Apple is reportedly set to launch the iPhone 17 Air this September alongside the standard iPhone 17 and 17 Pro. This new model is expected to replace the iPhone 16 Plus and bring a dramatically slimmer profile to the lineup, with a rumored thickness of just 5.5 mm, making it the thinnest iPhone ever.
🔧 Compromises for Thinness
To achieve this ultra-slim body, Apple is said to be cutting several key features:
- Only one rear camera
- A standard A19 chip, not the A19 Pro
- A significantly reduced battery capacity
This design choice could come at the cost of battery life, with internal estimates suggesting only 60–70% of users may get a full day of use on a single charge, far lower than the 80–90% seen in typical iPhones.
🔋 Battery Case to the Rescue?
To help mitigate battery concerns, Apple is reportedly working on a new battery case specifically for the iPhone 17 Air. This case would:
- Charge both the iPhone and itself via USB-C or MagSafe
- Avoid separate charging for the phone and case
However, using the battery case would make the iPhone 17 Air nearly as thick and heavy as the Pro model, potentially canceling out the very advantage the Air model offers.
📊 Target Market and Expectations
Apple expects the iPhone 17 Air to make up only about 10% of iPhone 17-series sales, suggesting it’s aimed at a niche audience that prioritizes thinness and design over camera and battery performance.
If you’re someone who values sleek design and portability above all else, the iPhone 17 Air might be tempting, but it may come with some frustrating trade-offs.
