Apple has an exciting product launch schedule for 2025, featuring the incredibly slim iPhone 17 Air as one of its highlights. A recent speculation has sparked my interest in a feature reminiscent of the MacBook Air that could truly capture my attention.
Envisioning iPhone 17 Air’s Thickness
For some time now, rumors have suggested that Apple plans to replace the ‘Plus’ variant in the 2025 lineup with an ultra-svelte new model.
Initially, many dubbed this device the ‘iPhone Slim,’ but the term ‘iPhone 17 Air’ has gained traction as the widely accepted name.
Numerous reports have attempted to clarify just how thin this new iPhone will be. Recently, the consensus has pointed to a thickness of approximately 6.25mm, making it about 25% slimmer than the Pro variants.
However, last week, Ming-Chi Kuo dropped a surprising detail.
He mentioned that the 17 Air would be even sleeker, with “the thinnest point measuring around 5.5mm.”
Two aspects were particularly noteworthy: the 5.5mm figure itself, and the allusion to the iPhone’s ‘thinnest point.’
This phrase immediately raised questions about a potential tapered design for the device, reminiscent of the iconic MacBook Air aesthetic.
5.5mm represents a significant reduction from prior estimates.
Nevertheless, this rumor seems plausible if the tapered design allows the 17 Air to be thinner in some areas while being slightly thicker in others.
The Advantages of a Tapered iPhone 17 Air Design
The beloved wedge shape of the MacBook Air is cherished by many. Personally, I am a fan, as the more contemporary redesign introduced by the M2 models lacks the same appeal.
Implementing a tapered design for the iPhone 17 Air would not only pay homage to Apple’s inaugural ‘Air’ product but could also alleviate one of my main concerns: screen size.
I currently opt for Apple’s smaller ‘Pro’ size iPhone and have favored that for years. I even had an iPhone mini at one point and enjoyed the experience.
One feature I hope the 17 Air will deliver is making a larger display more user-friendly for me.
My preference for the smaller Pro size stems entirely from my desire for one-handed usability. The Pro Max model complicates that.
This year’s flagship iPhones are expected to feature the following display dimensions:
- iPhone 17 Pro: 6.3-inch
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: 6.9-inch
- iPhone 17 Air: 6.6-inch
The 17 Air is positioned between the two Pro models, potentially providing an ideal size for many users.
I hope that the 17 Air’s thinner and lighter frame will enhance its suitability for one-handed operation—despite the larger display.
A tapered design would surely facilitate this for Apple.
If the bottom half of the 17 Air—where my hand typically rests—could be its slimmest aspect, this design should help mitigate the challenges posed by a larger screen.
In simpler terms, it might deliver a more expansive display without the bulkiness associated with the Pro Max model. That would likely convince me to choose it over the 17 Pro line.
What are your thoughts on the possibility of a tapered design for the iPhone 17 Air? Share your opinions in the comments.
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