Is thinness worth it? The new image of the iPhone 17 Air makes us worry about the specs

The iPhone 17 Air, nearly half the thickness of the iPhone 17 Pro, suggests potential compromises in specifications.

3D Render Comparison: iPhone 17 Pro (Left) vs. iPhone 17 Air (Right). Image Credit: Majin Bu.

The tech world is buzzing, and it's all about Apple's potential next surprise: a significantly thinner iPhone 17 Air. As we inch closer to the anticipated September unveiling alongside the flagship iPhone 17 launch, leaks are flooding the internet. A recent image, circulating widely, compares the iPhone 17 Air to the iPhone 17 Pro, highlighting its remarkably sleek and slender design.

Credible leaker Majin Bu, known for accurate insights, has shared what appear to be 3D-printed CAD renders of the upcoming iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 17 Pro. The image reveals a dramatic reduction in thickness for the iPhone 17 Air, almost half that of the iPhone 17 Pro. This aligns with previous dummy model leaks of the entire iPhone 17 series, which also hinted at significant design changes and a thinner iPhone 17 Air featuring a single rear camera. While this latest image primarily focuses on thinness, it leaves other design elements to speculation.

Previous reports suggest the new iPhone 17 Air could boast a thickness of around 5.5mm, a notable decrease compared to its predecessors. Conversely, rumors indicate the iPhone 17 Pro might see an increase in thickness to approximately 8.72mm, up from the iPhone 16 Pro's 8.25mm.

However, a crucial question lingers among iPhone enthusiasts: Is Apple sacrificing essential specifications to achieve this "ultra-thin" title? The most apparent trade-off, as many have observed, is the single rear camera on the iPhone 17 Air. This move feels particularly risky considering competitor Samsung's rumored Galaxy S25 Edge, expected to be around 5.85mm thick with two cameras and a 4000mAh battery. Consequently, concerns about potential battery compromises in the iPhone 17 Air are also surfacing.

Another significant consideration for potential buyers is the anticipated price point for the iPhone 17 Air. Given that it's likely to be priced higher than the base iPhone 17 model, users are questioning the value proposition of opting for thinness over comprehensive specifications. The iPhone 17 Air's market dominance and unique selling points are, therefore, shrouded in uncertainty, especially as the ultra-thin mobile market remains largely unexplored by other major tech players.

It's crucial to remember that these are merely rumors, and the final product may differ significantly. As more details emerge, we will keep you informed.

We'd love to hear your thoughts on the potential success of the iPhone 17 Air. Would you consider purchasing it? Share your opinions in the comments section below.