Apple is gearing up for its much-awaited “Awe Dropping” launch event on September 9, where the spotlight is expected to shine on the iPhone 17 Air. Market watchers believe this device could be one of the company’s boldest moves since the iPhone X in 2017, redefining Apple’s approach to design and innovation.

Slimmest iPhone Ever

The defining feature of the iPhone 17 Air is its strikingly slim body. At just 5.5mm, it is the thinnest iPhone Apple has ever created. For perspective, the iPhone 16 was 7.8mm thick—making the new model more than 2mm slimmer. This design breakthrough has reportedly been achieved by reshaping the internal structure and using lighter materials.

Despite the slimmer build, Apple has not compromised on durability. The iPhone 17 Air is said to feature a titanium-aluminium hybrid frame that makes it both sturdy and light, with a reported weight of only 145 grams. Another notable design change is the horizontal pill-shaped camera bump, housing a 48-megapixel wide sensor.

The iPhone 17 Air is likely to come in four finishes—black, white, light gold, and a fresh light blue shade.

Display and Performance Upgrades

The iPhone 17 Air will feature a 6.6-inch LTPO OLED display, slightly smaller than the iPhone 16 Plus’s 6.7-inch panel. This modest reduction is designed to balance usability with thinness. Reports suggest the new display will be 30 percent brighter than before and support 120Hz ProMotion refresh rates, a feature previously reserved for Apple’s Pro lineup.

At its core, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to run on Apple’s latest A19 chipset. Some leaks indicate a trimmed version of the A19 Pro with one fewer GPU core, but performance should still be flagship-level. The device is also said to include 12GB RAM and vapor chamber cooling technology, ensuring efficiency even under heavy workloads.

Camera and Battery Details

On the rear, the device will reportedly feature a single 48-megapixel wide-angle camera. While this may limit advanced functions like spatial video recording, Apple has compensated with a major upgrade to the front camera—a 24-megapixel sensor, double the resolution of the iPhone 16.

The slimmer design does mean battery capacity may take a hit. Rumours suggest a 2,800mAh unit, similar to the iPhone 12. Apple, however, is banking on the A19 chip’s efficiency, new high-density battery tech, and the C1 modem to ensure decent runtime. The iPhone 17 Air will also support Qi 2.2 wireless charging at speeds up to 25W.

Connectivity and Features

Apple is expected to introduce its in-house Wi-Fi 7 chip with the iPhone 17 Air, paired with the new C1 modem. While it may not support mmWave 5G bands, users can still expect robust connectivity. Additional features include the Action Button, MagSafe charging, and SIM tray removal in more markets.

Price Expectations in India

According to industry insiders, the iPhone 17 Air could launch in the US at $899, matching the iPhone 16 Plus’s price. In India, the device is expected to be priced around ₹89,900, though tariffs and import duties may push it slightly higher.

With its ultra-thin design, brighter display, and powerful new chipset, the iPhone 17 Air could emerge as Apple’s most striking release in years.