This autumn, Apple is introducing an exciting addition to its iPhone range: the iPhone 17 Air. The company will retire the Plus variant in favor of this new model that features a distinct form factor, which may attract many Pro users. Below are seven notable features of the iPhone 17 Air.
Sleek Ultra-thin Design
Following the lead set by Apple’s M4 iPad Pro, the hallmark of the iPhone 17 Air will be its slender profile.
While various reports have speculated on the precise dimensions, Ming-Chi Kuo recently indicated that the thinnest part will measure just 5.5mm, excluding the upper camera bar.
This marks a significant decrease compared to the current iPhone models, as the 16 Pro versions are 8.25mm thick, while the standard 16 and 16 Plus are measured at 7.8mm.
The slimmest iPhone to date was the iPhone 6, which was still thicker at 6.9mm.
Innovative 6.6-inch Display
Aside from its slim profile, the iPhone 17 Air will feature a unique display that balances the sizes currently available in the iPhone line.
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will include displays of 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, respectively—continuing the trend established with the iPhone 16 lineup.
In contrast, the iPhone 17 Air will fall perfectly in the middle with a 6.6-inch display. The Air’s ultra-slim form may satisfy both current Pro users and Pro Max enthusiasts.
Always-On and High Refresh Rate Capabilities
Since 2022, one of the major distinctions between Apple’s standard and Pro models has involved two display features:
- The Pro models include an Always-On display.
- They also support a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate.
These features are ones that, once experienced, many find essential.
Fortunately, for the first time, both the Always-On display and a variant of ProMotion are likely to be included in the base iPhone 17 and 17 Air.
The term ‘variant’ suggests there have been rumors surrounding a potential 90Hz refresh rate display being developed by Apple. No authoritative sources have confirmed this feature for the 17 Air, leading to the possibility of the full 120Hz ProMotion being integrated. However, if Apple aims to enhance the iPhone displays while maintaining premium tech for the Pro models, it’s reasonable to expect 90Hz on the 17 and 17 Air.
A19 Processor
As with the iPhone 16 models, Apple intends to introduce two completely new chips for the iPhone 17 series.
The standard 17 and 17 Air will be equipped with the A19 chip, while the 17 Pro and Pro Max will benefit from the A19 Pro.
The difference in performance between the two chips is expected to be minimal for day-to-day usage, as the A19 chip will remain a strong performer for AI tasks, gaming, and more. However, the 17 Air’s processor may be slightly less powerful in comparison to the A19 Pro.
Single 48MP Rear Camera with ‘Bar’ Design
As shown in the leaked image above, the iPhone 17 Air is set to diverge significantly from its counterparts in terms of camera specifications.
While the 17 Pro series will continue to feature three rear cameras and the base model two, the 17 Air will offer only one: the main 48MP ‘Fusion’ camera.
Information regarding this camera’s functionalities has been scarce, suggesting it may closely resemble the existing main camera found in the iPhone 16 line.
Nonetheless, the exact advantages of the ‘camera bar’ design for the 17 Air remain uncertain, which could lead to unexpected enhancements.
Enhanced 24MP Front Camera
The current iPhone selfie camera is limited to 12MP, resulting in noticeably lower quality than the rear cameras.
Thankfully, Apple is expected to upgrade the front camera to a more impressive 24MP across all iPhone 17 models.
While the upgraded front camera may still not reach the quality of its rear counterpart, it should significantly improve performance.
Apple’s Proprietary 5G Modem
Lastly, the iPhone 17 Air will feature a connectivity upgrade that is exclusive to this model.
Apple’s long-anticipated in-house 5G modem, which has been in development for several years, is set to debut with the iPhone 17 Air.
This new modem will initially appear in the iPhone SE 4 in the spring, but will also be included in the 17 Air.
While it may not match the performance of the current Qualcomm 5G modem, Apple’s integration of hardware and software could offer unique advantages that make up for any shortcomings.
iPhone 17 Air Features Summary
The iPhone 17 Air is poised to be the most exciting fourth model in Apple’s series to date. While the iPhone mini and Plus appealed to specific audiences, the 17 Air is set to redefine the future of iPhone design. This fall will be particularly thrilling for iPhone enthusiasts.
Which feature of the iPhone 17 Air excites you the most? Are you planning to purchase this new model? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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