Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Air is generating considerable buzz, rumored to be a mere 5.5 millimeters thin and boasting a high-density battery. It’s poised to showcase numerous technological advancements later this year. However, Apple’s ambitions for even slimmer, portless iPhones in the future are even more intriguing.
According to a Bloomberg report, Apple has been exploring the possibility of developing a completely portless iPhone, eliminating both the charging port and the physical SIM tray. This radical design would necessitate a complete reliance on wireless charging and cloud-based data syncing. While the idea was considered for the iPhone 17 Air, Apple ultimately decided to postpone its implementation.
“An even bigger idea was to make the Air device Apple’s first completely port-free iPhone, one that omits that charging inlet as well as physical SIM tray. That would mean losing the USB-C connector and going all-in on wireless charging and syncing data with the cloud,” the report states.
Apple explores portless iPhone concept
Several factors contributed to Apple’s decision to delay the portless design for the iPhone 17 Air. One key concern was regulatory compliance, particularly within the EU. Having recently transitioned to USB-C with the iPhone 15 series after years of using a proprietary port, a shift to a completely portless design could present regulatory hurdles.
A portless iPhone would rely entirely on MagSafe wireless charging and necessitate tight integration with iCloud for data storage and transfer, eliminating the option of wired data extraction. This could pose challenges for users accustomed to traditional data management methods and raise concerns about repairability.
Despite these challenges, Apple remains committed to the concept of a portless iPhone. The Bloomberg report suggests that if the iPhone 17 Air proves successful, Apple may revisit the idea of a portless device in the future.
The Pursuit of a Portless Phone: Apple Isn’t Alone
Vivo Apex concept phone.
Apple is not the first to explore the concept of a portless smartphone. In 2019, Vivo unveiled the Apex concept phone, a device devoid of USB ports, SIM trays, buttons, and even speakers. Its entire display served as a fingerprint sensor.
That same year, Meizu introduced the Zero concept, a premium smartphone without a charging port or headphone jack. While the company launched a crowdfunding campaign for the Zero, it failed to secure the necessary financial backing. Meizu later clarified that the Zero was not intended for mass production.
However, 2025 appears to be witnessing a resurgence of interest in minimalist smartphone designs. Companies like Samsung, Honor, and Oppo are reportedly developing their own ultra-slim phones. Tecno also showcased a working prototype of the Spark Slim smartphone at MWC 2025, while Xiaomi is rumored to be developing a phone without any physical buttons, though the company has yet to confirm these plans.
The quest for a truly minimalist, portless smartphone continues. While the iPhone 17 Air might not be the first to achieve this design, its development suggests that a portless future for iPhones may not be too far off.
