Currently, most speculation surrounds Apple’s anticipated release of a new ultra-slim iPhone later this year, likely to be named the iPhone 17 Air. The objective is to introduce a fresh design that enhances its market allure. However, will the iPhone 17 Air genuinely entice consumers to make the switch?
Insights from iPhone 17 Air Rumors
Apple aims for the iPhone 17 Air to become the slimmest iPhone in its history, currently held by the iPhone 6 at 6.9 millimeters thick. The goal for the iPhone Air is a remarkable thickness of only 5.5 millimeters. Such a slender design would undeniably be noteworthy, but it also carries several trade-offs.
The iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature a single-lens rear camera, mirroring the recently launched iPhone 16e. Unlike the entry-level iPhone 16e, however, the Air will be positioned as a premium device akin to the Pro models. Nevertheless, while Pro models boast three rear cameras and a more robust chip, the iPhone 17 Air will not.
Purchasers of the Air model will forgo ultra-wide and telephoto lenses for optical zoom. Reports indicate that the iPhone 17 Air will be equipped with the same A19 chip as the standard iPhone 17, along with 8GB of RAM, contrasting with the Pro variants that will feature extra GPU cores and 12GB of RAM, making them better suited for future AI applications.
The new ultra-slim iPhone is rumored to sport a 6.6-inch OLED display. While this makes it larger than the iPhone 16 Pro, it remains smaller than the Pro Max models, which may disappoint fans of larger screens. Although there are whispers about the non-Pro models receiving displays with enhanced refresh rates this year, Apple might settle for 90Hz instead of the anticipated 120Hz.
Potential Shortcomings of the iPhone 17 Air
Considering these factors, the iPhone 17 Air may not achieve the level of success that some anticipate. Certainly, there will be enthusiasts eager to experience an ultra-thin iPhone that feels innovative and distinct. However, this model will face significant competition within the broader iPhone lineup.
While the exact pricing for the new iPhones remains unclear, analysts predict that the iPhone 17 Air will fall between the base iPhone 17 and the smaller iPhone 17 Pro, effectively taking the place of the current Plus model.
As it stands, the iPhone lineup consists of the following models and their respective prices:
The iPhone Plus has struggled to find traction in its market segment. The first iteration, the iPhone 14 Plus released in 2022, has not been a bestseller. A CIRP report indicated that the iPhone 16 Plus made up a meager 13% of iPhone 16 sales.
Traditionally, the Pro Max models are favored by customers despite their higher price points. For many, choosing the most expensive iPhone that encompasses all the latest features is a logical decision, provided they can afford it. Conversely, budget-conscious consumers often select the more affordable base model.
Even with a completely new design, the iPhone 17 Air will likely carry a higher price than the base variant but will offer fewer features compared to the rest of the lineup. It is challenging to envision Pro customers sacrificing their current advantages for a thinner device, while budget-minded users are unlikely to hesitate when it comes to opting for the less costly option.
Ultimately, it appears that Apple may introduce another iPhone that generates intrigue on paper but may not become the top seller.
What do you think? Would you consider purchasing an iPhone 17 Air? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
