The iPhone 17 Air, set to launch this fall, is more than just another Apple device. It marks a new chapter in smartphone design, blending cutting-edge technology with a thinner, sleeker form factor. This model is expected to reshape Apple’s iPhone lineup while setting the stage for future innovations.

A shift in Apple’s iPhone lineup

Since 2020, Apple has consistently released four iPhone models each year, featuring two standard versions and two Pro versions. However, 2025 will bring a major change.

According to Bloomberg, Apple’s 2025 lineup will consist of one standard model, two high-end Pro models, and a new mid-tier device - the iPhone 17 Air. Inspired by the MacBook Air, this new addition will feature a thinner build while combining elements of both standard and premium iPhones.

Apple is equipping the iPhone 17 Air with new components and design standards, which could later be incorporated into the rest of the iPhone lineup.

Design and features of iPhone 17 Air

From the front, the iPhone 17 Air will resemble a standard iPhone, featuring a 6.6-inch display, thin bezels like the iPhone 16 Pro, and the Dynamic Island cutout. A new Camera Control button will be added to the device’s side.

Despite its ultra-thin profile, battery life will remain uncompromised. Apple’s engineers have redesigned the display, semiconductors, and software to ensure power efficiency, preventing any major reduction in usage time.

To achieve a thinner build (2mm less than previous models), Apple has made some sacrifices. The rear camera setup will feature a single 48MP sensor, instead of the dual or triple-camera systems found in other models. The device will also use the A19 chip, instead of the A19 Pro found in the Pro models. In the U.S., the physical SIM card slot will be removed, further streamlining the device’s design.

One of the biggest advancements in the iPhone 17 Air is the Apple-designed C1 modem chip, which is expected to be more energy-efficient than Qualcomm’s current chips. However, it will not support mmWave 5G connectivity.

The beginning of a new iPhone era

Apple initially considered making the iPhone 17 Air larger (6.9 inches) and completely portless, but concerns about device durability and regulatory restrictions - such as EU requirements for USB-C compatibility - led to revisions.

Despite these changes, the iPhone 17 Air represents Apple’s future direction. If successful, it could pave the way for a fully portless iPhone and inspire more ultra-thin designs across the lineup.

Not all of Apple’s past design experiments have been successful. The iPhone mini and iPhone Plus failed to gain traction, forcing Apple to rethink its strategy. The iPhone 17 Air is positioned as a new alternative, with a starting price expected to be around $900, similar to the iPhone 16 Plus.

Apple also plans to integrate iPhone 17 Air technology into future devices, including the long-rumored foldable iPhone, expected in early 2026. This foldable model is anticipated to be part of a special iPhone series marking the 20th anniversary of the first iPhone.

By 2026 or 2027, the iPhone Pro lineup could undergo a major transformation, with Dynamic Island components being relocated under the display, bringing Apple closer to its vision of a true full-screen iPhone.

Du Lam