Apple Considered Removing the USB-C Port from 'iPhone 17 Air'
- New reports claim that Apple wanted the ultra-slim device to be "port-free."
- Imagine a phone so thin, it leaves its chunky siblings in the dust.
- Leaked images reveal a bold, minimal look that might just change the game.
Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Air is already sparking conversation among tech enthusiasts. Rumored to debut this fall, the device promises to be the thinnest iPhone to date—with design innovations that hint at a broader strategy for future models.
Photo via The Verge // New dummy units of the iPhone 17 lineup have leaked. Are we looking at the rear design of Apple's 2025 iPhones?
The Port-Free iPhone
In a recent Power On newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman revealed that Apple once contemplated a radical design change for the iPhone 17 Air. According to Gurman, the company considered eliminating the USB-C port entirely—aiming to create its first “completely port-free iPhone.” He noted:
Apple executives say that if this new iPhone is successful, the company intends to again attempt to make port-free iPhones and move more of its models to this slimmer approach.— Mark Gurman from Bloomberg
Ultimately, regulatory concerns in Europe—where the shift to USB-C has been mandated—led Apple to shelve this idea for now. Still, the port-free concept remains a tantalizing possibility for later, even slimmer models.
Photo via Majinbu Official // Something is in the Air over at Apple HQ, and this time, it's not a notebook...
iPhone 17 Air
The iPhone 17 Air is not just about shedding a few millimeters. With a rumored thickness of approximately 5.5mm and a 6.6-inch display, it positions itself between the 6.3-inch iPhone 17 and the larger 6.9-inch models. The design appears to marry high-end features with some compromises. While it retains a 120Hz ProMotion display, a Dynamic Island cutout, and the Camera Control button, the Air opts for a single rear camera—akin to the iPhone 16E's setup—and runs on an Apple A19 chip instead of a more advanced variant. Despite its ultra-slim profile, Gurman assures that battery life remains on par with current models.
Photo via MacRumors // A concept rendering of Apple's upcoming 2025 iPhone 17 Air.
Leaked Pricing & Details
Leaker Sonny Dickson, known for reliably unveiling nonfunctional dummy units, recently shared a series of images purportedly showing the iPhone 17 Air alongside its bulkier siblings. These visuals underscore the design contrast: while the standard models have a robust, chunky feel, the Air’s minimalist form factor stands out.
Key details include:
- Display: 6.6 inches, nestled between the sizes of other models in the lineup
- Thickness: About 5.5mm, roughly 2 millimeters slimmer than its counterparts
- Price: Expected to start at around $900, similar to the current iPhone 16 Plus, but notably lower than the $1,200 price tag which has been previously rumored
- Features: Incorporation of the new in-house Apple C1 modem (first seen in the iPhone 16E), though without mmWave support
- Design Compromise: The removal of a second speaker and the reliance on a single camera
These design choices reflect a careful balance—Apple’s engineers are reworking display, silicon, and software elements to maintain performance while pushing the limits of thinness.
Looking Ahead
Gurman’s insights extend beyond the immediate release. The iPhone 17 Air is seen as a precursor to even more ambitious designs, including the potential introduction of a folding iPhone by 2026, echoing some of the innovations seen in competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold. Although the current model will retain a USB-C port, its success could pave the way for future devices that rely solely on wireless charging and cloud-based data syncing.
The port-free concept isn’t without its critics. While many users are adapting to a wireless-first world—much like the Apple Watch’s long-standing wireless charging setup—there’s a lingering nostalgia for the convenience of a cable when it comes to rapid charging or secure data transfers. As one observer put it, “when you need to charge quickly, a cable is always preferable.”
Photo via MacRumors // All the rumors suggest Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 Air is going to be incredibly thin.
Final Thoughts
The iPhone 17 Air is shaping up to be more than just a slimmer version of its predecessors—it represents a strategic leap toward a new era of design. By experimenting with a port-free architecture and refining its form factor, Apple appears to be setting the stage for a future where minimalism and functionality go hand in hand. As we await further official confirmation, one thing is clear: Apple’s innovations continue to push the envelope, challenging both regulators and user expectations alike.
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