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.

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.

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).

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.

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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Apple’s iPhone 17 series, set for release in September this year, promises significant changes across its four models: the standard iPhone 17, the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, and the high-end iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. The most notable addition is the iPhone 17 Air, which replaces the lackluster Plus model with a sleek and slim design. Unlike previous Plus models, the Air will slot between the base and Pro models in both size and price, starting at around $899.

Fresh aesthetic and ambitious redesign

As per reports, the iPhone 17 series represents Apple’s most ambitious redesign in years, blending cutting-edge technology with a fresh aesthetic. From the ultra-thin Air to the powerhouse Pro Max, the 2025 lineup is expected to feature a new horizontally aligned camera module. In particular, the iPhone 17 Air is said to be the thinnest iPhone ever at around 5.5 to 6mm thick.

ProMotion technology expansion across all models

One of the biggest upgrades across the lineup is the expansion of ProMotion technology to all models, bringing 120Hz refresh rates to non-Pro iPhones for the first time. This is enabled by LTPO OLED displays, which also support always-on functionality, though it’s unclear if this feature will extend beyond the Pro models. Apple is also reportedly introducing a tougher, anti-reflective screen coating to improve scratch and drop resistance, replacing the current Ceramic Shield.

Powerful performance with A19 and A19 Pro chips

Under the hood, the iPhone 17 Pro models will feature the A19 Pro chip, built on TSMC’s advanced 3nm N3P process for better efficiency and performance. The standard iPhone 17 and Air will use the A19 chip, with RAM configurations ranging from 8GB to 12GB. Thermal management is getting an upgrade too, with vapor chamber cooling expected in the Pro models to prevent overheating during intensive tasks.

Camera upgrades for all models

Camera improvements are another highlight. The Pro Max is rumored to retain the 48-megapixel telephoto lens, joining its already high-resolution wide and ultra-wide cameras, while the Air will pack a single 48-megapixel rear camera due to its slim profile. All models are expected to feature a 24-megapixel front-facing camera, a major upgrade from the current 12-megapixel sensor. It is speculated that the Pro models may arrive with support for 8K video recording.

Next-gen connectivity and the debut of Apple’s 5G modem

Connectivity sees major updates, with Apple reportedly debuting its in-house 5G modem in the iPhone 17 Air, though Qualcomm modems will remain in other models. Wi-Fi 7 support via in-house Wi-Fi chip will be standard across the lineup, along with Bluetooth 5.3. The SIM tray may also disappear in more regions, continuing Apple’s push toward eSIM adoption.

Battery life and charging departments may not see major upgrades

Battery life and charging speeds are expected to remain largely unchanged, with 35W wired charging and improved battery replacement mechanisms. The iPhone 17 Pro models might adopt a hybrid aluminium-glass back for better durability while retaining MagSafe compatibility.

Pricing and expected release date

Pricing is anticipated to start at $799 for the base model, $899 for the Air, and $999 for the Pro, with a September 2025 launch likely.

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The post Apple iPhone 17 series: Major upgrades and changes expected appeared first on Gizmochina.