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ToggleIn a move reminiscent of the Samsung Galaxy Edge series, Apple is in the process of developing an ultra-slim version of its smartphone, purportedly named the iPhone 17 Air. This new device is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 17 lineup and is set to be the slimmest iPhone to date, featuring a reduction of approximately 2mm in thickness while still providing battery longevity that competes with existing models. Although Apple remains tight-lipped about this upcoming release, a barrage of rumors and leaks currently populates the internet.
Recent leaks from renowned sources, including Sonny Dickson, have revealed that the iPhone 17 Air is likely to introduce an Action Button in lieu of the traditional mute switch, thereby aligning with the design of the broader iPhone lineup. Furthermore, this model is expected to feature a Camera Control button, albeit slimmer than the equivalent buttons found on other models. Impressively, despite the device’s ultra-thin profile, MagSafe wireless charging capability will still be incorporated.
On the technical front, the iPhone 17 Air is projected to sport a 6.6-inch high-resolution display accompanied by a single 48MP rear camera. This model is also set to include Apple’s new proprietary C1 modem, which was first introduced with the iPhone 16e. Even though mmWave 5G support will not be featured, users can still expect enhanced connectivity speeds. Furthermore, the success of the iPhone 17 Air could potentially serve as a precursor to a future foldable iPhone, which could materialize around 2026.
Moreover, sources suggest that Apple has been mulling over the idea of turning the iPhone 17 Air into its first entirely portless iPhone, which would mean a reliance solely on wireless charging and cloud storage for data transfer. However, concerns regarding compliance with the European Union regulations compelled Apple to retain the USB-C port for the time being. Mark Gurman, a prominent Apple analyst, indicates that the iPhone 17 Air could act as a critical stepping stone towards Apple’s ambitious port-free vision.
Turning to pricing, the iPhone 17 Air is anticipated to be priced in line with the Plus variants of the iPhone lineup. This suggests a price point of approximately $899, equivalent to around Rs 77,588 in India. However, one should consider that import duties and additional taxes could elevate the cost considerably in the Indian market.