The iPhone 17 Air, expected in September, promises to be Apple’s thinnest smartphone ever – just 5.5mm thick (except for the protruding camera). By comparison, the current iPhone 16 Pro is 8.25mm thick. However, this ultra-thin design hides some design features.
According to leaks and mockups published on YouTube channel AppleTrack, Apple has shifted the USB-C port closer to the back of the device’s bottom edge. This unusual decision is probably aimed at freeing up space for display components in the ultra-thin chassis.
Other minimalist changes were also revealed: for example, instead of five speaker holes on either side of the port, there are now only two each. This is another step towards optimising the internal space.
Due to these thickness constraints, the iPhone 17 Air will feature the new energy-efficient C1 modem that first appeared in the iPhone 16E model. Thanks to this chip, the device’s battery life, despite its thinness, should remain on par with current models.
The iPhone 17 lineup is expected to be unveiled in the autumn, where the new third-generation AirPods Pro are also rumoured to debut.