Ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air replacing Plus Model with a sleek new design

Apple is set to revolutionise its iPhone lineup with the introduction of the iPhone 17 Air, a brand-new model that will replace the Plus variant. This ultra-thin device is designed to appeal to both Pro and non-Pro users with its premium features and sleek design.

The iPhone 17 Air will be Apple’s thinnest iPhone to date, taking inspiration from the M4 iPad Pro. According to leaks, its slimmest part will measure just 5.5mm, making it significantly thinner than the iPhone 16 Pro (8.25mm) and the iPhone 16 (7.8mm). The design will feature a camera bar at the top, likely protruding slightly despite the ultra-slim profile.

Apple is introducing a 6.6-inch display for the iPhone 17 Air, positioning it between the 6.3-inch iPhone 17 Pro and the 6.9-inch iPhone 17 Pro Max. This screen size aims to cater to users who want a larger display without the bulk of the Pro Max model.

For the first time, Always-On Display and high refresh rate technology will be available on a non-Pro iPhone. While Apple is expected to limit the refresh rate to 90Hz, it is still a significant upgrade from previous base models, though the 120Hz ProMotion feature will remain exclusive to Pro models.

The iPhone 17 Air will be powered by the A19 chip, while the Pro models will feature the A19 Pro. Although there will be some performance differences, the A19 is expected to deliver powerful AI capabilities, improved gaming performance, and seamless multitasking.

Notably, the iPhone 17 Air will feature a single rear camera, a departure from the dual-camera setup of previous non-Pro models. The camera bar design hints at possible new camera technology or enhanced image processing capabilities. Apple is also making a major leap in selfie technology, upgrading the front-facing camera from 12MP to 24MP, a significant boost for selfies, video calls, and content creation.

Another major change is the introduction of Apple’s first-ever in-house 5G modem, replacing Qualcomm’s chips. While Apple’s modem may not match Qualcomm’s latest offerings in raw speed, the company’s signature hardware-software optimization is expected to improve battery efficiency and network reliability.

With its ultra-thin design, powerful A19 chip, improved cameras, and enhanced display, the iPhone 17 Air could become one of the most compelling non-Pro iPhones ever released. Apple’s move to shake up its lineup by replacing the Plus model with this sleek new variant suggests a fresh direction for future iPhone designs.