Apple is reportedly getting ready to shake things up with its iPhone 17 lineup, and one of the biggest surprises could be the all-new iPhone 17 Air. Set to replace last year’s iPhone 16 Plus, this upcoming model may be the slimmest iPhone ever made. A recent leak featuring 3D printed models has added fuel to the buzz, showing the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air sitting next to a beefier iPhone 17 Pro.
Table of Contents
Design
The latest leak comes from a post on X (formerly Twitter) by user @majinbuofficial. It shows what appears to be two 3D-printed iPhone models placed side by side on a wooden surface. According to the post, the slimmer model on the right is the iPhone 17 Air, while the one on the left is the iPhone 17 Pro.
Even though the image is a bit blurry, you can see the massive difference in thickness. The iPhone 17 Air is incredibly thin compared to the Pro variant, living up to its rumored 5.5mm body thickness. That would make it the thinnest iPhone Apple has ever released.
Comparison
According to earlier reports, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to match the iPhone 17 Pro Max in height and width, measuring around 163mm in height and 77.6mm in width. However, the Air will be significantly thinner, nearly 3.2mm less than the Pro Max, which is expected to retain the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s 8.7mm thickness.
So, while both phones may look similar from the front, the side profile tells a completely different story. Apple seems to be going for a new aesthetic with the Air — sleek, minimal, and ultra-thin, while the Pro continues to be a powerhouse with its signature triple camera setup.
Camera
The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to come with a single rear camera, unlike its Pro siblings which are expected to feature triple camera systems. But there’s a twist — the camera bump might actually be the thickest part of the device.
Reports suggest that while the main body of the Air will be just 5.5mm thick, the camera module could extend up to 4mm more, resulting in a total thickness of about 9.5mm in that specific area. This design choice allows Apple to keep the device ultra-slim while still fitting in a capable sensor for everyday photography.
Models
Apple is expected to launch four models in the iPhone 17 lineup later this year:
- iPhone 17
- iPhone 17 Air
- iPhone 17 Pro
- iPhone 17 Pro Max
The Air model is likely aimed at users who want a stylish and lightweight phone without all the bells and whistles of the Pro models. It offers a big screen, slim profile, and simplified camera setup — all while maintaining the premium Apple feel.
Competition
The iPhone 17 Air won’t be alone in the slim phone game. Samsung is also reportedly preparing to launch the Galaxy S25 Edge, which will be the fourth and slimmest phone in the Galaxy S25 series. It’s expected to hit global markets soon, potentially going head-to-head with Apple’s sleekest iPhone yet.
As always, Apple hasn’t officially confirmed any of these details, but if these leaks hold true, the iPhone 17 Air could be a bold new direction in iPhone design — one that’s ultra-thin, minimalist, and distinctly different from the rest of the lineup.
FAQs
How thin is the iPhone 17 Air?
It may be just 5.5mm thick, Apple’s slimmest yet.
Does the iPhone 17 Air have one camera?
Yes, it’s expected to have a single rear camera.
What is the iPhone 17 Air’s camera bump size?
It may add 4mm, totaling 9.5mm in that area.
Is iPhone 17 Air replacing any model?
Yes, it’s likely replacing the iPhone 16 Plus.
Will it launch with other iPhone 17 models?
Yes, it’s expected alongside three other models.
