The upcoming iPhone 17 range, including a new iPhone SE with Face ID, is set to be significantly thinner and will showcase a new in-house modem. Reports suggest that the iPhone 17 Air will be approximately 25% thinner than current models, making it the slimmest iPhone ever. According to 9to5Mac, the Air will be around 2 millimeters thinner than the iPhone 16 Pro, suggesting a thickness of roughly 6.25mm.
iPhone 17 Air: New design promises thinner, lighter profile
The anticipated iPhone 17 Air will focus heavily on design, featuring a single rear camera instead of the dual or triple-lens setups found on the standard and Pro models. This model is considered a significant selling point, given its expected higher price compared to the iPhone SE while not being a top-tier product. The report indicates that the iPhone 17 Air will likely incorporate a 48-megapixel camera, aligning it closer in specifications to the more affordable iPhone SE, which could also feature the same camera.
The phone’s new lightweight design could be achieved with aluminum construction, making it remarkably light and stylish in hand. The key to this reduced thickness lies in the new modem designed by Apple, which is said to facilitate a slimmer profile while still accommodating essential components such as the battery, display, and camera. Mark Gurman from Bloomberg reported that this in-house modem system, code-named Sinope, is set to debut with the new iPhone SE, aligning with its expected release next spring.
- Thinness: The iPhone 17 Air could be as thin as 6.25mm.
- Camera: It will likely feature a 48-megapixel rear camera.
- Weight: Aluminum construction may make it notably lighter.
- Modem: The in-house modem will enable a thinner design.
Initial prototypes of Apple’s modem reportedly faced several challenges such as being too large and insufficiently power-efficient. However, with changes in development practices, including hiring engineers from Qualcomm, Apple is now reportedly confident that its modem will meet design requirements.
Performance and specifications of the new modem
The iPhone 17 Air will feature a modem that is expected to deliver download speeds capped at about 4 gigabits per second, slightly less potent than the non-mmWave Qualcomm alternatives. Nevertheless, Gurman notes that real-world uses may present negligible differences to the average user. The integration of this modem may also allow for potential future designs, including foldable devices, as Apple continues to explore innovative form factors.
Expected specifications of the iPhone 17 Air include a 6.6-inch display complemented by the single rear camera setup. Its thinner profile may redefine user expectations for smartphone design, particularly as Apple emphasizes this model’s aesthetic qualities. This strategic pivot toward design elements may supplement the overall experience as the iPhone 17 line evolves.
With the iPhone 16 Pro measured at 8.25mm thick, the forthcoming model speaks to a potential shift in consumer preferences toward sleeker forms without compromising functionality. As reported, the Air is set to provide a stylish yet practical alternative within the broader iPhone lineup.
Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Ideogram
