Thinnest iPhone Ever? Latest iPhone 17 Rumors: Features, Leaks, and More
- Apple’s rumored iPhone 17 Air could be the thinnest iPhone yet—at just 6mm thick.
- A19 chips, 120Hz displays, and smaller notches are setting the stage for a big leap.
- Will bold design choices like single cameras and ultra-slim builds redefine Apple’s lineup?
Apple’s next iPhone lineup, expected in September 2025, is already making waves with leaked details about the iPhone 17 series. Among the most anticipated changes is the rumored iPhone 17 Air, poised to be the thinnest iPhone ever. With new features like smaller Dynamic Islands, upgraded cameras, and groundbreaking chip technology, the iPhone 17 lineup could mark a major leap forward for Apple’s flagship device. Let’s dive into the latest rumors and what they mean for Apple’s future.
1. The Spotlight: iPhone 17 "Air"
Photo via SimplyMac // A concept rendering of Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 Air, rumored to replace the 'Plus' model in next years September 2025 iPhone lineup.
The iPhone 17 Air, also dubbed the iPhone 17 Slim, is expected to feature a 6mm-thick aluminum body—a design that could dethrone the iPhone 6 (6.9mm) as Apple’s thinnest smartphone to date.
Analyst Jeff Pu believes this model will prioritize design over sheer functionality, possibly at the cost of lower production volumes. Ming-Chi Kuo adds that the Air could sport a 6.6-inch display, a single 48MP rear camera, and 24MP front-facing camera, making it an outlier in a lineup where dual and triple-camera systems dominate.
We agreed with the recent chatter of an ultra-slim design of the iPhone 17 Slim model.— Jeff Pu in a research memo.
Model | Thickness | Key Features |
---|---|---|
iPhone 6 | 6.9mm | First ultra-thin iPhone |
iPhone 16 Pro Max | 8.25mm | High-end specs |
iPhone 17 Air | 6mm | Slimmest iPhone ever, rumored 6.6-inch display |
2. Display Enhancements Across the Lineup
For the first time, Apple may standardize 120Hz ProMotion technology across all iPhone 17 models. Previously reserved for 17 Pro models, this feature could bring smooth scrolling and always-on displays to the entire lineup.
Additionally, display sizes could shift again:
- iPhone 17 Standard: 6.27 inches, up from 6.1 inches in iPhone 16.
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: 6.9 inches, offering immersive visuals.
3. Camera Upgrades for All
Photo via MacRumors // The iPhone 17 Slim, also called the iPhone 17 Air, is rumored to be the "thinnest iPhone ever."
The iPhone 17 series is rumored to introduce a 24MP front-facing camera across all models, doubling the resolution of current iPhones. The Pro Max could also include a 48MP telephoto lens optimized for use with Apple’s Vision Pro headset, further blurring the lines between smartphone photography and professional-grade imaging.
4. The Power Behind It All: A19 Chip
Photo via How-To Geek // The Apple A19 chipset is coming, and it'll include several exciting new upgrades.
Apple’s A19 processors, built on TSMC’s N3P 3nm process, are expected to power the iPhone 17 lineup. While the Pro models will likely feature a beefed-up A19 Pro, the standard and Air models should still benefit from improved efficiency and performance. Notably, TSMC’s next-generation 2nm chips won’t be ready until 2026, meaning this iteration of 3nm chips will represent the pinnacle of Apple’s silicon for now.
5. Thinner But Tougher Displays
All iPhone 17 models could feature anti-reflective glass with enhanced scratch resistance, possibly surpassing Apple’s Ceramic Shield. This would bring Apple closer to matching Gorilla Glass Armor, seen in rival Samsung Galaxy devices.
6. Smaller Dynamic Island for Pro Models
Photo via Apple Scoop // Pictured: Apple's rumored upcoming iPhone 17 lineup.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to debut a narrower Dynamic Island, thanks to advancements in metalens technology. By miniaturizing the Face ID system, Apple can shrink the notch further, enhancing the Pro Max’s immersive display.
7. Connectivity and Speed: Apple’s Wi-Fi 7
Wi-Fi 7, expected on Pro models, promises faster speeds, lower latency, and improved reliability. Apple’s decision to design its own Wi-Fi 7 chip highlights its continued push toward reducing reliance on external suppliers like Broadcom.
8. The Memory Game: More RAM
Jeff Pu predicts the Pro models will include 12GB of RAM, a step up from the 8GB currently offered in iPhone 16 models. This upgrade could allow for smoother multitasking and pave the way for on-device machine learning applications.
9. What About the iPhone 17 Standard Models?
While the Pro lineup is grabbing headlines, the iPhone 17 Standard models will still see significant improvements:
- ProMotion display for the first time.
- A19 chip for better energy efficiency.
- 24MP front camera.
10. Bold Design Choices: Risks and Rewards
Photo via Concept Phones // Another concept of the iPhone 17 Air, this time a side-profile view.
The iPhone 17 Air stands out as a bold experiment in design, but its rumored single rear camera raises questions about functionality in an era where multi-lens systems dominate. Additionally, achieving a 6mm profile without sacrificing battery life or structural integrity will be a delicate balancing act.
Apple’s willingness to push design boundaries is nothing new, but whether the Air will resonate with consumers remains to be seen.
A slim profile is highly desirable in tech, and it certainly turns heads.— Jeff Pu
Final Thoughts: Should You Wait?
The iPhone 17 lineup appears poised to deliver a mix of cutting-edge features and bold design choices. While the iPhone 17 Pro Max will likely steal the show with its advanced camera system and narrower Dynamic Island, the iPhone 17 Air could redefine expectations for slim smartphones.
If these rumors hold true, Apple fans looking for a sleeker design, improved performance, or just the latest in smartphone tech may find the iPhone 17 series worth the wait. As always, though, these leaks are subject to change—September 2025 is still a long way off.
Stay tuned to Apple Scoop for updates as more details emerge.
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Thank you for visiting Apple Scoop! As a dedicated independent news organization, we strive to deliver the latest updates and in-depth journalism on everything Apple. Have insights or thoughts to share? Drop a comment below—our team actively engages with and responds to our community. Return to the home page.Published to Apple Scoop on 18th November, 2024.
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