Apple is gearing up for its next major product reveal, and leading the anticipation is the iPhone 17 Air—rumoured to be the thinnest iPhone ever. Expected to launch in September 2025, this new model is generating major buzz for its radical design overhaul, upgraded specs, and smart compromises that aim to deliver flagship performance in a compact form.
The iPhone 17 Air is expected to mark a dramatic shift in Apple’s design language. Inspired by the ultra-thin 2024 iPad Pro, reports suggest the iPhone 17 Air could measure just 5.5mm thick, possibly even slimmer in certain areas. This would make it nearly 2mm thinner than the iPhone 16 Pro’s 8.25mm profile.
Apple is likely using a blend of titanium and aluminium to keep the device both lightweight and durable, and early leaks estimate its weight at around 145 grams, similar to the iPhone 13 mini.
On the display front, the iPhone 17 Air may sport a 6.6-inch OLED screen, offering a balance between the standard and Pro Max models. It’s expected to feature high brightness, improved energy efficiency, and—possibly for the first time in a non-Pro iPhone—a 120Hz refresh rate. However, without an adaptive refresh rate down to 1Hz, the Always-On Display may still remain exclusive to Pro variants.
Next-Gen A19 Chip and 12GB RAM
Under the hood, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to be anything but lightweight. It’s tipped to run on the A19 chip paired with 12GB RAM, the same configuration believed to power the iPhone 17 Pro. This places the Air firmly in flagship territory in terms of performance.
However, the ultra-thin design may come at a cost to battery size—something Apple may try to address through software optimization.
In a surprising twist, Apple is reportedly moving to a single-lens rear camera for the iPhone 17 Air. This would be a 48MP wide-angle sensor, offering high-resolution photography without the bulk of a multi-camera array. Leaks also suggest a horizontal camera bar design, aligning with what’s expected on the iPhone 17 Pro.
For selfie enthusiasts, the front camera is getting a significant upgrade—from the long-standing 12MP unit to a new 24MP sensor. This should enhance detail and clarity, particularly for video calls and selfies.
Due to its slim form, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature a battery capacity under 3,000mAh, with one leak placing it at around 2,800mAh. While that figure may sound low, Apple is reportedly introducing a new Adaptive Power Mode in iOS 26, designed to intelligently manage power consumption and help users get a full day of use despite the smaller battery.
Previous iPhones like the iPhone 12 and 13 managed solid battery life with similar capacities, so Apple could replicate that performance here.
According to leaks, the iPhone 17 Air will start at $899 in the U.S., which translates to approximately ₹75,000–₹80,000. In India, it could be priced around ₹90,000, similar to the current position of the iPhone 16 Plus in the lineup.
Apple may implement a slight price hike across the iPhone 17 series due to increased component costs. However, the brand is expected to pitch the Air as a design-forward, high-performance option, justifying the premium.
As with previous launches, Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 lineup in September 2025, likely during the second week of the month. Pre-orders should begin within days of the announcement, with retail availability shortly after.
Conclusion: A Major Step Forward in iPhone Evolution
The iPhone 17 Air could represent Apple’s boldest design move in years—pairing cutting-edge performance with a super-thin form factor. While some trade-offs are expected, especially in battery life and camera versatility, the device may appeal strongly to users looking for power, portability, and style in one sleek package.