Apple almost decided to launch iPhone 17 without charging port, report claims

iPhone 17

Apple almost decided to launch the iPhone 17 without USB type-C port. However, made some last minute changes. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple considered making the iPhone 17 Air completely wireless, relying only on MagSafe charging. However, the company decided to keep the port, likely due to European rules requiring USB-C charging.

Apple is reportedly working on a much thinner iPhone 17 Air, just 5.5mm thick. If true, this would make it one of the slimmest iPhones ever. It’s expected to have a 6.6-inch display and start at around $900, similar to the iPhone 16 Plus.

To achieve this slim design, Apple may remove the second speaker and reduce the rear camera to just one. However, the phone will still get some high-end features, like Camera Control and a smoother display with ProMotion.

Thinner phones often mean smaller batteries, but Apple worked to prevent that issue. Gurman reports that Apple redesigned the display, processor, and software to keep battery life strong despite the slimmer body.

The iPhone 17 Air will include Apple’s first in-house 5G modem, the C1 chip. However, it won’t support mmWave, the faster 5G band used in some regions. Apple still promises excellent 5G performance.

Will Apple launch iPhones without a charging port?

Apple ultimately decided against a fully wireless iPhone this time, but the idea isn’t off the table. As wireless charging improves, a port-free iPhone may be coming in the future. For now, the iPhone 17 Air will be thinner and more advanced—while still keeping its charging port.