The Thinnest iPhone Ever? What to Expect from the iPhone 17 Air
- Apple’s next move? Shaving millimeters off the iPhone.
- Can the iPhone 17 Air get any thinner without snapping in half?
- Ultra-thin or ultra-hype? Apple’s 2025 iPhone design might just surprise you.
A New Era in iPhone Design
Apple is gearing up for one of the most transformative shifts in its smartphone lineup with the anticipated release of the iPhone 17 Air in fall 2025. The upcoming device is expected to usher in a radical departure from the conventional iPhone design, potentially making it the thinnest iPhone to date.
This move comes as part of Apple's broader strategy to innovate and redefine the aesthetics of its devices. While the iPhone 16 series, set to be unveiled on September 9, will introduce models like the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max, the iPhone 17 Air is poised to be the star of next year's lineup, offering a new and ultra-sleek design that could set it apart from its predecessors.
Photo via HT Tech // Could 2025 see the release of Apple's thinnest smartphones ever?
The S25 Ultra will be the thinnest and lightest of all Ultra flagship phones to be released soon, including iPhone 16 Pro Max and Pixel 9 Pro XL.
— ICE UNIVERSE (@UniverseIce) August 28, 2024
The Evolution of "Air"
Initially, rumors swirled around an "iPhone 17 Ultra," suggesting an ultra-premium price point and a suite of high-end features. However, recent reports have clarified that this new model will not be the top-tier device in terms of power and performance. Instead, the "Air" designation points to its ultra-thin profile, following in the footsteps of the original MacBook Air—a device that, despite its compromises, clearly signaled the future of computing.
How Thin is "Thin"?
The big question on everyone's mind: How thin can the iPhone 17 Air really be?
Clues from Apple's current lineup give us a solid starting point. The iPad Pro M4, launched earlier this year, is the thinnest product Apple has ever made, with the 13-inch model measuring just 5.1mm thick. This razor-thin profile is so extreme that even Apple’s USB-C chargers are slightly thicker than the device itself. The iPhone 17 Air could take inspiration from this ultra-thin design, aiming for a similar thickness, though likely not venturing below the 5.1mm mark.
Photo via 9to5Mac // A 3D-rendering of what Apple's iPhone 17 Air (or iPhone 17 Slim, depending on who you ask) might look like.
A Thinness Benchmark: The USB-C Port
Another critical design consideration for the iPhone 17 Air is the USB-C port. Given that the device cannot be thinner than the port itself, this component offers a clear indication of the minimum thickness Apple might achieve. By minimizing the padding around the port and reducing bezels to the bare minimum, Apple could achieve an impressively thin profile.
To put this in perspective:
- 13-inch iPad Pro (M4): 5.1mm
- iPhone 15: 7.8mm
- iPhone 15 Pro: 8.25mm
Commentary: What Users Might Think
The prospect of such a thin iPhone is undoubtedly exciting, but it raises the question: Is thinner always better? While many users are drawn to the sleek and lightweight design, others may be concerned about durability, battery life, and overall usability. As one top comment on a related discussion pointed out, “It’s possible the 17 Air could be a little thicker than 5.1mm, while still retaining the ‘wow’ factor of being ultra-thin.”
However, if Apple follows through with the iPhone 17 Air’s anticipated design, it could mark a significant step forward in smartphone innovation. A profile under 6mm would represent a bold leap in smartphone engineering—a move that might not appeal to everyone, but will undoubtedly attract those willing to pay a premium for cutting-edge design.
Looking Ahead: Apple vs. Samsung
Apple’s push towards ultra-thin design isn’t happening in a vacuum. Competitor Samsung is rumored to be working on its own ultra-thin devices, with leaks suggesting that the upcoming Galaxy S25 Ultra will rival the iPhone 17 Air in slimness. With both companies striving to produce the thinnest, most aesthetically pleasing devices, the smartphone landscape in 2025 promises to be a battleground of design innovation.
As the countdown to the iPhone 17 Air's launch continues, the tech world waits with bated breath to see just how thin Apple can go—and whether users will embrace or resist this sleek new form factor.
What do you think of Apple's ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air? Would you be willing to pay extra for a thinner design, or do you think Apple should focus on other improvements? Share your thoughts below.
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