As anticipation builds for Apple’s upcoming September event, a new hands-on video has surfaced showcasing the iPhone 17 Air dummy unit, offering a closer look at what could become the company’s thinnest smartphone yet.
The iPhone 17 Air is set to launch alongside the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, marking Apple’s entry into the ultra-slim smartphone category. Rumours suggest the device will measure between 5.5mm and 5.65mm thick, with exact dimensions still unconfirmed. Regardless, such a profile would make it the slimmest iPhone to date and among the thinnest premium smartphones currently on the market.
iPhone 17 Air Black looks so good pic.twitter.com/ovOTNUKEg6
— Majin Bu (@MajinBuOfficial) July 8, 2025
Design sacrifices for thinness
The hands-on video reveals the dummy unit in a black finish, highlighting its minimalist and lightweight design. Weighing in at just 145 grams, the iPhone 17 Air prioritises portability, but this comes at the expense of certain hardware features. Most notably:
- Battery capacity is reportedly limited to 2,800mAh, considerably smaller than its siblings and raising questions about real-world endurance, especially given Apple’s focus on all-day battery life across its recent lineups.
- Camera setup is simplified to a single rear sensor, a stark contrast to the dual and triple-camera arrays seen on current iPhone models. While this decision aligns with the device’s ultra-slim goals, it may limit its appeal to photography enthusiasts.
Premium specifications retained
Despite these concessions, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to maintain flagship-level performance. Leaks indicate it will feature:
- 12GB of RAM, matching the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max.
- A 120Hz refresh rate display, ensuring smooth scrolling and animations.
- Potential use of titanium in its frame, setting it apart from the Pro models, which are rumoured to shift back to aluminium after several cycles experimenting with stainless steel and titanium designs.
Market positioning
Apple’s strategy with the iPhone 17 Air seems clear: deliver a device that prioritises thinness and portability while still offering premium specifications for general day-to-day use. Its reduced battery and single-camera design suggest it targets users who value form factor and minimalism over extended battery life or multi-lens photography capabilities.
With Apple expected to announce the full iPhone 17 lineup this September, the iPhone 17 Air will compete not only within Apple’s ecosystem but also against Android’s ultra-slim flagships, which have historically balanced thin designs with practical performance compromises.
As always, these details remain speculative until official confirmation arrives. However, this latest hands-on video offers a tangible glimpse into Apple’s evolving approach to form factor innovation within its smartphone lineup.
