Apple is reportedly preparing to launch a thinner iPhone model alongside the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, speculated to be named the iPhone 17 Air. According to Mark Gurman’s weekly newsletter, this new model will be approximately two millimeters thinner than the current iPhone 16 Pro. While the iPhone 16 series was launched not too long ago, leaks and rumors regarding the iPhone 17 series, expected to debut in Q4 2025, have already started circulating, sparking considerable anticipation among tech enthusiasts and Apple fans alike.
To put things into perspective, the iPhone 16 Pro is 8.25mm thick, and if the iPhone 17 Air is indeed 2mm thinner, it will measure around 6.25mm. This would make it the thinnest iPhone ever, surpassing the iPhone 6, which previously held the record at 6.9mm. Over the years, iPhones have generally become thicker to accommodate larger batteries, improved camera systems, Face ID technology, and other advanced features, but Apple appears determined to reverse this trend while maintaining its reputation for cutting-edge design and performance.
Some earlier rumors had suggested that the iPhone 17 Air could be even thinner, possibly in the range of 5mm to 6mm. This raised concerns that Apple might strip down certain components, such as removing the traditional SIM tray entirely, to achieve this slimmer profile. However, most sources now suggest that the phone will land closer to the 6mm mark, allowing it to still incorporate the necessary hardware without sacrificing usability. In addition to its reduced thickness, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to sport a 6.6-inch display, possibly with an even thinner bezel, and a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring a smooth and fluid visual experience. A single rear camera setup will likely dominate the back, continuing Apple’s trend of providing high-quality imaging in a more streamlined configuration. The phone will also feature Apple’s next-generation custom silicon, the A19 chip (or whatever Apple decides to name it in 2025), offering improvements in speed and energy efficiency.
Another major upgrade will be the inclusion of Apple’s own 5G modem, marking a critical shift in how the company handles wireless connectivity. Unlike the current Qualcomm modems used in iPhones, Apple has reportedly designed its custom 5G modem to integrate more closely with its own hardware, enabling more efficient use of space within the device. This strategic move will allow Apple to reduce the phone’s overall thickness without compromising crucial features like battery life, camera quality, and display performance. The custom 5G modem is expected to be smaller, more power-efficient, and capable of offering improved connectivity and network performance compared to the modems in current-generation iPhones. Apple is also expected to use this new modem in other upcoming devices, including the iPhone SE, which is set to launch in early 2025, and possibly in a low-cost iPad, extending the benefits of this technology to other segments of its product lineup.
As Apple continues to develop and refine its modem chip technology, the space savings created by this integration could eventually pave the way for new innovations, such as a foldable iPhone. Gurman notes that Apple is actively working on foldable iPhone concepts, with a vision to gradually replace Qualcomm’s modems with its own chips over the next few years. This could culminate in the introduction of an all-in-one system-on-a-chip (SoC) that combines the processor, modem, Wi-Fi, and other components into a single unit. Such an approach would not only optimize space but also improve the overall integration of Apple’s hardware, leading to even more streamlined and powerful devices in the future.
The iPhone 17 Air’s thinner design, combined with Apple’s growing reliance on custom chips, marks a significant shift in the company’s approach to iPhone development. If these rumors hold true, Apple could revolutionize the smartphone industry again by creating a more compact, efficient, and powerful device. As Apple continues to refine its hardware and software ecosystem, we can expect the company to deliver devices that are both thinner and smarter, seamlessly integrating new technologies into user-friendly designs. With each iteration, Apple strives to strike a balance between form, function, and innovation, ensuring that the iPhone remains a coveted device for years to come.
As we approach the launch of the iPhone 17 series, all eyes will be on how Apple continues to push the envelope in terms of design, performance, and integration of new technologies. If the rumors about the iPhone 17 Air are accurate, Apple’s focus on making devices slimmer, more powerful, and more efficient could set a new industry standard for smartphone design. Fans and tech experts alike are eagerly awaiting the official announcement, as the launch of the iPhone 17 series will not only showcase Apple’s ability to innovate but also define the future trajectory of the smartphone market in the coming years. The continued evolution of Apple’s hardware, particularly with the integration of its custom 5G modem and potential foldable technology, will likely influence the direction of the broader tech landscape as other companies follow suit or attempt to surpass Apple’s innovations.
