iPhone 17 Air: Apple’s Thinnest iPhone Ever?
Apple is gearing up for its highly anticipated September 9, 2025 event, and one model is already making waves before its official debut — the iPhone 17 Air (sometimes referred to as the “iPhone 17 Slim”). Leaks and reports suggest this could be Apple’s most radical iPhone redesign in years, focusing on extreme thinness, a larger display, and a fresh approach to camera placement.
So, what do we know so far about the iPhone 17 Air’s look and feel? Let’s break it down.
Ultra-Thin Body – Just 5.5 mm
If the leaks are accurate, the iPhone 17 Air will measure around 5.5 mm thick, making it the thinnest iPhone in Apple’s history. For comparison, the iPhone 16 lineup measures between 7.8 mm and 8.25 mm. That’s nearly 2 mm slimmer, a huge difference in smartphone design.
To achieve this slim profile, Apple is rumored to adopt a titanium or titanium alloy frame, balancing durability with lightweight construction.
A Bigger 6.6-inch OLED Display
The iPhone 17 Air is said to feature a 6.6-inch OLED display, slightly larger than the standard iPhone models, and possibly supporting 120Hz ProMotion for smoother scrolling and animations. Whether Apple includes advanced LTPO technology and Always-On Display remains uncertain, but early reports suggest the Air will still prioritize premium viewing quality.
A New Camera Design
Perhaps the most striking design change comes from the camera layout. Instead of the traditional corner placement, the iPhone 17 Air may sport a centered horizontal camera bar at the top — a design reminiscent of Google’s Pixel phones.
Interestingly, leaks suggest Apple could simplify the setup to a single 48MP rear camera, marking a shift toward minimalism while still delivering flagship-level photography.
Other Design Details
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eSIM Only: The iPhone 17 Air may completely drop the physical SIM card slot, making it an eSIM-only device in all regions.
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USB-C Port Shift: Rumors point to a repositioned USB-C port, possibly moved slightly toward the back of the frame to accommodate the ultra-thin design.
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Premium Build: Alongside titanium construction, the Air is expected to come in new, sleek finishes that highlight its thin profile.
iPhone 17 Air at a Glance
| Feature | Rumored Details |
|---|---|
| Thickness | ~5.5 mm (thinnest iPhone ever) |
| Display | 6.6" OLED, possibly 120Hz ProMotion |
| Frame Material | Titanium or titanium alloy |
| Rear Camera | Single 48MP lens, centered horizontal bar design |
| SIM Setup | eSIM only (no physical SIM slot) |
| USB-C Port | Slightly repositioned for slimmer design |
Final Thoughts
From all the leaks so far, it’s clear the iPhone 17 Air is shaping up to be Apple’s boldest design experiment in years. With an ultra-thin frame, new camera layout, and a focus on minimalism, it’s a device that could redefine what an iPhone looks and feels like.
Of course, these details remain rumors until Apple confirms them at its September 9th event. But if they’re true, the iPhone 17 Air could easily become the most talked-about iPhone in 2025.
