iPhone 17 Air: Leaks Hint at Slim Design and Potential eSIM-Only Model
Rumors surrounding the iPhone 17 Air are swirling, painting a picture of a significantly slimmer device that could potentially embrace an eSIM-only future, even outside the US. Is this the future of iPhone design?
According to a report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the iPhone 17 Air aims to fill the void left by the iPhone mini and iPhone Plus. Gurman believes the Air will be more successful, echoing the success of the Air lineup in MacBooks and iPads. The strategy of offering a thinner device at a midrange price could pave the way for even slimmer iPhone Pros and foldable devices down the line.
James Rogerson at Tech Radar suggests the iPhone 17 Air might prioritize aesthetics over raw power. Leaks indicate a single rear camera and potential battery life concerns due to its slim profile. While boasting a stylish design, the iPhone 17 Air could be a tough sell for spec-conscious consumers, despite rumors placing its price around the iPhone 16 Plus.
Leaker Sonny Dickson has shared images of iPhone 17 dummies, showcasing the entire expected lineup. Dickson highlights the unbelievably thin design of the Air model, setting it apart from the rest. These images offer the first side-by-side comparison for size, dramatically contrasting with the conventional bulk of the expected iPhone 17 Pro Max.
One of the more intriguing revelations from the dummy images is the presence of SIM card trays on the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, suggesting eSIM-only models might remain exclusive to the US. However, the absence of a SIM tray on the iPhone 17 Air raises questions. Could the Air be the first eSIM-only iPhone released outside the U.S.? This move could have significant ramifications for international users.
The Camera Control feature introduced within the iPhone 16 series appears on all four phones, debunking earlier rumors that it might be missing from the Air. Speaker hole reduction on the bottom edge of the Air, hints at potentially diminished audio capability in the pursuit of slim design.
Another rumor suggests the iPhone 17 Air might come in a subtle “sky blue” color. While not a new shade for Apple, the choice has sparked debate about whether the company is embracing bold colors enough, especially for its Pro models. The iPhone 12's Vibrant Blue contrasts with the Pacific blue of the iPhone 12 Pro which is dependent on the surrounding lighting, in which the iPhone 12 pro exhibits a darker more silver shade of blue.
Are you excited about a super-slim iPhone? Will battery life be a deal-breaker? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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When will the iPhone 17 be released?
Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 lineup, expected to launch in September 2025, is anticipated to include four distinct models: iPhone 17: The standard model, likely featuring a 6.3-inch display, an upgrade from the previous 6.1-inch size.
What is the price of the iPhone 17 Pro Max?
iPhone 17: Price iPhone 17: 6.27-inch LTPO display, A19/8GB ($799) iPhone 17 Pro: 6.27-inch LTPO display, A19 Pro/12GB ($1,099) iPhone 17 Pro Max: 6.86-inch LTPO display, A19 Pro/12GB ($1,199) iPhone 17 Air: 6.65-inch LTPO display, A19/8GB ($899)
