The iPhone 17 Air might be the new model that brings a breath of fresh ‘air’ to Apple’s flagship smartphone lineup. While the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max are rumored to have a new redesign, the iPhone 17 Air could be responsible for kick-starting a new trend in the market, making ultra thin flagships the next fad. Read on to see why.
1. Ultra-Thin Design & Titanium Frame
The Cupertino based giant is expected to replace the iPhone 17 Plus model with this new iPhone 17 Air. As the name would imply, the “Air” in the iPhone 17 series is a super thin and light smartphone. Rumors hint that this device could measure anywhere between 5.5mm and 6mm (possibly 5.8mm). This would make it the thinnest iPhone from Apple yet. While Samsung did beat Apple to the market with its own ultra slim flagship, the Galaxy S25 Edge, the iPhone maker joining the race will likely cement this as a proper trend. If you’re worried about durability, a leak has suggested that the iPhone 17 Air will be the only 2025 iPhone model with a titanium frame.
2. Weight & Build: Designed to Be Light and Strong
Since it exclusively uses titanium, the iPhone 17 Air would offer a strong yet light build similar to the Galaxy S25 Edge. This would allow it to avoid the infamous bendgate issue that plagued the iPhone 6 series. Reports have pointed to this model being even lighter than Samsung’s super slim flagship, with a weight of just 145 grams (S25 Edge weighs 163 grams).
3. Battery Trade-Off, But Not for All
Packing all of the specs in such a slim chassis has its drawbacks, with battery size likely taking a sizeable hit. With leaks suggesting a 2,800mAh battery pack, Apple’s razon thin iPhone has a tiny cell. But iPhones aren’t known for their massive battery capacities, so the company would likely make some optimizations. Regardless, its endurance would still fall below its iPhone 17 siblings.
However, this is not a major issue for Android manufacturers. To recall, the Infinix Hot 60 Pro+ just debuted with a sizeable 5,160mAh battery despite measuring just 5.95mm. When considering new battery technology (e.g. Silicon Carbide), Chinese brands like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo would likely find ways around the battery size problem since the newer cells pack higher energy density.
4. Design Language That May Influence the Industry
Apple’s decision to make titanium exclusive to the Air model sets it apart within its own lineup and could inspire competitors. The device embraces minimalist design cues, potentially ditching physical SIM trays and multi-camera systems in favor of a single 48MP rear lens and a refined camera bar. In the past, brands have often looked to the latest iPhones for inspiration, and this might jump start another trend. As phones get bulkier and heavier, a thin and light phone might shake up the market. Despite all of its flaws, the S25 Edge still felt great to use. Apple always focused on a premium and refined design, so this could be an area it could definitely succeed in.
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