The iPhone 17 Air could be Apple’s sleekest phone yet, testing new technologies for future devices

Apple’s highly anticipated iPhone 17 Air is reportedly set to arrive later this year, following in the footsteps of its MacBook and iPad counterparts with the same “Air” branding. Known for their ultra-thin profiles, these devices have garnered a reputation for being the slimmest in their respective lines. Now, Apple’s iPhone 17 Air aims to push that legacy even further, potentially making it the thinnest iPhone ever produced.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the iPhone 17 Air will be a testing ground for several future technologies, including advancements that could lead to the company’s first foldable devices. While official details are still scarce, Gurman speculates the phone will be “around 2 millimeters thinner” than current iPhones, making it remarkably slim. Other reports suggest the thickness could range between 5.5mm and 6.25mm, which is even thinner than the iPhone 6, the previous record-holder for Apple’s thinnest model.

Apple’s focus on slimming down the iPhone isn’t just about aesthetics. The company is reportedly using this model to refine technologies that will support future foldable devices, including foldable iPads and iPhones. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to serve as a proving ground for Apple’s in-house cell modem, codenamed Sinope, which is set to debut in the iPhone SE this spring. The new modem could help Apple reduce its reliance on external suppliers for mobile chips, marking a significant shift in its hardware strategy.

The iPhone 17 Air is also expected to feature cutting-edge display technology. It may include a 6.6-inch ProMotion OLED display with a 120Hz variable refresh rate, a feature previously exclusive to iPhone Pro models. In terms of camera capabilities, the Air version will likely have a more streamlined setup with a single 48-megapixel rear camera, paired with a 24-megapixel front-facing camera for selfies. Performance-wise, it is rumoured to be powered by the A19 chip and could pack 8GB of RAM, allowing for enhanced AI features, much like those found in the upcoming iPhone SE 4.

Apple’s new iPhone 17 Air is expected to be more than just a sleek, powerful device—it could mark the beginning of a new chapter for the company, setting the stage for foldable smartphones and innovative wireless technologies. With the release expected in the fall, all eyes will be on Apple as they continue to redefine what a smartphone can be.