iPhone 17 Air’s ultra-slim design revealed in new comparison image, sparking concerns over performance specifications

Is the iPhone 17 Air too thin for top-tier performance?

Apple iPhone 16 Pro smartphone front and back views
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
last updated 8 Nov 2025

The forthcoming iPhone 17 Air is set to be impressively slim. Recent reports suggest it could be just 5.5mm thick, and a comparison image shared by Majin Bu on X highlights just how much thinner it is compared to the iPhone 17 Pro. The iPhone 17 Air appears to be only just over half the thickness of the Pro model, making it stand out as one of the slimmest smartphones yet. While this ultra-thin design could be a significant selling point, it also raises concerns about potential compromises in specifications and features—a topic that’s already sparking plenty of discussion.

A Stepping Stone Towards a Foldable iPhone

Recent leaks suggest the iPhone 17 Air may feature only a single rear camera, raising questions about its overall performance. With its ultra-slim design, battery life could be a concern. However, some sources indicate that a high energy density battery might be used, potentially offering longer usage times compared to other slim smartphones.

Despite these innovations, the iPhone 17 Air is unlikely to match the technical specifications of the standard iPhone 17, yet it may come with a higher price tag. This leads to the question: Is there strong demand for a super-slim phone?

Time will tell when the iPhone 17 Air is released, likely in September. Even if it does not achieve commercial success, this device could still play a crucial role in the development of future products. Recent reports suggest that a foldable iPhone, possibly launching next year, may inherit a lot of tech from the iPhone 17 Air.

Creating thinner foldable phones is essential, so the advancements and lessons learned from the iPhone 17 Air could directly enhance the next generation of foldable iPhones.

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