Apple is rumored to be bringing big changes to its upcoming next-generation iPhone line. One innovation that has attracted attention is the presence of a new model called the iPhone 17 Air, which is said to have a much thinner body than previous iPhone models. - Apple is rumored to be working on the iPhone 17 Air Series
This model is expected to replace the iPhone Plus variant that has been part of the iPhone line. Rumors about the iPhone 17 Air have been widely circulating on the internet. Based on a report from The Information, the iPhone 17 Air prototype is only about 5 to 6 millimeters thick, making it the thinnest iPhone ever made.
Design and Feature Changes
In addition to eliminating the physical SIM card slot, the iPhone 17 Air is also rumored to not have a speaker at the bottom of the device. Instead, the phone will only feature a single speaker located at the top. Another major change is seen in the camera design. If the iPhone has been known for its camera module located in the upper left corner, the iPhone 17 Air will likely have a single camera placed at the top center of the device's back.
Thin Design Challenge
Retrieved from MacRumors (11/27/2024), Apple faced a major challenge in designing the iPhone 17 Air. With a very thin body, the company must ensure that the battery and other components remain adequate to support the device's performance. Apple still has time to perfect this design before starting mass production.
Other Models in iPhone 17 Series
Meanwhile, a report from The Elec mentions that the iPhone 17 Air and the regular iPhone 17 model will still sport dual cameras, as found on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus.
However, there are no significant upgrades to the camera specifications for either model. The periscope telephoto camera, which is a prominent feature on the Pro model, will not be available on either the iPhone 17 Air or the regular iPhone 17.
On the other hand, LG Innoteck, a supplier of camera parts for the iPhone, is reportedly increasing its production capacity to meet the needs of the iPhone 17 camera module. However, the detailed specifications of the camera have not been disclosed.
Why Apple is rumored to be working on an iPhone 17 Air Series
According to Mark Gurman, a journalist from Bloomberg who often provides leaks about Apple products, the presence of the iPhone 17 Air is Apple's attempt to present a fourth iPhone model that has its own charm. So far, Apple has struggled to create additional models that can compete with the regular, Pro, and Pro Max variants.
Previously, Apple had launched the iPhone Mini to meet market demand for smaller phones. However, sales of the iPhone Mini did not meet expectations, so Apple replaced it with the larger Plus model. Unfortunately, the iPhone Plus also failed to attract significant market interest. - Apple Rumored to Work on iPhone 17 Air Series
Also Read: Tips to overcome white screen iPhone 13 Pro
Gurman's Comments on the iPhone 17 Air
Gurman mentioned that the iPhone 17 Air was inspired by the success of the MacBook Air and iPad Air, which were designed for users with mid-specification needs. However, he is skeptical whether this strategy will be successfully applied to the iPhone. - Apple Rumored to be Working on iPhone 17 Air Series
"I'm worried that the iPhone Air will have the same fate as the iPhone Mini and Plus. In my opinion, the only truly interesting alternative is the folding iPhone," Gurman said, as quoted by Phone Arena. - Apple is rumored to be working on the iPhone 17 Air Series