What to know

  • Leaked images show the iPhone 17 Air is only 5.5mm thick, making it nearly as thin as its side buttons.
  • This would make it the thinnest iPhone ever, surpassing previous models by a significant margin.
  • The ultra-slim design raises concerns about durability and battery capacity.
  • Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 17 Air alongside other iPhone 17 models in September 2025.

Newly leaked images and videos have revealed that the upcoming iPhone 17 Air could be Apple’s thinnest smartphone yet, measuring just 5.5mm at its slimmest point. This is thinner than any previous iPhone, and even rivals the thickness of the phone’s own side buttons, according to multiple sources and hands-on dummy unit demonstrations.

The iPhone 17 Air is expected to replace the iPhone 16 Plus in Apple’s lineup, offering a 6.6-inch or 6.7-inch display within a remarkably slim chassis.

The design leaks, including hands-on videos with dummy units, show the iPhone 17 Air alongside other models in the upcoming series. While the standard iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max retain more conventional thicknesses, the Air model stands out for its almost pencil-like profile.

The dummy units suggest that the iPhone 17 Air is barely thicker than the sleep/wake and volume buttons, making it a striking departure from previous iPhone designs.

This dramatic reduction in thickness has sparked debate about the device’s durability. The infamous “bendgate” controversy from the iPhone 6 era is still fresh in the minds of many users, and some experts have raised concerns that such a thin device could be more prone to bending or damage.

Reports indicate that Apple may use a combination of titanium and aluminum to reinforce the structure and avoid past issues.

In addition to its slim profile, the iPhone 17 Air is rumored to feature a scaled-down camera unit, possibly to accommodate the thinner body. The device is also expected to be lighter than previous models, though this could come at the cost of a smaller battery and potentially reduced battery life. Despite these trade-offs, the iPhone 17 Air’s futuristic design is likely to appeal to users who prioritize aesthetics and portability.

Apple is expected to officially announce the iPhone 17 lineup, including the Air model, in September 2025. Until then, the leaked images and dummy units offer the clearest look yet at what could become the thinnest iPhone ever produced.

Via: macrumors.com