apple patient
  • Home
  • News
  • Rumors
  • Tips & Tricks
  • Tests & Experience Reports
  • Generally
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Rumors
  • Tips & Tricks
  • Tests & Experience Reports
  • Generally
No Result
View All Result
apple patient
No Result
View All Result

iPhone 17 Air: These 3 missing features you should know

by Milan
April 23, 2025
in Generally
iPhone 17 Air features

Image: Front Page Tech

With the iPhone 17 Air, Apple is planning a particularly thin and light smartphone. But this design comes at a price. Reports have been circulating for months that the new model will omit some familiar features. Three features, in particular, that have been standard in many iPhone models are said to be missing from the iPhone 17 Air: a bottom-mounted speaker, an ultra-wide-angle camera, and an international SIM card slot. We'll explore why Apple is making these decisions and what impact they have for users below.

Apple is pursuing a clear goal with the iPhone 17 Air: The device is intended to be even thinner and lighter than its predecessors. To achieve this goal, however, some features that were previously standard on an iPhone are no longer included. This could be a disadvantage for many users, but it could also potentially bring new advantages. The question of how these savings will impact everyday life is particularly exciting. What compromises will you have to make as a user? What advantages could arise from the new design? The three most important points are examined in detail below.

No speaker on the bottom

iPhones typically have two speakers—one in the earpiece and one at the bottom of the device. However, Apple appears to be doing away with the latter on the iPhone 17 Air. According to a report from The Information, there will only be a single speaker integrated into the earpiece. A look at the recently surfaced 3D renderings of the iPhone 17 Air confirms this rumor. At the bottom of the device, only a few small openings for microphones are visible, but no speaker. This means that users will only hear sound from the top. In practice, this could have the following effects:

  • The sound will appear less spatial, as true stereo sound is only possible via headphones or Bluetooth speakers.
  • The overall volume may be lower because the upper speaker is usually weaker than the lower one.
  • When watching videos or gaming, the sound experience may be less impressive.

Why is Apple omitting the second speaker? It's likely to save space. Fewer components mean a thinner casing and potentially a larger battery. Whether this is a worthwhile compromise for users remains to be seen.

No ultra-wide-angle camera

The iPhone 17 Air is said to feature a single 48-megapixel camera on the back. This main camera combines a standard 1× view with an optical-quality 2× zoom option. However, it lacks an ultra-wide-angle camera, as found in many previous iPhone models. The ultra-wide-angle camera typically offers a 0.5× view and is particularly suitable for landscape shots or group photos. Its removal means users have to forgo this perspective. However, the absence of the ultra-wide-angle camera also has advantages. The space gained could be used for a larger battery. Battery life has often been a point of criticism in the past, especially with the slimmer iPhone models. A larger battery could compensate for this. However, for photographers who often work with different perspectives, the lack of the ultra-wide-angle camera is a clear limitation. Anyone who regularly takes 0.5× shots may not be happy with the iPhone 17 Air.

No more physical SIM card slot

Apple has already begun eliminating the physical SIM card slot with the iPhone 14 in the US. Instead, the devices rely exclusively on eSIMs. This step could now be extended internationally with the iPhone 17 Air. According to The Information, Apple plans to remove the SIM card slot in even more countries. This would mean that the iPhone 17 Air will only work with eSIM technology worldwide. This decision has both advantages and disadvantages for users.

Advantages:

  • Changing mobile phone providers is easier because there is no longer a need to exchange a physical card.
  • eSIMs make it possible to use multiple mobile phone contracts on one device.
  • A missing SIM card slot saves space in the case and increases water resistance.

Disadvantages:

  • Not all mobile phone providers worldwide support eSIMs, which can be problematic when traveling abroad.
  • Users who like to switch flexibly between physical SIM cards no longer have the option to do so.
  • If there are technical problems with the eSIM, switching is more difficult than with a physical card.

eSIMs have become established in the US, but in many other countries, the physical SIM card slot remains an important feature. If Apple does indeed switch to eSIMs internationally, it could mean a major change for some users.

  • iPhone 17 series: How credible are the current leaks?

iPhone 17 Air: Is Apple's new design worth the compromise?

The iPhone 17 Air will undoubtedly be one of the thinnest and lightest smartphones on the market. Apple is omitting certain features to achieve this goal. However, the lack of a speaker, the lack of an ultra-wide-angle camera, and the omission of a SIM card slot could be a limitation for some users. The question is whether the slim design and potentially longer battery life compensate for these drawbacks. Those who value stereo sound, wide-angle photography, and flexible SIM card usage should carefully consider whether the iPhone 17 Air is the right choice. Apple is expected to officially unveil the iPhone 17 Air in September. That's when it will become clear whether the design decisions are well received by users. The best accessories in one place: Our Amazon Storefront offers you top products, including those for your HomeKit! (Image: Front Page Tech)

  • iPhone 17 CADs: New leaks confirm the design
  • iPhone 17: What's behind the radical design change?
  • iPhone 2027: Will there be a full-screen model for the anniversary?
  • iPhone 17 dummy models show complete model range
Do you already know our Amazon Storefront? There you will find a hand-picked selection of various products for your iPhone and Co. have fun browsing.
This post contains affiliate links .
Add Apfelpatient to your Google News Feed. 
Was this article helpful?
YesNo
Tags: iPhoneiPhone 17iPhone 2025
Previous Post

iPhone 17 dummy models show complete model range

Next Post

Siri under new management: Will Mike Rockwell bring about a change?

Next Post
Siri Mike Rockwell

Siri under new management: Will Mike Rockwell bring about a change?

iPhone Apple

Will we still need the iPhone in 10 years? Apple doubts

May 14, 2025
Apple Maps Update

Apple Maps becomes a platform for high-quality recommendations

May 14, 2025
WWDC 2025 Apple

WWDC 2025 – all the highlights around iOS 19 and more

May 14, 2025

About APFELPATIENT

Welcome to your ultimate source for everything Apple - from the latest hardware like iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, AirTags, HomePods, AirPods to the groundbreaking Apple Vision Pro and high-quality accessories. Dive deep into the world of Apple software with the latest updates and features for iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, watchOS, macOS and visionOS. In addition to comprehensive tips and tricks, we offer you the hottest rumors, the latest news and much more to keep you up to date. Selected gaming topics also find their place with us, always with a focus on how they enrich the Apple experience. Your interest in Apple and related technology is served here with plenty of expert knowledge and passion.

Legal

  • Imprint – About APFEPATIENT
  • Cookie Settings
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use

service

  • Partner Program
  • Netiquette – About APPLEPATIENT

RSS Feed

Follow Apfelpatient:
Facebook Instagram YouTube threads
Apfelpatient Logo

© 2025 Apfelpatient. All rights reserved. | Sitemap

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Rumors
  • Tips & Tricks
  • Tests & Experience Reports
  • Generally

© 2025 Apfelpatient. All rights reserved. | Page Directory