Apple is gearing up to launch the much-awaited iPhone 17 Air model next year. With its ultra-thin design, this phone has posed significant challenges for Apple engineers in the development process.
According to a report from The Information, Apple engineers are struggling to integrate thermal battery materials into the slim chassis of the phone. Additionally, Apple initially planned to remove the SIM card, but due to China’s requirements for a physical SIM card, they decided to keep it. However, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature eSIM exclusively in the US market.
The iPhone 17 Air will feature a unique camera design, reportedly with a single lens placed within a rectangular island made of aluminum instead of glass. It is also expected to replace the iPhone Plus in the lineup.
Other rumors suggest that the iPhone 17 Air will sport a 6.55-inch display and aluminum frame. Apple’s prototypes for the iPhone 17 Air are reportedly between 5mm and 6mm thick, making it potentially the thinnest iPhone yet. However, Apple has struggled to reduce its thickness to the level of the M4 iPad Pro models. The company previously faced technical difficulties in producing the ultra-thin battery layer for the iPhone.
Due to space constraints, iPhone 17 Air is rumored to feature a single receiver speaker instead of two speakers. Apple is expected to release the iPhone 17 Air alongside its standard models in the second half of next year. The device is currently in the second prototype stage, with further details to be shared as soon as they emerge.
