Rumors from multiple credible sources claim that Apple plans to release a redesigned, significantly thinner iPhone 17 model next year. The device could end up being named the iPhone 17 Air, but the actual name is not known this early on.
Should you consider skipping the iPhone 16 series and waiting for the iPhone 17 Air? We have recapped the latest rumors about the device below.
There have been conflicting rumors about the design and specifications for the iPhone 17 Air, but most sources have agreed that it will have around a 6.6-inch display. Given that the iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 6.9-inch display, this suggests that the iPhone 17 Air will not be the highest-end device in the iPhone 17 lineup, but rather a mid-tier model.
Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo expects the iPhone 17 Air to be equipped with a standard A19 chip rather than an A19 Pro chip, and a single rear camera, which further suggests that the device will not be the highest-end model. He said that Apple is focusing on the design and thinness of the device over the absolute best specifications.
It's still early, so the iPhone 17 Air is unlikely to be finalized yet, and some design elements and features could change ahead of the device's expected release in September 2025. Apple may be testing varying prototypes of the device.
So, should you wait for the iPhone 17 Air? The answer comes down to what matters the most to you in an iPhone. If you want the absolute best iPhone, the iPhone 17 Air likely won't be for you, so you might as well consider the iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro Max instead. However, if you like the idea of a much thinner iPhone with a potentially unique design, and don't mind compromising on some specs, then it might be best to wait.
All four iPhone 16 models are available to pre-order starting this Friday, September 13, and the devices will launch on Friday, September 20.
