Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Air is creating a stir after a video featuring its dummy units, months ahead of its anticipated September release.
On Tuesday, tech enthusiast Lewis Hilsenteger of the popular YouTube channel Unbox Therapy unveiled footage showcasing dummy units of the entire iPhone 17 series, as reported by 9to5Mac.
While the video featured all models in the iPhone 17 series, the iPhone 17 Air stole the spotlight, touted as the thinnest iPhone ever produced. Hilsenteger was visibly impressed, describing the ultra-slim design as Futuristic upon handling the device.
Measurements taken by Hilsenteger revealed the iPhone 17 Air’s thinnest point to be a mere 5.65 mm (0.22 inches). This stands in stark contrast to the 8.75 mm (0.34 inches) thickness of its counterpart, the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Comparing the two, Hilsenteger remarked while it’s not literally half as thick, it certainly feels that way.
Despite his enthusiasm, Hilsenteger expressed concerns about the device’s durability, speculating that such a thin profile might be prone to bending when housed in a slim case. Rumors suggest that Apple will employ titanium and aluminum in the iPhone 17 Air’s construction, replacing stainless steel to enhance durability. The device is also expected to be significantly lighter, weighing just 148 grams (5.22 ounces) – a 32-gram (1.13 ounces) reduction from the current 6.1-inch iPhone 17 Pro. This puts it in the same weight class as the iPhone 12 mini.
Hilsenteger also questioned whether the slimmer design might compromise battery life. However, Apple analyst Ming-chi Kuo has previously suggested that the ultra-thin iPhone 17 will incorporate high-density battery cells. This technology allows for increased energy storage within the same space, potentially maintaining or even improving battery capacity despite the reduced thickness.
To further optimize power efficiency, Apple reportedly plans to integrate its proprietary C1 modem chip into the iPhone 17 Air. This in-house developed component, the result of years of research, is expected to extend battery life. However, the dramatic reduction in thickness may necessitate a single-lens rear camera setup, departing from the dual or triple-lens configurations seen in recent iPhone models.