Here's Why Apple’s Slimmest iPhone May Not Be That Slim
- So skinny it’s practically see-through—yet there’s one design element that really pops.
- Some folks say it could be Apple’s biggest gamble in years.
- Could this be your next everyday phone or just a wild rumor mill frenzy?
Apple’s rumored iPhone 17 Air is sparking plenty of discussion—some might call it a fixation—on how slim the device could be. The body is said to measure an astonishing 5.5mm at its thinnest point, which would make it slimmer than almost any other modern smartphone. But there is a catch: the rear camera bar may stick out another 4mm, bringing the total thickness to around 9.5mm.
The total height including the body is 9.5mm.— Shared Ice Universe on Weibo (machine-translated), hinting that this protrusion could be rather striking from the side
Photo via FPT. // A digital rendering of the rear camera on Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 Air.
What We Know So Far
Several sources, including MacRumors and industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, appear to agree that the phone’s main chassis measures 5.5mm. According to rumors, this next-generation iPhone might replace the ‘Plus’ model in Apple’s product lineup, possibly featuring a 6.6-inch or 6.7-inch OLED screen. Talk about visual real estate for a device that’s hardly thicker than a wafer.
Inside, it’s rumored to include the new C1 modem, as well as a “Camera Control” capacitive button—perhaps designed to make photo snapping more intuitive. Some rumors suggest the camera bar will hold a single lens, along with an LED flash and microphone. Interestingly, it’s been compared to Google’s Pixel series thanks to its stretched-out, horizontal shape.
Photo via MacRumors // Left: Current 2024 iPhone 16 Pro Max. Right: Rumored 2025 iPhone 17 Air design.
Many Apple fans have wanted a phone that strikes a balance between eye-catching design and everyday usability. A 5.5mm body speaks directly to that longing for sleekness. However, the projected 4mm camera bump raises questions: Will it look awkward in a case? Could the phone wobble on a flat surface? Those worries may or may not matter once you actually hold the device—but they’re part of the conversation right now.
Trade-Offs
When you shrink a phone this much, sacrifices tend to appear somewhere else. Sources close to production estimates claim the iPhone 17 Air’s battery could range between 3,000mAh and 4,000mAh, which might be respectable for typical use. But is that enough for a powerhouse that Apple usually touts as an all-day companion?
It’s not the only curious point. The rumored single rear camera might feel limiting if you’re used to multiple lenses. On the bright side, the lens is believed to be borrowed from the iPhone 16e—so it might still be a decent performer. Also, industry watchers think Apple will offer a USB Type-C port, marking another step away from the now-familiar Lightning.
Release Date & Pricing
Folks anticipating this device can reasonably look forward to Apple’s customary mid-September keynote. That’s when the tech giant typically rolls out its new iPhones. Ice Universe, despite focusing mostly on Samsung leaks, has been accurate about Apple hardware in the past, including the iPhone 16’s dimensions. As for the cost, they once speculated the 17 Air (previously rumored as the “Slim”) might land at around USD $1,299, making it a candidate for Apple’s priciest non-Pro model.
Photo via FPT. // Another concept rendering based on rumors of Apple's 2025 iPhone 17 Air or 17 "Slim" model.
Final Thoughts
All details remain unconfirmed by Apple, so keep a dash of healthy skepticism. Still, the idea of an ultra-slim iPhone is thrilling: it hints at engineering feats that could draw an even sharper line between Apple’s design philosophy and that of its competitors. Maybe we’ll see a device that feels like you’re holding a sleek metal sheet—until you look at that not-so-subtle camera bar. But sometimes, that little imperfection becomes part of the charm, right?
For the moment, it’s all about rumors and sources like MacRumors and Ice Universe—but given Apple’s pattern, we’ll probably see the truth unfold sooner rather than later. If you’re eagerly waiting to slip the iPhone 17 Air into your pocket, you might want to start saving up just in case the starting price takes a little jump.
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