The Thinnest iPhone Ever: What We Know About the Rumored “iPhone 17 Air”

Apple is reportedly gearing up to launch its slimmest iPhone to date in 2025. Dubbed the “iPhone 17 Air”, this device could set a new standard for thinness, measuring just 6mm thick, according to industry analyst Jeff Pu in a research note published by Haitong International Securities (via MacRumors). If accurate, this would dethrone the iPhone 6—released a decade ago—as Apple’s slimmest iPhone, which came in at 6.9mm.Photo via Gearrice // A concept rendering of Apple's highly-anticipated iPhone 17 Air, or iPhone 17 Slim, coming in September 2025.

The Pursuit of Thinness

Jeff Pu's report aligns with a flurry of rumors that have suggested the iPhone 17 Air could become the world’s thinnest smartphone. A previous report from a Korean news outlet indicated that Apple faced hurdles with developing an ultra-thin battery to support this ambitious design, raising doubts about feasibility. However, Pu’s latest insights suggest that Apple has overcome these obstacles.

We agree with the recent chatter of a 6mm thickness ultra-slim design of the iPhone 17 Slim model.— Jeff Pu, Apple analyst

Despite these achievements, the iPhone 17 Air won’t be Apple’s slimmest device overall. That title remains with the 2024 13-inch iPad Pro, which measures an astonishing 5.1mm thick.Photo via AppleInsider // Another concept rendering of Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 Air.

How It Compares

To better understand the significance of a 6mm iPhone, here’s how it stacks up against other Apple devices:

The iPhone 6, which debuted in 2014, remains Apple’s slimmest iPhone to date. Its successor, the iPhone 6s, added thickness to accommodate a more durable aluminum frame and larger battery, raising questions about how Apple will address durability and battery life with the iPhone 17 Air.

What Else Can We Expect?

While the iPhone 17 Air’s design takes center stage, other rumors hint at its potential features:

1. Display: A 6.6-inch screen with 120Hz ProMotion, marking the first time this technology appears outside Apple’s Pro lineup.
2. Processor: Powered by the A19 chip, promising a significant performance boost.
3. RAM: Equipped with 8GB of RAM, optimized for Apple Intelligence and advanced multitasking.
4. Camera: A single rear-facing camera—an interesting choice for a flagship device.
5. Connectivity: Apple-designed 5G modem for faster and more efficient wireless connectivity.

Photo via Technizo // Apple's rumored iPhone 17 Air in various color shades including rose gold.

17 Air? Or 17 Slim?

It’s worth noting that the device name remains unconfirmed. While many sources refer to it as the iPhone 17 Air, others—like Pu—use the moniker iPhone 17 Slim. Regardless of its final branding, this model is expected to distinguish itself as a unique addition to Apple’s 2025 lineup.

What’s Next?

Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 17 Air in September 2025, alongside other models in the iPhone 17 lineup. While much remains uncertain, the race for the slimmest smartphone continues to spark excitement.Photo via FPT // iPhone 17 Air (top) side-by-side with a modern-day iPhone 16 Pro (bottom) to illustrate its thinness.

For now, this rumored leap in design is sure to capture the attention of Apple fans and tech enthusiasts alike. If the rumors hold true, the iPhone 17 Air could redefine what we expect from smartphone aesthetics and engineering. Stay tuned for more updates as we inch closer to the official reveal.

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