The rumored ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air has sparked considerable speculation about its price. However, it appears Apple may not impose a hefty “innovation tax” for this sleek new model. According to Bloomberg, the iPhone 17 Air is projected to launch at approximately $900, matching the price of the iPhone 16 Plus, which it is expected to replace in Apple’s lineup later this year.
A Blend of Premium and Practical
While the price may be familiar, the iPhone 17 Air promises a unique blend of features. The slim device will reportedly boast a 6.6-inch display featuring ProMotion technology, typically reserved for higher-end Pro models. This brings the smooth, high refresh rate experience to a more affordable price point.
Alleged render of iPhone 17 air in silver color.
Impressively, despite its slim profile, the iPhone 17 Air will retain the Camera Control button and offer battery life comparable to current iPhone models, even with a smaller battery pack.
Trade-offs for Thinness
To achieve its slender design, the iPhone 17 Air appears to make some compromises, most notably in the camera department. Despite its $900 price tag, it’s rumored to feature a single 48-megapixel rear camera, mirroring the camera setup of the more budget-friendly iPhone 16e.
Under the hood, the iPhone 17 Air will be powered by the new A19 chip, while the Pro models will utilize the more powerful A19 Pro. Furthermore, Apple is reportedly ditching the physical SIM card tray in favor of an eSIM-only approach.
A mockup of the Apple iPhone 17 Air next to the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
The iPhone 17 Air is also expected to incorporate Apple’s in-house C1 modem, first introduced in the iPhone 16e. While the C1 modem has demonstrated acceptable performance, it lacks support for the faster mmWave 5G connectivity offered by Qualcomm modems.
The Ultra-Slim Phone Race
Apple isn’t alone in pursuing the ultra-slim smartphone trend. Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge is anticipated to launch soon, and Tecno’s Spark Slim is also slated for a 2025 release. Several other Chinese manufacturers are reportedly developing their own ultra-thin phone models, intensifying competition in this emerging market segment.
Conclusion
The iPhone 17 Air presents an intriguing proposition: a slim and stylish design with desirable features like ProMotion display and competitive battery life, all at a price point aligned with the current iPhone 16 Plus. However, potential buyers should be aware of the trade-offs, including a single rear camera and the absence of mmWave 5G support. With the growing interest in ultra-slim smartphones, the iPhone 17 Air will face stiff competition from rivals like Samsung, Tecno, and other emerging players.
