Rumors surrounding the upcoming iPhone 17 Air hint that it might take away the title of being the thinnest iPhone ever from the iPhone 6. According to Macrumors, the next-generation device will set a new benchmark for ultra-slim smartphones with a combination of advanced engineering and innovative materials that will enable this practically insane thin design.

Breaking the iPhone 6 Record

Being Apple’s thinnest smartphone for nearly a decade since its release in 2014, the iPhone 6 measured an impressive 6.9 millimeters. Its sleek, four-sided design made for a hallmark of its generation, consonant with aesthetics and portability. But with the purported release of the iPhone 17 Air, Apple takes that thinness game to a new height, no doubt to be as thin as 5.8 millimeters, a reduction of nearly 16% from that of the iPhone 6.

Revolutionary Design Features

Apple is known for pushing design limits, and the iPhone 17 Air appears to continue this tradition. iPhone 17 Air is rumored to feature a titanium alloy chassis, which is lighter and stronger than the aluminum used in earlier models. Additionally, Apple is expected to employ cutting-edge OLED display technology that eliminates traditional display layers, further reducing thickness. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature a 6.6 inch display.

Apple has reportedly designed a battery of the future: layered lithium-ion cells. This design allows for a slim power source without affecting its battery life since this is one such concern to ultra-thin devices.

While pursuing thinness is impressive for Apple, one cannot help but wonder about the trade-offs being made. Critics argue that an ultra-slim design might compromise durability and internal space for key components such as cameras and speakers. However, sources do indicate that the iPhone 17 Air will boast better durability through its titanium build and advanced shock-absorption technology.

Apple will reportedly even introduce a new, smaller version of its Taptic Engine to preserve the brand’s signature taptic feedback while minimizing the available inner space. The camera system reportedly includes periscope-style lenses to maintain high-quality images in a more compact module.

Though there has been no official word from Apple on the iPhone 17 Air, the company is expected to showcase the device in its annual keynote event in September 2025. If the rumor pans out, the iPhone 17 Air might simply redefine the norms of smartphone design, further taking forward the cause of slimness and functionality in industry standards.

As rumors spread, even the possibility of the iPhone 17 Air being the thinnest iPhone to date is creating much excitement among fans for future Apple innovations.

Via Macrumors

Image: Apple Hub