In September 2025, Apple will unveil the highly anticipated iPhone 17 series, with the spotlight on the new "Air" variant—a mid-range flagship that builds on the Plus series' legacy while emphasizing a slim profile and exceptional design aesthetics. Recent leaks suggest that this could be Apple's thinnest and most potent iPhone yet. Let's delve into the details.

According to the latest news, the iPhone 17 Air is poised to achieve a remarkable thickness of just 5.5mm, setting a new benchmark for Apple's thinnest smartphone. Weighing approximately 145g, it's even lighter than iconic small-screen iPhones like the SE2 and 13 mini. Managing such a slender form factor presents challenges in battery capacity and camera module placement, but Apple appears to have made significant strides.

Starting with the display, the iPhone 17 Air maintains its high-end stance, featuring a 6.6-inch OLED screen with 120Hz ProMotion technology for a superior viewing experience. Its resolution of 1260×2736 has been spotted in iOS 26 Beta, practically confirming it as an exclusive feature for this model. This means the Air offers a visual experience on par with the Pro series, even surpassing it in dynamic interactions.

Performance-wise, despite the slim design limiting the size of a heat dissipation module, leaks indicate that the Air will be powered by the A19 Pro chip, albeit with a five-core GPU instead of six, slightly less than the Pro series. However, it matches the Pro series with 12GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and supporting new AI applications. This hardware configuration is more than adequate for everyday use.

Photography is where the Air makes its biggest concession. To maintain its thin profile, it's equipped with a single 48MP rear camera lens housed in a "camera bar" protrusion. While it lacks telephoto and ultra-wide lenses, this high-resolution large-sensor camera performs well in well-lit conditions, and Apple's imaging algorithms remain top-notch. Nevertheless, photography versatility falls slightly behind the Pro series.

To mitigate hardware limitations, Apple is expected to introduce Adaptive Power mode in iOS 26, extending battery life through AI-driven system resource adjustments. Given the slim design, the Air is anticipated to pack a 2800mAh high-density battery, notably smaller than the 4674mAh of previous Plus models. However, combined with AI power-saving, architectural optimizations, and an efficient chip, it should suffice for daily use. For extra juice, users can opt for Apple's Smart Battery Case.

In terms of aesthetics, the Air comes in four colors: black, silver, light gold, and the striking "Light Apple Blue" (a light sky blue) that stands out while maintaining a minimalist appeal, appearing close to white in certain lighting conditions. Notably, the phone may forgo a physical SIM card tray, supporting only eSIM, aligning with its lightweight design philosophy.

Moreover, the Air introduces an Action Button, Camera Control keys, MagSafe support, and faster magnetic charging. Pre-installed with iOS 26, it enhances the AI-driven user experience, giving the Air a futuristic edge.

While the slim design compromises battery life and photography to some extent, for users prioritizing portability and performance, this generation of the "Air" is highly anticipated. With an expected starting price of around 7000 yuan, it offers compelling value compared to the Pro series.

In conclusion, the iPhone 17 Air represents a mid-range flagship with high recognition and design flair. It strikes a balance between high performance and a sleek form factor, adding a "light flagship" segment to Apple's product line. Compared to the Pro, it sacrifices some camera features, but for users who prefer a lightweight feel, appreciate design aesthetics, and demand strong performance, the Air presents a fresh and exciting option.

What do you value more: a slim and lightweight design or comprehensive camera capabilities? Share your thoughts in the comments below!