TECH – Apple is reportedly planning to introduce a new model in its upcoming iPhone lineup—the iPhone 17 Air—which is expected to feature an ultra-thin design. According to reports, Apple initially considered removing the charging port entirely to achieve a slimmer profile without compromising battery life. However, this plan was reconsidered due to European Union regulations mandating USB-C support.
Despite this, the concept of a portless iPhone has not been entirely abandoned. Apple is said to be exploring this design for future smartphones, potentially relying solely on wireless charging and cloud-based data transfer. This approach aligns with Apple’s history of eliminating physical ports, such as the removal of the 3.5mm audio jack starting with the iPhone 7 in 2015—a move that set a trend followed by other smartphone manufacturers.
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The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to launch in September alongside other iPhone 17 models. It is expected to feature a 6.6-inch display with 120Hz ProMotion technology, Dynamic Island, an A19 chipset, a single 48MP camera, and the absence of a SIM card slot. The device’s thickness is reported to be 5.5mm, making it significantly thinner than previous models. suggest that the iPhone 17 Air’s ultra-thin design makes other iPhone models appear bulky in comparison. The device is expected to have slim bezels, a Dynamic Island cutout, and a Camera Control button. While it will include a 120Hz ProMotion display, it may come with the standard A19 chip instead of the A19 Pro. The iPhone 17 Air is anticipated to be priced around $900 and promises battery life comparable to other iPhones despite its slim design.
However, not all reactions have been positive. Some fans have criticized the new design, particularly the camera layout, labeling it as potentially the “ugliest in history.” Leaked photos show different camera configurations, and the thinner model, rumored to be called the iPhone Air, stands out as a significant departure from previous designs. This model, just 5.5mm thick, is designed to be ultra-light and features an Action Button replacing the Ring/Mute switch—a significant change from previous models.
The iPhone 17 Air’s design represents a bold step towards a portless future, reflecting Apple’s ongoing commitment to innovation and minimalist aesthetics. As with previous design changes, consumer reception will ultimately determine the success of this new approach.
