What to know

  • Recent reports suggest the iPhone 17 Air won’t be as ultra-thin as initially rumored due to technical limitations with battery technology.
  • The device is expected to replace the iPhone Plus model in 2025 and will feature a 120Hz ProMotion display and new OLED technology.
  • While not ultra-thin, the iPhone 17 Air will still aim to be relatively slim at around 6.9mm – similar to the iPhone 6’s thickness.

Apple’s ambitious plans for an ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air may have hit a snag, as new reports indicate the device won’t be as slim as originally anticipated. According to recent information, technical challenges with battery technology are preventing Apple from achieving the super-slim profile they were aiming for.

According to Yeux1122 on Naver, the limitations stem from difficulties in developing thinner battery substrates, with Samsung facing similar challenges in their upcoming models. The iPhone 17 Air is now expected to maintain a thickness of around 6.9mm, matching Apple’s thinnest iPhone to date – the iPhone 6.

Despite the setback in achieving an ultra-thin design, the iPhone 17 Air will still pack impressive features. The device will incorporate new OLED display technology called TDDI (Touch and Display Driver Integration), which merges the touch sensor layer with the display driver for a more streamlined design.

The new model will feature a 6.55-inch display with 120Hz ProMotion technology, offering users smoother scrolling and enhanced visual performance. Apple plans to power the device with its new A19 chip and 8GB of RAM, though it will still be positioned below the Pro models in terms of overall capabilities.

While the iPhone 17 Air may not break records for thinness, it represents Apple’s continued efforts to innovate within practical constraints. The device is set to replace the Plus model in Apple’s lineup when it launches in 2025, offering users a premium alternative in the standard iPhone range.