Introduction
It hasn’t been long since the iPhone 16 launched, and yet we’re already hearing some exciting details about the upcoming iPhone 17 lineup. From the standard iPhone 17 to the premium iPhone 17 Pro and the rumored ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air, the buzz is undeniable. At Techgency, we’re all about staying ahead of the curve, bringing you the freshest insights on Apple’s next big release.
The iPhone 17 lineup promises to push boundaries, and the rumors so far have only fueled the anticipation. Let’s explore everything we know and what might be in store for Apple’s future flagship devices!
1. iPhone 17 Pro Design Changes
A Major Shift in Frame Material
We start with the iPhone 17 Pro. A new report from The Information (Wayne Ma) says the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max will have significant design changes in 2025. According to the report, the two flagship models will go back to an aluminum frame. The high-end iPhones typically had a stainless steel frame but recently moved to a titanium chassis with the iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro.
Back to Aluminum: What It Means for Users
This rumor claims that the entire 17 lineup will have an aluminum frame across the board, but you might not even notice it because most people have a case on their iPhone all the time. The rear of the 17 Pro is expected to feature a part aluminum, part glass design. The top half of the back will be aluminum, with a rectangular camera bump made of aluminum, while the bottom half will remain glass to preserve wireless charging.
2. Comparing the New iPhone Design
Pixel Pro-Like Design?
The new design is described as having a two-tone or two-material backside. It even reminds me of the Pixel Pro's rectangular camera design. Of course, there are no real images yet, but based on the description, that's the image I get in my head. However, this design could also affect the alignment for spatial video capture in landscape mode.
3. iPhone 17 Air: A Thinner iPhone
Introducing the iPhone 17 Air: Super Slim
There's also a report about Apple's rumored super-thin iPhone 17 Air. The community has embraced this new model, calling it the "iPhone 17 Air." The Air is expected to have a thickness between 5 and 6 mm, making it the thinnest iPhone ever. For reference, the iPhone 16 models are 7.8 mm thick, and the iPhone 16 Pro is 8.25 mm thick.
Apple’s Push for Thinness
The iPhone 17 Air could mark a trend toward thinner phones. We already saw Apple go for a thinner design with the latest iPad Pro at 5.9 mm thick. However, with this ultra-thin design, compromises are expected.
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| image by MacRumors |
4. Compromises of the iPhone 17 Air
No SIM Card Tray
The report says the iPhone 17 Air will not have a physical SIM card tray, which U.S. users are already accustomed to since the iPhone 14, though other countries still use them.
Mono Speaker Design
The iPhone 17 Air will reportedly only have one speaker at the top for the earpiece, with no bottom speaker. This means there will be no stereo sound, and while we take stereo sound for granted, you will miss it when it's gone.
New 5G Modem and Performance Considerations
The iPhone 17 Air will feature Apple's own 5G modem, which is smaller and more power-efficient than the Qualcomm modems in current iPhones. However, it won't support the faster millimeter-wave 5G, and its cellular data speeds may be slower compared to Qualcomm modems.
5. Battery Life and Performance
A Smaller Battery for a Thinner Phone
As expected with a thinner phone, the iPhone 17 Air will also have a smaller battery. Battery life may be closer to that of the iPhone 15 Pro, but with a more optimized battery. Early rumors suggest it will have a 6.6-inch display, an A19 chip, Face ID, Dynamic Island, and a single 48 MP rear camera with a 24 MP front-facing camera.
Not a Flagship Device
While the iPhone 17 Air will feature a slimmer design, it's clear this will not be a flagship phone feature-wise. It's more targeted at users who care about design and slimness.
6. iPhone 17 Air: A Design-First Device?
Love for Slim Phones, But Will It Be Practical?
As much as I love the idea of a slimmer phone, I wonder if I would really use a phone with fewer features. It’s going to be a design-first, feature-compromised phone compared to the Pro lineup.
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| image by Tom'sGuide |
7. Will the iPhone 17 Air Be a Hit?
Can It Compete with the iPhone Mini?
Apple may be looking for an in-between phone in their lineup, just like how the MacBook Air filled that role in the laptop market. The iPhone 17 Air could be Apple's answer, but could it see the same fate as the iPhone Mini?
8. Camera System in iPhone 17 Models
The Tetra Prism Camera System
Another report from The Elect suggests that the iPhone 17 Air will not include the TetraPrism camera system that gives the iPhone its 5x optical zoom. This feature will remain exclusive to the Pro models. While the iPhone 17 Air won’t have 5x optical zoom, it might still be capable of up to 3x optical zoom, like previous models without the prism system.
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| image by India Today |
9. Will the iPhone 17 Air Sacrifice Too Much?
Design vs. Functionality
With the Air being the thinnest iPhone, it’s a reminder of what you might lose when prioritizing design over features. The 5x optical zoom is a feature I really enjoy, but with the Air's slim design, we may lose out on that. It’s a trade-off between sleekness and functionality.
10. Battery Life Challenges and Potential Changes
Battery Performance Issues?
Reports indicate Apple is struggling to get good enough battery performance for the iPhone 17 Air. If this is true, Apple may increase the thickness of the Air to achieve better battery life.
SIM Card Tray Removal
As noted earlier, the iPhone 17 Air won’t have a SIM card tray, but it’s possible that Apple might remove the physical SIM card tray in more countries. The U.S. has already seen this with the iPhone 14, and other countries may follow suit.
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| image by JK Mobiles |
Conclusion
As you’ve noticed, much of this article focuses on the iPhone 17 Air—and that’s for a good reason. It’s a completely new addition to the iPhone lineup, offering a fresh perspective on design and functionality. However, I’ve also highlighted the major changes expected in the standard iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro models, ensuring the entire lineup gets attention.
Keep in mind, though, that we’re still in the realm of rumors, and full specifications for these phones haven’t been revealed yet. As more details emerge, we’ll gain a clearer picture of what Apple has in store for us.
