Apple’s next big reveal is already generating buzz—and it’s not just about the usual specs bump.
Leaks are coming in hot for the iPhone 17 lineup, expected to drop in September 2025. While the standard iPhone 17 is sticking closer to Apple’s tried-and-tested formula, a new variant—iPhone 17 Air—is shaking things up. Lighter. Slimmer. And possibly the beginning of the end for the iPhone Plus.
iPhone 17 Air Could Be the Thinnest iPhone Ever
The biggest headline? The iPhone 17 Air might be just 2mm slimmer than the already sleek iPhone 16 Pro. That’s thinner than your average pencil line. It’s not just a diet—it’s a full redesign.
The rear camera module is getting a facelift too. Instead of Apple’s familiar diagonal or triangular bump, the Air model may feature a horizontal camera bar that runs edge-to-edge across the top. Kind of like what Pixel phones have done—but Apple-style.
Meanwhile, the regular iPhone 17? Expect a dual-camera pill-shaped setup, which feels a bit more 2023 than 2025, honestly.
Display Sizes and Refresh Rates Get a Welcome Upgrade
Here’s where it gets exciting for non-Pro buyers: both the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air are expected to ship with 120Hz ProMotion displays.
Until now, this buttery-smooth refresh rate was locked behind Apple’s “Pro” paywall. But if the rumors are real, Apple’s ready to make that feature more mainstream.
Screen sizes?
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iPhone 17: ~6.3-inch display
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iPhone 17 Air: ~6.6-inch display
No word yet on whether Dynamic Island will remain standard, or if Apple’s moving toward something even sleeker like under-display Face ID. Fingers crossed.
A19 Chip, Vapor Cooling, and Performance Leaps
Under the hood, both phones will reportedly feature Apple’s next-gen A19 chip, paired with 8GB RAM.
That’s a bump from the 6GB RAM seen in the iPhone 15 and some 16 models. More memory means better multitasking and future-proofing. And if Apple’s past chips are any clue, the A19 will probably torch the competition in synthetic benchmarks.
Apple is apparently testing a new vapor chamber cooling system, something more common in gaming phones. If true, this could help with thermal throttling during long 4K video shoots or intensive gaming sessions.
Global Pricing Expectations
Apple hasn’t revealed pricing yet (of course), but industry insiders are starting to float numbers.
Here’s what we might be looking at for the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air:
| Region | iPhone 17 (Base) | iPhone 17 Air |
|---|---|---|
| USA | $799–$849 | $899–$999 |
| India | ₹79,990–₹84,990 | ₹89,990–₹99,990 |
| Dubai (UAE) | AED 3,199–3,399 | AED 3,599–3,999 |
These are unofficial, but historically close to what Apple tends to do.
Will iPhone Plus Be Replaced?
For years, the “Plus” model was Apple’s go-to for users who wanted a big screen without the Pro price tag. But the iPhone 17 Air? It could be the spiritual successor, just with more polish and a different identity.
In fact, the Air naming might signal a subtle shift in how Apple wants to differentiate its lineup. Think about it:
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iPhone SE: budget entry
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iPhone: standard daily driver
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iPhone Air: sleek and light
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iPhone Pro/Pro Max: premium power
Not confirmed yet, but it’s a clean framework.
What’s Still Unknown?
There are still a few blanks we can’t fill in yet:
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Battery capacity? Not leaked.
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Charging speeds? Rumors suggest USB-C stays, but no word on MagSafe changes.
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Colors? Early whispers say new pastel shades may be in the mix.
We also don’t know if Apple will bring its custom AI chip to the iPhone 17 range—or keep that magic for the Pro models.
And don’t forget: September is months away. Apple’s known to test multiple prototypes before finalizing its design. Things could change. Fast.
