The iPhone 17 lineup is generating buzz with new leaks revealing groundbreaking design changes and upgrades. According to recent posts, the iPhone 17 Air is set to be Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever at just 5.5 mm thick. It will share similar dimensions with the iPhone 17 Pro Max, featuring a 6.9-inch screen.
Dummy models showcased by tipster Majin Bu highlight varying thickness across the lineup. The iPhone 17 Pro is expected to be around 7.6 mm thick, while the Pro Max could reach 8.6 mm to accommodate a larger battery and upgraded camera system. The camera setup is also undergoing a major redesign.
The iPhone 17 Air’s single rear camera lens will be mounted on a raised circular island extending across the back, resembling the Google Pixel. The Pro and Pro Max models will feature a thicker camera island for their triple-lens setup, potentially improving stability on flat surfaces. Leaked details reveal that the iPhone 17 Air and Pro Max will have screen resolutions of 2796 x 1290 pixels and 2868 x 1320 pixels, respectively.
Both will feature a 48 MP rear camera and 12 MP selfie camera, with the Pro Max boasting two additional rear lenses. Storage options start at 128GB for the Air and 256GB for the Pro Max. Apple insider Mark Gurman previously mentioned that the iPhone Air, expected to replace the Plus model, will debut with the iPhone 17 lineup.
It is anticipated to be lighter, more affordable, and less powerful than other models.
iPhone 17 Air ultra-thin profile
The iPhone 17 Pro Max’s increased thickness suggests room for a bigger battery, a significant upgrade.
There are also discussions about a narrower Dynamic Island feature and a vapor cooling system exclusive to this model. Analyst Ryan Christoffel suggests that Apple might be setting the stage for an Ultra rebrand. Ice Universe specifies that the iPhone 17 Air will share the same length, width, screen size, and bezels as the Pro Max, differing only in thickness at 5.5mm.
However, the Air is expected to use the Apple C1 modem, which does not support mmWave speeds, possibly due to design constraints. While the Pro Max’s dimensions are expected to remain similar to the current model, design changes like modifications to the camera panel or a shift towards a part-aluminum rear are possible. The potential increase in battery size for the Pro Max is exciting, but it remains to be seen if the super-slim Air can match this performance.
Christoffel suggests that the Pro Max might be rebranded as the iPhone 17 Ultra, differentiating it from other models, including the rumored Air. This shift could represent a major change in Apple’s strategy to diversify the iPhone lineup further. The iPhone 17 Air mockups showcase a distinctive camera bar stretching across the back, but its functional purpose is uncertain.
Other design elements include standard button locations, a USB-C port, speaker holes, a Dynamic Island, and Face ID on the front. Apple is expected to confirm these details and officially unveil the iPhone 17 lineup in September. The new models promise significant advancements, setting new benchmarks in design and functionality within the industry.
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