Since rumors circulated about Apple releasing an ultra-slim iPhone, many assumed it would come at a price.
However, recent reports suggest that the iPhone 17 Air may not impose an "innovation tax" at all.
According to Bloomberg, the upcoming device is expected to launch at around $900—the same price as the iPhone 16 Plus, which will replace it in Apple's lineup.
A Slim Phone with a Balanced Package
The iPhone 17 Air is shaping up to be an interesting mix of upgrades and trade-offs. On the bright side, it is expected to feature a 6.6-inch display equipped with ProMotion technology, previously reserved for Apple's premium Pro models. This means users can enjoy a smoother 120Hz refresh rate, making interactions more fluid and visually appealing.
Despite its slim profile, Apple has retained the Camera Control button, a handy addition introduced in previous models. The most surprising revelation, however, is the battery life. Although the device will have a smaller battery, Bloomberg reports that its per-charge endurance will be "on par with current iPhones."
The Sacrifices Behind the Slim Design
While the iPhone 17 Air includes some intriguing features, obtaining its ultra-thin form factor has required some compromises. The most prominent feature is its camera hardware.
Unlike the Pro models, which feature multiple sensors, the iPhone 17 Air will apparently have only one 48-megapixel rear camera, the same sensor seen in the $599 iPhone 16e.
Under the hood, the smartphone will run on Apple's new A19 silicon, while the Pro models will feature a more powerful A19 Pro chip. Additionally, Apple is going all in on eSIM technology by completely removing the physical SIM tray from this model.
The in-house C1 modem, first seen in the iPhone 16e, will also be used in the iPhone 17 Air; however, it lacks support for mmWave 5G, limiting its high-speed connectivity options.
Competition in the Ultra-Slim Space
Apple isn't alone in the race for thinner smartphones. Samsung is expected to introduce the Galaxy S25 Edge in the following months. With more brands entering this space, the ultra-slim smartphone trend is gaining momentum.