Apple isn’t known for chasing hardware specifications. Often a latecomer, the company typically refines existing technologies and delivers a polished product, usually the best in the smartphone segment. However, the upcoming ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air might change this pattern in a dramatic way.
Leaker UniverseIce, via X (formerly Twitter), claims the “slim” addition to the iPhone 17 series will measure a mere 5.5mm thick. The post further suggests that aside from the thinner profile, the iPhone 17 Air will share the same height and width dimensions as the iPhone 17 Pro.
At 5.5mm, the iPhone 17 Air is poised to become the thinnest phone on the market. Rumors place the thickness of Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge between 5.85mm and 6.4mm.
Exclusive revelation: The length, width, screen size, and bezel（same iPhone 16 Pro Max） of the iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 17 Pro Max are exactly the same.
Only the thickness is different. The iPhone 17 Air is 5.5mm thick, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max is 8.725mm thick. pic.twitter.com/YjcMFva5IW— ICE UNIVERSE (@UniverseIce) March 7, 2025
A New Contender for the Slimmest Smartphone Title
At MWC 2025, Tecno showcased the Spark Slim, a sleek smartphone boasting a 5.7mm profile and impressive battery capacity. However, if the leaks are accurate, the iPhone 17 Air will surpass it as the slimmest phone available.
It’s important to note that Apple won’t be setting an all-time record for thinness. Chinese manufacturer Gionee previously released smartphones measuring 5.5mm and 5.1mm thick. The Vivo X5 Max, launched in 2014, held the title at an astonishing 4.75mm, outdoing the Oppo R5 at the time.
Alleged render of the iPhone 17 Air in silver.
Potential Trade-offs for Ultra-Thin Design
Achieving such a slim profile in 2025 seemingly involves trade-offs. Renders suggest the iPhone 17 Air will feature a single rear camera, while competitors continue to offer dual-camera systems.
iDeviceHelp and I have been working on something special to share very soon.
Stay tuned! pic.twitter.com/n5AKqSOoWz
— Majin Bu (@MajinBuOfficial) March 6, 2025
Battery Technology and Other Features
According to industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone 17 Air will utilize a high-density battery to compensate for its smaller size. While technical details remain scarce, Apple might employ silicon carbon battery technology, which offers increased energy density without impacting fast charging or lifespan.
Apple could also incorporate the new battery packaging technology introduced with the iPhone 16, designed for easier repair and replacement. This technology utilizes a metallic shell and ionic liquid battery adhesive, separated through a process called electrically induced adhesive debonding.
Price and Positioning
The iPhone 17 Air will reportedly replace the outgoing “Plus” model. However, it may be priced higher than the current iPhone 16 Plus and potentially feature a variant of Apple’s new C1 modem, which debuted in the iPhone 16e.
Conclusion
The rumored iPhone 17 Air’s ultra-thin design could mark a significant shift in Apple’s hardware strategy. While the potential for the slimmest smartphone of 2025 is exciting, it remains to be seen how the company will balance thinness with other features and battery performance. The expected price point will also be a key factor in determining the iPhone 17 Air’s success.
