The iPhone Could Get a Game-Changing Feature Soon

Apple seemingly gave up on the “small iPhone” when it didn’t release an iPhone 14 mini and, as of last year, discontinued its Mini line entirely.

While Apple isn’t expected to revive its miniature iPhone anytime soon, the next batch of models will likely introduce a drastically redesigned one that scratches an inch that the iPhone mini left behind.

If the rumors hold out, it’ll be one of Apple’s smallest iPhone ever — but “small” in a different kind of way.

Come up for “air”

Photo by Tucker Bowe for Gear Patrol

As usual, Apple is expected to release four new iPhones this fall. But instead of the iPhone 17 Plus, its more affordable big-screen smartphone, Apple could release what many behind the scenes are calling the “iPhone 17 Air.” If it pans out, it promises to have the most radical redesign of any iPhone in years.

According to multiple reports, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to have an ultrathin design with a thickness of just 5.5mm (or 0.22 inches). That makes it substantially thinner than the current iPhone 16, which has a thickness of 7.80mm (or 0.31 inches).

While the iPhone 17 Air is going to be smaller in thickness, it probably won’t be any easier to fit in your pocket. It’s expected to have a 6.6-inch display, placing it between the upcoming Pro and Pro Max models in terms of display screen size.

Additionally, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to have pretty much all the same features as the iPhone 17, including an Action Button and Camera Control Button (a trickle-down feature from this year’s Pros), as well as MagSafe charging.

Photo by Tucker Bowe for Gear Patrol

Potential drawbacks

Apple has proven that it can make very slim devices with very few tradeoffs — the most recent iPad Pros are the best example of this. And while that is expected to be mostly true with the iPhone 17 Air, the thin design will sacrifice a few things.

The most obvious is battery life. While the “Plus” model has long been the longest-lasting in Apple’s iPhone lineup, the iPhone 17 Air won’t have the distinction. In fact, according to various sources, its battery life won’t be able to last a full day.

To combat this issue, Apple may reportedly revive the Smart Battery Case, which it discontinued years ago with the introduction of MagSafe.

Apple

Additionally, there will be a couple of other quirks with the iPhone 17 Air. Reports suggest that it’ll have a large pill-shaped camera that stretches horizontally across its top. The speakers will be smaller and, interestingly, the USB-C port on the bottom could be off-center.

It’s also worth pointing out that while the iPhone 17 Air will be lighter and slimmer than any iPhone in recent years, it’s not going to be too small — at 6.6 inches, it’s still going be a fairly big-screen smartphone.

Photo by Tucker Bowe for Gear Patrol

Why is Apple doing this?

First, because it can. The fact that Apple can make a super-thin iPhone — just like it did with the iPad Pros — is a flex that shows off how powerful and efficient its custom processors actually are.

Secondly, there are whispers of Apple shaking up its release schedule to compete in Asia, especially China, where many brands release flagship smartphones in the spring. Having a more robust iPhone lineup could allow the brand to launch some models, like the base iPhone, earlier in the year.

Ultimately, however, no matter the release schedule, Apple is still struggling to have the perfect iPhone form factor to complement its other models.

Despite being popular with critics, the Mini was discontinued because it didn’t sell well. And the models that replaced it within the Plus line continue to be the least popular of all iPhones.

If it does end up releasing a slim iPhone come September, the company will certainly hope that “thin is in.”

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