The iPhone 17 Air has reportedly progressed to the new product introduction (NPI) stage, marking its initial phase towards production of this ultra-slim model.
It is believed that Apple is focusing on achieving an elegant design for this upcoming device, which is likely to become the priciest option in the iPhone 17 lineup…
Anticipations for the iPhone 17 Air
Each year, Apple has maintained a consistent trio of iPhone models:
- The iPhone n
- The iPhone n Pro
- The iPhone n Pro Max
In the past, the company has experimented with adding a fourth model – both a mini and a Plus variant. The mini was designed for more compact usage, while the Plus featured a standard iPhone with an expanded display.
For the upcoming year, we anticipate Apple’s new strategy with the iPhone 17 Air. This model is expected to have a display size comparable to that of the iPhone 16 Plus, but is projected to be significantly thinner. Reports suggest that it could be Apple’s slimmest iPhone yet, measuring approximately 6mm thick, which is 25% thinner than the standard variant.
In terms of specifications, it is expected to align more closely with the base model as opposed to the Pro variant, featuring a single camera. Nevertheless, indications suggest it may carry the highest price tag in the lineup, as Apple seems to be banking on consumer appeal for its sleek design.
This initiative could be a preliminary step towards the introduction of a slimmer design ethos that Apple intends to implement across all future models.
iPhone 17 Air Advances to NPI Phase
Digitimes has reported that the forthcoming model has reached the initial phase of manufacturing: the new product introduction (NPI) stage.
At this point, Apple collaborates with its suppliers to evaluate the manufacturing viability of the proposed design. Apple’s product engineers partner with Foxconn’s production engineers to determine the necessary manufacturing methods for assembling the device and to verify the practicality of the planned approaches. Typically, minor adjustments to the product design may occur at this stage to ensure alignment with manufacturing capabilities.
The NPI phase will be succeeded by the establishment of a small-scale test production line to verify the coherence between manufacturing theory and actual practice.
Image: Michael Bower/DMN
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