Apple is rumored to launch the iPhone 17 Air this September, an ultra-slim 5.5mm device with a 6.6-inch OLED display and A19 chip. Priced from ₹99,900
Apple is once again poised to disrupt the smartphone landscape with the rumored iPhone 17 Air, a device that could become the thinnest iPhone ever created. Expected to debut in September 2025, the iPhone 17 Air is generating massive buzz for its 5.5mm ultra-slim profile, a radical departure from Apple’s current design language. If the leaks hold true, this could be the most daring iPhone since the iPhone X.
The iPhone 17 Air is likely to replace the Plus model in Apple’s lineup, offering a 6.6-inch OLED display in a body that’s thinner than any mainstream smartphone on the market. Despite its featherweight design, it’s expected to pack serious performance and premium features at a starting price of ₹99,900 in India.
Table of Contents
Design: Minimalism Meets Marvel
The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to feature a completely reimagined chassis, with flush edges, a horizontal camera bar, and no physical SIM tray making it Apple’s first eSIM-only iPhone globally. The ultra-thin body is expected to weigh around 145 grams, making it one of the lightest iPhones in recent memory.
Apple is reportedly using advanced aluminum alloys and internal structural ribs to maintain durability despite the slim profile. The rear camera bump may raise the total thickness to around 9.5mm, but the main body remains a design marvel at just 5.5mm.
Display: Bigger, Brighter, and Smoother
Despite its slim form, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature a 6.6-inch OLED display with ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate, Always-On Display, and Dynamic Island support. The bezels are rumored to be even thinner than the iPhone 16 series, offering a more immersive viewing experience.
Performance: A19 Chip and AI Power
Under the hood, the iPhone 17 Air is likely to be powered by Apple’s new A19 chip, delivering improved GPU performance, AI-enhanced photography, and better thermal efficiency. RAM is expected to be 8GB, with storage options starting at 128GB and going up to 512GB.
Battery: Compact Yet Efficient
To achieve its ultra-thin design, Apple may use a 2,800mAh battery, smaller than the iPhone 16’s 3,561mAh. However, the use of high-density silicon-anode battery cells could improve energy efficiency by up to 20%. Apple may also introduce a smart battery case accessory to extend usage for power users.
Camera: Simplicity with Smarts
The iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature a single 48MP rear camera, optimized with Apple’s computational photography engine. While it may lack the Pro models’ triple-lens setup, the software enhancements could still deliver stunning results. The front camera will likely support Face ID, 4K video recording, and portrait mode.
Connectivity and Audio
The device will support 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and USB-C. Apple may opt for a single speaker to conserve space, but spatial audio tuning is expected to deliver a rich sound experience. The removal of the SIM tray means no physical SIM support, a move that could be polarizing among international travelers.
iPhone 17 Air vs Rivals: Ultra-Thin Smartphone Comparison
| Feature | iPhone 17 Air (Rumored) | iPhone 16 Plus | Galaxy S25 Edge (Rumored) | Xiaomi 14 Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 5.5mm (9.5mm w/ camera) | 7.8mm | 5.8mm | 8.6mm |
| Display | 6.6″ OLED, 120Hz | 6.7″ OLED, 60Hz | 6.8″ AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.73″ AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Weight | ~145g | 203g | ~160g | 220g |
| Battery | 2,800mAh (est.) | 3,561mAh | 3,200mAh (est.) | 5,000mAh |
| Camera | 48MP single lens (est.) | Dual 12MP | Dual 50MP (est.) | Quad 50MP |
| Chipset | A19 (est.) | A16 Bionic | Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 (est.) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| SIM Support | eSIM only | Physical + eSIM | eSIM + Physical | Dual SIM |
| Price (India) | ₹99,900 (est.) | ₹74,900 | ₹1,09,000 (est.) | ₹1,09,999 |
Durability Outlook
Apple devices undergo rigorous drop, bend, and thermal tests. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature ceramic shield glass, internal reinforcement, and IP68 water resistance, ensuring durability despite its slim profile.
Market Sentiment: Bold and Buzzing
The iPhone 17 Air is generating positive buzz for its daring design and engineering finesse. However, concerns about battery life, camera limitations, and eSIM-only support have sparked debate. Still, Apple’s loyal user base and reputation for innovation are likely to drive strong demand.
Stay updated with the latest news on Rapido Updates. Keep yourself updated with The World, India News, Entertainment, Market, Gadgets, Sports, and many more