iPhone 17 Air launching next month: Price, display, processor, battery and more

The anticipation surrounding Apple's iPhone 17 series is building as the company prepares for a global launch event next month. Although the exact date of the unveiling remains under wraps, key details about the new devices have surfaced, particularly regarding the iPhone 17 Air—a model that will take over from the Plus variant. The iPhone 17 Air is designed to be the lightest and thinnest iPhone yet, positioning it as a direct competitor to Samsung's S25 Edge. According to leaks, this innovative device is expected to feature a 6.6-inch ProMotion 120Hz LTPO AMOLED display, making it only slightly smaller than the previous year's iPhone 16 Plus. Initial plans for a larger 6.9-inch screen were reportedly scrapped to mitigate potential bending issues. In a notable design change, the front camera is likely to be relocated to the left side of the Dynamic Island, differing from its position in the iPhone 16 series. Additionally, the camera island on the iPhone 17 Air is expected to adopt a horizontal layout, distinguishing it from the configurations seen in the iPhone 17 Pro models. There has been some inconsistency in reported thickness, with rumors suggesting the iPhone 17 Air could measure either around 5.5mm or 6mm. Industry expert Mark Gurman from Bloomberg has indicated a possible reduction in thickness by 2mm compared to the current iPhone 16 Pro. Available in four color options—black, white, light gold, and light blue—the iPhone 17 Air is anticipated to include features such as the Camera Control and Action Button, akin to the iPhone 16 series, along with support for MagSafe charging. As for its processing power, speculation surrounds whether the device will utilize the A19 Pro or the standard A19 chip. It's also possible that it might incorporate a version of the A19 Pro with fewer GPU cores than the Pro models. Expected to sport 12GB of RAM, the iPhone 17 Air may also utilize vapour chambers to manage heat effectively, allowing for sustained performance during demanding tasks. While other models in the iPhone 17 series may rely on Qualcomm chips, the iPhone 17 Air is likely to feature Apple's in-house 5G modem, which could deliver download speeds of up to 4Gbps. The camera setup is projected to consist of a single 48MP wide-angle sensor, similar to the iPhone 16 series, which may limit its ability to capture spatial images unless enhanced by software updates. A new 24MP front-facing camera is also expected to improve image quality, offering better cropping capabilities without significant loss. Battery rumors suggest the iPhone 17 Air could come equipped with either a 2,800mAh or 2,900mAh battery, potentially resulting in shorter battery life compared to other models in the series. Reports indicate that a majority of users may achieve full-day usage without charging, although this figure is lower than that of other iPhone 17 variants. Pricing for the base model is rumored to start at $899, matching last year's iPhone 16 Plus. However, fluctuations in component costs and tariffs could alter this figure as the launch date approaches. Stay tuned for more updates as the launch event draws nearer.