A new rumor from Korea tempers expectations regarding the thinness of the next iPhone 17 Air, which will supposedly be the thinnest in the series.
According to the “oeils1122” account on the Naver platform, citing industrial sources, Apple is encountering technical difficulties in its quest for an ultra-thin iPhone. So the next iPhone 17 Air could well be a little thicker than expected.
The main obstacle lies in the manufacture of the battery. The Cupertino giant initially aimed at using a thinner substrate for the battery, but technical constraints and above all production costs that are too high would force the company to revert to its existing technology.
iPhone 17 Air battery should make it thicker
This technical limitation would have direct repercussions on the final thickness of the device. According to available information, iPhone 17 Air battery reportedly measures around 6mm thickmeaning the entire device would necessarily be thicker. To put these dimensions into perspective, remember that the iPhone 6, released in 2014, measured 6.9 mm thick, remaining to this day the thinnest iPhone ever released.
The iPhone 16 Plus, which the Air model should replace in the range, is currently 7.8 mm thick. This new version, despite its initial ambitions, may therefore not represent a real revolution in terms of finesse. Especially if it is ultimately not the thinnest smartphone ever marketed by the Apple brand.
Scheduled for fall 2025, the iPhone 17 Air should nevertheless integrate several technological innovations, including the A19 chip, a ProMotion screen capable of reaching a refresh rate of 120 Hz, and a unique rear camera. Apple is reportedly considering positioning this model as a premium option in its non-Pro lineupwith a price tag of around $1,299, which would make it the most expensive iPhone to date.
This strategy is part of a context where Apple is seeking to revitalize its sales after the mixed performance of the iPhone mini and Plus of previous generations. Despite its technical characteristics inferior to the Pro models (which should benefit from 12 GB of RAM and three 48 MP photo sensors), the iPhone 17 Air would rely on its distinctive design to attract consumers.
