Apple plans to launch a thinner version of the iPhone, called the iPhone 17 Air, alongside the standard iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max in 2025. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the iPhone 17 Air will measure approximately 6.25mm thick—about 2mm thinner than the 8.25mm iPhone 16 Pro. This would make it Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever, surpassing the iPhone 6, which was 6.9mm thick.
The reduction in thickness is attributed to Apple’s custom-designed 5G modem chip, which is more compact and integrated with other components compared to Qualcomm’s chips. This design innovation allows Apple to save internal space without compromising battery life, camera quality, or display performance. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature a 6.6-inch display and a single-lens rear camera, offering a sleek alternative in the iPhone lineup.
Just like the rumored iPhone SE 4, the new iPhone 17 Air could bring only one camera on the back.
Rumors suggest that the iPhone 17 Air could range between 5mm and 6mm thick, with multiple sources confirming the ~6mm estimate. The new Apple modem chip will also be used in the 2025 iPhone SE and a low-cost iPad, marking a shift away from Qualcomm’s technology. Apple plans to phase out Qualcomm modems over three years, integrating its chips more deeply into future devices.
Looking ahead, the saved space from Apple’s refined modem chip design could enable innovative designs, including a potential foldable iPhone. Apple is exploring this possibility while working toward a system-on-a-chip that combines a processor, modem, Wi-Fi chip, and other components.
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