Prime Highlights:
Apple is reportedly planning to introduce a new iPhone model, the iPhone 17 Air, as part of its upcoming major iPhone upgrade.
The iPhone 17 Air will feature Apple’s first in-house modem, which is also expected to debut in the new iPhone SE in the spring.
The iPhone 17 Air will be Apple’s thinnest smartphone to date, measuring two millimeters thinner than current iPhone models.
Key Background:
Apple is reportedly preparing to expand its iPhone lineup with a new model, the iPhone 17 Air, which could debut as part of the company’s upcoming major iPhone upgrade. This news comes from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who highlights the potential of the new iPhone Air to fit seamlessly into Apple’s broader product strategy.
The iPhone 17 Air is expected to incorporate a number of innovative features, including the introduction of Apple’s first in-house modem. This modem will reportedly make its initial appearance in the forthcoming iPhone SE, slated for release in the spring. The inclusion of Apple’s custom-built modem represents a significant step toward greater hardware integration, aligning with the company’s efforts to reduce its reliance on external suppliers.
One of the most notable design features of the iPhone 17 Air is its thinness. According to Gurman, the device will be Apple’s thinnest smartphone to date, measuring two millimeters slimmer than current iPhone models. This ultra-thin design positions the iPhone 17 Air as a potential precursor to the foldable iPhone and iPad that Apple is said to be developing, with a possible release timeline extending to 2026 or beyond.
The introduction of the iPhone 17 Air marks a strategic expansion of Apple’s product lineup, leveraging the success of the “Air” branding seen with the company’s MacBook and iPad models. This new model could appeal to consumers seeking a more compact and sleek design compared to the iPhone Plus or mini versions, offering an attractive alternative for those who prioritize portability and aesthetics.
In addition to the iPhone 17 Air, Gurman also discussed other Apple products expected to launch in 2025, including a new smart home hub. However, he notes that the much-anticipated next iteration of Apple’s mixed-reality headset, the Vision Pro, is not expected to be part of this launch cycle. As Apple continues to innovate and refine its lineup, the iPhone 17 Air may represent a significant step forward in the company’s vision for the future of smartphones, with thinner, more powerful devices at the forefront of its strategy.
