Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 lineup is stirring up excitement, with a rumored new model that could change the game: the iPhone 17 Air. Expected to debut alongside iOS 26 this September, the iPhone 17 Air is rumored to replace the Plus version we’ve seen in recent years. 
But it’s not just a rebranding-Apple might have something truly revolutionary on its hands.
Here’s why the iPhone 17 Air could stand out:
1. Apple’s Slimmest iPhone Yet
Rumors suggest that the iPhone 17 Air could be the thinnest iPhone Apple has ever made, coming in at just 5.5mm thick. While that doesn’t include the camera bump, this could still result in an incredibly slim device, making it feel ultra-premium in the hand.
2. A Lightweight Build
Not only will it be thin, but reports also indicate that the iPhone 17 Air will weigh just 145 grams-lighter than the iPhone SE 2 and close to the weight of the iPhone 13 mini. This balance of size and weight could make it an appealing option for those who want a larger screen without sacrificing portability.
3. Titanium-Aluminum Alloy Frame
To keep the weight down and maintain durability, Apple may use a new titanium-aluminum alloy frame. It’s believed to contain more titanium than what is used in the Pro models, with a unique design featuring a “glass section” around the Apple logo embedded into a metal chassis.
4. Stunning 6.6-inch OLED Display
The iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature a 6.6-inch OLED display, perfectly sized between the regular iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Moreover, Apple might extend 120Hz ProMotion tech across the entire iPhone 17 lineup, ensuring smoother scrolling and more fluid animations for everyone.
5. A Single, Powerful Camera
While the iPhone 17 Air will likely only have one rear camera, it’s expected to be a powerful 48 MP Wide lens-the same camera found in the iPhone 16 series. This should still deliver high-quality photos, even without multiple lenses.
6. A Game-Changing 24 MP Selfie Camera
Selfie enthusiasts will appreciate the boost to a 24 MP front camera, doubling the resolution of the previous 12 MP lens. This upgrade will mean sharper selfies and better video calls, even in low-light conditions.
7. Advanced Battery Tech
Apple might be leveraging silicon-anode battery technology in the iPhone 17 Air to ensure better energy density despite the device’s thinner design. Combined with more efficient chips and software improvements, this could result in decent battery life.
8. eSIM-Only Design
To maintain its ultra-slim profile, the iPhone 17 Air could ditch the physical SIM tray and rely solely on eSIM. While this isn’t new for iPhones in the US, it could be a necessity for the Air’s slim form factor.
9. Custom C1 Modem for Improved Connectivity
Expect faster, more efficient 5G performance with Apple’s in-house C1 modem, which could reduce reliance on third-party suppliers like Qualcomm.
10. Powered by the A19 Chip
The iPhone 17 Air will likely run on the A19 chip, offering improved speed, efficiency, and AI processing. Additionally, it may come with 12 GB of RAM, matching the Pro models and ensuring smooth multitasking and gaming.