iPhone 17 Air Leak Reveals Sleeker Design Than iPhone 16 Pro. Report

Table of Contents

introduction

The next big thing in smartphone innovation from Apple may come in a slimmer, lighter, better-looking package. The next iPhone 17 Air is becoming an increasingly hot topic in tech circles, and new leaks and dummy unit pictures suggest it may be the thinnest iPhone yet, even thinner than the iPhone 16 Pro. From a pill-shaped camera bump to a potential overhaul of the internal structure, here’s everything we know so far about the hottest iPhone of 2025.

What Is iPhone 17 Air and Why Is It Making Headlines?

Apple is dropping its iPhone 17 Plus model for its upcoming iPhone 17 Air, as the company continues to simplify its iPhone 17 range. But there is what really sets this model apart, and that’s its ultra-slim design, potentially as thin as 5.65mm, which would be quite a bit slimmer than the already fairly thin iPhone 16 Pro.

This decision places the iPhone 17 as a bold minimalist statement, without having to compromise its performance or camera. The latest leaked information is causing quite a stir, with some people absolutely abuzz at what they think is a design revolution.

How Does the iPhone 17 Air Compare to the iPhone 16 Pro in Design?

According to images and hands-on videos circulating online, the iPhone 17 features a visibly thinner frame than the iPhone 16 Pro. Popular YouTube channel AppleTrack, hosted by Sam Kohl, recently showcased dummy models of the iPhone 17 series—Air, base, Pro, and Pro Max—offering viewers a side-by-side comparison.

One of the most discussed differences is the absence of a thick camera bump. Instead, the Air model sports a pill-shaped module housing a single lens and flash. The matte back panel adds to the refined look, and subtle changes in button placement also hint at Apple’s design evolution.

Is the iPhone 17 Air Durable Despite Its Thinness?

A major concern raised in Kohl’s video is whether such a slim device will withstand day-to-day use. Some viewers noted the dummy model appeared slightly bent, raising fears about structural integrity.

Apple has a history of walking the line between design and durability, with its laptops and phones often featuring aerospace-grade aluminum or titanium in their frames. It remains to be seen whether or not the iPhone 17 Air would continue this trend, but it’s safe to assume Apple would make sure to beef up the device internally to ensure another “bendgate” incident won’t happen.

What Are the Expected Specifications of iPhone 17 Air?

Despite its compact design, the iPhone 17 is rumoured to feature high-end internals, including:

Chipset: Apple A19 Bionic
Display: 6.9-inch LTPO OLED with Dynamic Island
RAM: 12GB
Camera: 48MP rear camera, 24MP front camera
Ports: USB-C
Body: As thin as 5.65mm
Design Extras: Matte finish, no physical SIM tray
Other Features: Redesigned speaker grille, Action Button on the left side

The elimination of the SIM card tray points to a complete transition to esim-only models, a move Apple has been slowly preparing users for.

When is the iPhone 17 expected to launch?

If the iPhone 17 follows Apple’s usual product cadence, we can expect to see the phone launch at the company’s fall keynote in September 2025. That is ostensibly when the entire iPhone 17 series — the regular, Pro and Pro Max models — will be announced.

It will generally be available to pre-order soon after the launch event and open for general purchase a week or two later.

How is the Camera Setup Different from Previous iPhones?

Where the iPhone 17 is concerned, it seems Apple may be having a change of heart with the camera module. The Air could have a single rear camera – a 48mp sensor – and an LED flash, inset into a pill-shaped bump (whereas the Pro phones could have three cameras on the back).

What stands out is the likely enhancement in image processing, thanks to the A19 chip, which could allow Apple to push the limits of single-lens photography. The front camera is also expected to be a 24mp sensor, aimed at offering crisp, high-resolution selfies and FaceTime quality.

Will iPhone 17 Air Have a Better Display Than iPhone 16 Pro?

Yes, based on leaks, the iPhone 17’s 6.9-inch LTPO OLED display could offer better energy efficiency and smoother refresh rates. The presence of Dynamic Island is also confirmed, continuing Apple’s design language from the iPhone 14 Pro onward.

This upgraded screen, paired with the super-slim bezels, could make the iPhone 17 visually more immersive than any previous standard model.

Are There Any Leaked Images or Videos?

Absolutely. Tech leaker Majin Bu recently posted a real-life image of what is believed to be a prototype iPhone 17. The photo shows a unit without the Apple logo, suggesting it’s an early production model. Other leaked dummy unit videos and comparisons from content creators like Unbox Therapy and AppleTrack have added credibility to the speculation.

iPhone 17 Air vs iPhone 17 Pro – What’s the Real Difference?

While both are part of the iPhone 17 family, the Air and Pro models serve different audiences:

Feature	iPhone 17 Air	iPhone 17 Pro
Thickness	~5.65mm (thinnest)	~7.85mm
Camera	48mp (single lens)	Triple-lens system
Display	6.9-inch LTPO OLED	6.1-inch or 6.7-inch OLED
Build Material	Aluminum/Unknown	Titanium
RAM	12GB	8GB–12GB
SIM Tray	eSIM only	esim (Varies by market)
Target Audience	Sleek, modern design lovers	Power users, photographers

Final Thoughts:

If you’re drawn to cutting-edge design, portability, and Apple’s latest tech, the iPhone 17 Air could be worth the wait. It offers a unique identity within the iPhone lineup and seems tailored for users who want a sleek yet powerful smartphone without the bulk of Pro models.