A new iPhone model is causing a stir. A leaked image of a protective case allegedly shows the design of the upcoming iPhone 17 Air, confirming some of the most exciting rumors. Particularly striking is a redesigned camera bar and an extremely thin casing that, at just 5.5 mm, is significantly slimmer than previous iPhones. The leak raises many questions, especially what compromises Apple will have to make for this design.
Apple hasn't made any major design changes to its iPhones in years. The iPhone 17 series could change that. The iPhone 17 Air, also known as the iPhone 17 Slim, is set to receive a completely new look. In addition to the redesigned camera bar, it's set to be the thinnest iPhone ever, with a case thickness of just 5.5 mm. This will require adjustments, including the possible permanent removal of the physical SIM card slot.
New camera bar instead of camera nose
The leaked back cover confirms that Apple is abandoning its current camera design. Instead of the familiar camera nose, the iPhone 17 Air features a continuous camera bar that runs across the entire back. This creates a more symmetrical appearance and prevents the iPhone from wobbling on a flat surface. This design element has already been mentioned in several leaks and could be adopted for the Pro models of the iPhone 17 series.
Ultra-compact housing with 5.5 mm thickness
One of the most striking features is the thickness of the case. Without the camera bar, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to measure just 5.5 mm. By comparison, the current iPhone 16 is 7.8 mm thick, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max is even 8.25 mm. This would make the iPhone 17 Air the thinnest iPhone Apple has ever produced. This reduction represents a significant step toward even lighter and more compact smartphones, but it could also bring with it limitations.
No more physical SIM card slot?
To save space in the case, Apple could remove the SIM card slot worldwide. In the US, the company has relied exclusively on eSIM since the iPhone 14. However, this move has so far been limited to the US market. With the iPhone 17 Air, Apple could expand this decision globally, which could be particularly problematic for users in countries with poor eSIM support.
Impact on 5G technology
Another possible limitation concerns the 5G standard. Currently, only US Apple models support mmWave 5G, a particularly fast 5G technology. There are indications that this support may be dropped on the iPhone 17 Air.
Display remains almost unchanged
While the back gets a completely new design, the front remains largely unchanged. The 6.6-inch display is said to be only slightly smaller than the 6.7-inch iPhone 16 Plus. This means that the iPhone 17 Air remains a model suitable for multimedia, gaming, and productive work in terms of screen size.
How credible is the leak?
The leaked image comes from Sonny Dickson, a well-known leaker with a good track record. He had already published the correct screen sizes for the iPhone 16 series in April 2024, long before Apple officially unveiled them. However, there is no guarantee that the leaked case design actually matches the final iPhone 17 Air. Accessory manufacturers often rely on early rumors and CAD drawings, which are not always accurate.
iPhone 17 Air: Slimmer, more modern, but also more practical?
The iPhone 17 Air could be the most radical design update to the iPhone lineup yet. The ultra-thin chassis, new camera bar, and possible elimination of the physical SIM card slot indicate that Apple is breaking new ground. At the same time, questions arise about battery life, robustness, and compatibility with current network standards. Nothing has been officially confirmed yet, but the leaks so far point to an iPhone that will stand out significantly from its predecessors. The best products for you: Our Amazon Storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including HomeKit. (Image: MajinBuOfficial / X)
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