Unlike previous generations, the iPhone 16 series hasn’t exactly wowed us. However, all signs now point to something much more exciting later this year. A recent rumor suggests that one of the standout devices could be the iPhone 17 Air, sparking hope for a more impressive release.
Bloomberg reports that the upcoming iPhone 17 series will include a much thinner model, the iPhone 17 Air. This new version will likely be around 2 millimeters slimmer than the other models in the lineup, making it a more streamlined option.
The idea of a thinner iPhone isn’t exactly new, as we’ve seen hints of a slimmer design over the past few years. However, this time it seems Apple is more confident about releasing such a model. According to the same report, the iPhone 17 Air will also serve as a testing ground for some of Apple’s future plans, including an in-house modem.
What’s even more interesting is that the thinner iPhone could also be a test for Apple’s readiness to release a foldable iPhone. After all, foldable phones today rely on thinner panels, and despite their growing popularity, Apple has yet to release its own version. Some forecasts suggest that the iPhone 17 Air could be the first step toward bringing a foldable iPhone to market.
Whether or not the 17 Air turns out to be real, it’s clear that Apple is likely focusing on improving hardware this year. Last year, the company placed a lot of emphasis on Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI-powered features that still haven’t fully come to life. This time around, we can expect them to prioritize hardware enhancements.
