Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Air has ignited a wave of online buzz, thanks to a new leak showcasing what might be the company’s thinnest and most radical smartphone yet. A mockup shared by trusted leaker Majin Bu reveals a jaw-droppingly slim device — one that could be thinner than any iPhone ever made. But the design’s sleekness is raising questions about whether Apple is going too far in its pursuit of minimalism.
A New Design Language
The iPhone 17 Air mockup suggests a drastic shift in Apple’s design approach. The phone features an ultra-thin, flat frame with both the front and back panels completely flat — a look that is both futuristic and stark. The standout element? A wide, horizontal camera bar stretched across the back. This bold camera layout is expected across the entire iPhone 17 series, though each model may carry its own variation.
The flat edges and boxy aesthetic immediately drew comparisons to Google’s Nexus 6P — a device remembered more for its design flaws than its elegance. Still, Apple seems determined to make this visual style the new face of its flagship lineup.
No More “Plus” — Enter the Air
This year, Apple appears to be streamlining its lineup. The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to replace the “Plus” model entirely. That means the 2025 lineup may include just four versions: iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and the new Air.
The iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature a 6.6-inch display, striking a balance between compact usability and immersive viewing. It positions itself as a sleek alternative to the bulkier Max, while still offering a larger screen than the standard model.
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Record-Breaking Thinness
Perhaps the most shocking detail is its thickness — or lack of it. If the leak is accurate, the iPhone 17 Air will measure just 5.5mm thick. That would make it the slimmest iPhone ever, surpassing the iPhone 6’s 6.9mm record.
Achieving this razor-thin profile may come down to a new high-density battery technology. Apple is reportedly using this innovation to maintain battery performance while shrinking the internal components to fit the narrow body. However, such a compact form factor raises concerns about structural durability, grip comfort, and potential battery limitations.
Style or Substance?
While fans are excited about the fresh design, the tech community remains cautious. A phone this thin could face issues with bending, overheating, or reduced battery life — all familiar criticisms from past slim smartphones. The trade-off between aesthetics and practicality will likely be a hot topic leading up to the device’s official reveal.
Apple hasn’t confirmed the iPhone 17 Air or its specs, but this mockup — which aligns with earlier claims by leaker Jon Prosser — is fueling serious speculation. Whether it’s a concept or a close-to-final design, one thing is certain: Apple is pushing boundaries again.
And maybe, just maybe, that’s the point.
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