Apple iPhone 17 Air: What we know so far

Apple is set to release its slimmest iPhone ever with the iPhone 17 Air, leaks suggest this new model will introduce a significant redesign, offering a sleek and ultra-thin profile.

Latest leaks suggest that this model will be the thinnest iPhone ever, that features an ultra-lightweight design without compromising essential functionalities.

Launch and design expectations

Reports indicate that the iPhone 17 Air will be unveiled in September 2025 alongside the iPhone 17 series, with the launch window likely between September 11 and 13. Rumoured to be as thin as 5.5mm, the iPhone 17 Air will be considerably thinner than the 8.25mm iPhone 16 Pro. This could make it the most compact iPhone design to date.

Despite the slim profile, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature a 6.6-inch ProMotion OLED display, offering a 120Hz refresh rate and Always-On functionality. However, due to its compact size, the device might sacrifice a larger battery capacity and the inclusion of an ultrawide camera sensor.

Specifications and features

Under the hood, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to run on Apple's next-generation A19 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM. This combination is likely to optimise the device for Apple's new intelligence features, ensuring top-tier performance for multitasking and AI applications.

In terms of camera performance, the iPhone 17 Air will sport a 48MP primary sensor with 2x optical zoom. However, it’s anticipated that the device will not include an ultrawide lens, likely a result of its thin form factor. The power-efficient C1 modem will enhance battery life and connectivity performance, supporting the iPhone's smooth operation throughout the day.

Leaked renders and design mockups

The first glimpses of the iPhone 17 Air's design come from leaks and mockups circulating online. According to leaker Ice Universe, the device could feature a 6.9-inch display, placing it closer in size to the iPhone 17 Pro Max, rather than the previously expected 6.6-inch screen.

The iPhone 17 Air is expected to share dimensions—length, width, and screen size—with the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

A standout feature from the mockups is a Google Pixel-inspired camera bar that stretches horizontally across the back of the phone. It’s still unclear whether this bar will be purely aesthetic or functional, but its inclusion has raised curiosity.

The rear cameras themselves still appear to protrude from the bar, which may not completely resolve issues seen in earlier models, such as the iPhone 15 Pro’s wobbliness on flat surfaces.

In terms of overall design, these mockups reveal that the iPhone 17 Air will retain the button layout seen in current iPhone models, including the USB-C port and speaker holes on the bottom. Expect features like Face ID and Dynamic Island on the front.

While the official reveal is still months away, September 2025 will likely mark the unveiling of what could become one of the most popular models in Apple’s lineup.