Apple is reportedly working on a new “iPhone 17 Air” model for its 2025 lineup. However, the company is facing challenges in making the device as thin as planned. Sources say that Apple wants to use a 6mm-thick battery in the iPhone 17 Air.
This would limit how thin the overall device can be once all the other necessary components are included. The thinnest iPhone so far was the iPhone 6 at 6.9mm thick. If the rumors are true, the iPhone 17 Air may not be much thinner than that.
It’s important to take these early rumors with a grain of salt, especially nearly a year before the iPhone 17’s expected release. But if accurate, some may find the new slim iPhone less impressive than hoped. Apple is also said to be working on a radical redesign for the iPhone 17 family.
The rumored iPhone Slim could replace the larger iPhone Plus model. CEO Tim Cook and his team want the iPhone 17 Slim to be the thinnest iPhone ever. They hope this will help it stand out against bigger flagship phones from competitors.
However, a key component needed for a slimmer design might not be ready in time for 2025.
This could force Apple to delay the release or make compromises on the specs or size of the new phone.
Apple has kept a fairly consistent iPhone design in recent years, with only small size reductions. Prioritizing a very slim design will bring added engineering challenges beyond the usual annual upgrades. There are also questions about whether there is strong demand for a thinner iPhone.
Apple’s fourth iPhone model, whether the Mini or Plus, has struggled with poor sales. Will the Slim break this trend or face the same fate? Given the limitations with the battery size, Apple has a few options for the iPhone 17 Slim, each with downsides:
- Reduce battery capacity, hurting battery life and long-term health
2. Use exotic materials for a thinner chassis, potentially making it more fragile
3. Simplify the display, which could lower display quality and appeal
The iPhone 17 Slim has the potential to shake up the predictable iPhone lineup.
But the tradeoffs required could be controversial among Apple’s user base. Apple typically launches new iPhones in early September. It remains to be seen if the iPhone 17 Slim will be part of that or saved for a separate release.
Apple has occasionally done separate launches in the past.
