Like clockwork, every September, Apple unveils its latest lineup of iPhones. It’s a global spectacle for longtime Apple loyalists and aspiring first-time iPhone owners alike. This year, however, the iPhone lineup might mark one of the biggest departures from the status quo we’ve seen in years.
Several credible leaks and reports suggest that the Cupertino-based tech giant is planning to shake things up by introducing a brand-new model – reportedly called the iPhone 17 Air.
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This will join the expected trio of devices including the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. The iPhone 17 Plus, on the other hand, is reportedly being phased out to make way for the new ‘Air’.
The use of the ‘Air’ branding is a notable shift from Apple’s usual naming conventions and hints at a slim, lightweight form factor, akin to the recently launched Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge. Curious to know more? Let’s dive in.
iPhone 17 Air: What we know so far
According to well-known tipster Majin Bu, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature a 6.6-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This claim is based on leaked images purportedly showing the device’s cases. Under the hood, it’s likely to run on Apple’s next-generation A19 chip, promising improvements in both performance and power efficiency.
Targeted at users who prefer a sleek and lightweight device without compromising on screen size or processing power, the iPhone 17 Air is rumoured to be just 5.5mm thick, even slimmer than Samsung’s 5.8mm Galaxy S25 Edge – making it the slimmest modern-day iPhone yet.
In terms of weight, the Air could come in at just 145 grams, which is 25 grams lighter than the standard iPhone 16. However, to achieve this level of slimness and lightness, Apple may have had to make a few trade-offs. Reports suggest the phone could feature a single 48MP rear camera and a mono speaker, which feels a bit dated by 2025 standards. On the front, it might include a 24MP selfie camera.
The biggest compromise, however, could be the battery. The iPhone 17 Air is rumoured to house a 2,800mAh battery, which is significantly smaller than the 3,900mAh cell in the Galaxy S25 Edge and 700mAh less than the vanilla iPhone 16.
ALSO READ: Apple iPhone 17 Air leak hints at ludicrously tiny battery
To counter the low battery capacity, Apple may use a high-density silicon-anode battery that offers up to 15 per cent more capacity in the same footprint. There’s also talk of Apple reintroducing battery cases specifically for the Air, although using one would effectively bring its thickness in line with regular phones.
Interestingly, leaks also indicate that the USB-C port could be slightly off-center; a minor but noticeable design quirk.
iPhone 17 Air: Expected pricing
The arrival of the iPhone 17 Air could shake up Apple’s global pricing structure, which has remained relatively stable in recent years. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the Air could be priced at $900 (approximately Rs 76,900), in line with the ‘Plus’ model that’s being phased out. However, other sources suggest it might carry a much higher price tag, possibly around $1,299 (approximately Rs 1,11,000).
Do note that all the information in this article is based on leaks and unconfirmed reports, so take it with a pinch of salt. We’ll be bringing you all the official details, including confirmed specs and pricing, as soon as Apple makes the announcement. So, stay tuned to Unboxed by Croma for the latest updates.
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Dhriti Datta
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