Apple is reportedly gearing up to launch the iPhone 17 Air, a potential replacement for the iPhone 17 Plus. This new model is generating significant buzz in tech circles, potentially surpassing even the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max in anticipation.
Leaks suggest the iPhone 17 Air will boast a remarkably thin design, measuring just 5.5mm, potentially making it the thinnest iPhone ever and one of the slimmest smartphones globally.
However, achieving this ultra-thin profile reportedly comes at a cost. Sources like The Information indicate Apple has reduced the iPhone 17 Air’s battery capacity due to space limitations. The battery is said to only provide power for a little over half a day of use.
This limitation necessitates carrying a portable charger for extended usage. Apple might consider offering an accessory like a protective case with built-in power banks to address this issue.
Furthermore, the iPhone 17 Air features only a single rear camera, a likely consequence of the extremely slim design, which prevents the inclusion of a multi-lens camera array.
The question arises: is a super-slim phone really what users want? Or would they prioritize a more traditional design with a longer-lasting battery?
Some also worry about the iPhone 17 Air’s potential durability and susceptibility to bending if placed in a pocket or subjected to external pressure. The iPhone 6, with its 6.9mm thickness, experienced a similar durability concern when launched in 2014.
Apple seems to be pursuing a unique strategy in the slow-moving foldable phone market, opting for a super-slim design as a differentiator to attract consumer attention.
