The anticipated iPhone 17 Air, set to launch later this year, promises an ultra-slim design with a thickness of just 5.5mm at its slenderest point. This information comes from renowned Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who emphasizes that this model could redefine the standard for iPhones, making it the thinnest ever produced. By comparison, the current record is held by the iPhone 6, which measures 6.9mm.
In a recent blog post, Kuo noted that the iPhone 17 Air will also omit the traditional SIM card slot, transitioning entirely to digital eSIM technology. This shift aligns with earlier reports suggesting that the entire iPhone 17 lineup may follow suit in adopting eSIM capabilities across more countries. Should the 5.5mm measurement be confirmed, the iPhone 17 Air would be approximately 30% thinner than the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, and around 33% thinner than the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max.
However, the 5.5mm thickness likely refers only to the device’s thinnest point, indicating a more substantial rear camera bump. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature a single 48-megapixel rear camera, which may reflect its more compact design. While there have been varying rumors regarding the exact thickness of the device, many sources have converged around a range of 5mm to the mid-6mm category.
Mass production for this ultra-thin iPhone model is projected for the second half of 2025, with a release slated for September alongside other models in the iPhone 17 series. The iPhone 17 Air is anticipated to replace the Plus model, maintaining a competitive price point despite potentially fewer advanced specifications compared to the Pro variants. Features may include a 6.6-inch display, 8GB of RAM, and an Apple-designed 5G modem, making for a noteworthy addition to the iPhone lineup.
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