial gains in performance and energy efficiency, enhancing both single-core and multi-core tasks. Although we might not see the transition to a 2nm process until the iPhone 18, the iPhone 17 Air is likely to feature a 3nm chip for impressive power and efficiency.
4. iPhone 17 Air — Custom Apple Wi-Fi Chip
In another significant shift, the iPhone 17 Air might introduce Apple’s own Wi-Fi chip, replacing third-party components like those from Broadcom. This move could offer tighter integration with Apple’s ecosystem, improve wireless performance, and reduce costs. While the full impact on connectivity is still unclear, it could result in a more streamlined and efficient device overall.
5. iPhone 17 Air — Simplified Camera System
If you prefer a more minimalist approach to smartphone photography, the iPhone 17 Air may be the model for you. Leaks suggest that Apple could remove the ultrawide lens from the camera array and focus on a single 48MP main sensor. By using pixel-binning technology, this could achieve zoom-like effects, providing better image quality, particularly in low-light situations, without the added complexity of multiple lenses.
6. iPhone 17 Air — A Steep Price Increase?
While the iPhone 17 Air promises exciting new features, some leaks suggest that it may come with a hefty price tag. Although previous “iPhone 17 Air” models were priced more affordably than their Pro counterparts, the iPhone 17 Air could cross the $1,199 threshold currently set by the iPhone 16 Pro Max. If this is true, it might pose a challenge for price-conscious buyers, especially if there are compromises in other areas.
7. iPhone 17 Air — Introduction of Apple’s Own 5G Modem
Apple has been working on developing its own 5G modem for several years, and the iPhone 17 Air could be the first to showcase it. This would allow Apple to reduce its reliance on Qualcomm and potentially boost wireless connectivity performance. If the new modem makes its debut, it could give the iPhone 17 Air an edge in terms of 5G speeds and reliability.
Conclusion: Will the iPhone 17 Air Redefine the Smartphone?
While these rumors suggest major advancements in design, performance, and technology, there are still questions around the potential price increase. If Apple can balance innovation with affordability, the iPhone 17 Air could become a game-changer in the smartphone market. We’ll have to wait for official announcements to see how much of these speculations are true, but if even a fraction of these features come to life, the iPhone 17 Air may become one of the most talked-about devices of 2025.
