From slimmest-ever iPhone to powerful camera: 9 big changes iPhone 17 Air expected to offer

New iPhone 17 Air model replacing Plus variant
Apple is expected to replace the iPhone 17 Plus with a new model, tentatively called the iPhone 17 Air. This device is rumored to focus on a thinner and lighter design, drawing inspiration from Apple’s MacBook Air and iPad Air branding. The move would distinguish the lineup further by positioning the Air model as a portable alternative to the standard iPhone 17.

Different screen size than all other iPhones
The iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature a 6.6-inch display, slightly larger than the outgoing Plus model. The standard iPhone 17 might grow to 6.3 inches, up from the current 6.1-inch size. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are likely to retain their 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch displays, respectively.

Will be the thinnest iPhone ever
One of the most anticipated changes is the thinner profile of the iPhone 17 Air. Reports suggest it could measure around 6mm, making it one of the slimmest iPhones ever. To achieve this, Apple may introduce a new battery technology that maintains battery life despite a reduced chassis thickness.

ProMotion to become standard
Apple could bring 120Hz LTPO OLED displays to the entire iPhone 17 series. Currently, ProMotion is exclusive to the Pro models, but this change would allow for smoother scrolling and better battery efficiency across the lineup. If implemented, it would mark the first time a base-model iPhone receives the same refresh rate technology as its Pro counterparts.

New camera design at the back
The iPhone 17 Air and the Pro models might feature a horizontal camera layout reminiscent of the iPhone X. This change could be driven by Apple’s spatial video technology, enhancing video recording capabilities. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to retain a vertically aligned triple-camera setup.

Significant front camera upgrade expected
The iPhone 17 series could introduce a 24MP front-facing camera with a six-element lens. This would mark a substantial upgrade from the current 12MP sensor, improving selfies, FaceTime video calls, and Face ID performance in low-light conditions.

Apple-designed modem and Wi-Fi 7 chips 
Apple is actively working on custom Wi-Fi 7 and modem chips, aiming to reduce reliance on Qualcomm. The iPhone 17 Air may be the first model to feature Apple’s in-house modem, which could improve connectivity, efficiency, and power management.

Anti-reflective display technology
Apple may introduce a new anti-reflective, scratch-resistant glass, replacing the Ceramic Shield currently used on iPhones. This enhancement would reduce glare in bright environments while improving overall screen durability.

Price hike is expected
Apple iPhone 17 Air to come with a price hike over the existing models.