Apple iPhone 17 Air: New Leaks Reveal Trove Of Design Changes And Features

Forbes - Mar 17th, 2025

Apple is set to release the iPhone 17 series this fall, including a new model likely called the iPhone 17 Air. This model is expected to feature a radically slim design, shedding about 2 millimeters in depth compared to its predecessors, while maintaining battery life similar to current models. Notably, the iPhone 17 Air will incorporate an Action Button instead of the traditional Ring/Mute slider and will be equipped with MagSafe, despite its slim profile. The model will also include a single rear camera with a 48-megapixel resolution and the new Apple C1 modem. Initially planned as Apple's first completely port-free iPhone, the Air will retain a USB-C port to comply with European Union regulations, but marks a significant step towards future port-free design.

Mark Gurman's report in Bloomberg highlights that this design shift is more than a sales strategy; it represents a new era for the iPhone, potentially paving the way for the first folding iPhone by 2026. The absence of ports is already a familiar concept to Apple Watch users, suggesting a gradual shift in consumer charging habits. However, concerns over quick charging and regulatory compliance have delayed the complete transition to wireless only. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to be priced similarly to the iPhone 16 Plus, starting at $899, indicating Apple's strategy to make technological advancements accessible while balancing regulatory demands.

Apple European Union Mark Gurman Bloomberg Usb C I Phone 17 Air Sonny Dickson Wireless Charging Mag Safe

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RATING

6.2

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides an interesting speculative look at the potential features and design changes for the upcoming iPhone 17 Air, tapping into a topic of high public interest. It draws on credible sources within the tech community, such as Sonny Dickson and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, to present its claims. However, the speculative nature of the content and the lack of direct confirmation from Apple limit the factual accuracy and reliability of the information presented. The article is clear and engaging, making it accessible to a wide audience, but it could benefit from a more balanced perspective and greater transparency regarding the basis for its claims. Overall, the article effectively captures reader interest and encourages discussion, but it should be approached with a critical eye due to its reliance on unverified information.

Accuracy

The article presents several claims about the upcoming iPhone 17 Air, but many of these are speculative and lack concrete evidence. For example, the claim that the iPhone 17 Air will be significantly thinner, reducing its depth by about a fifth, is a strong statement but lacks direct confirmation from Apple or reliable sources. Similarly, the assertion that the iPhone 17 Air will feature a single 48MP rear camera is consistent with some reports, but it is still not officially confirmed by Apple. The article also discusses future plans for a port-free iPhone, which is a speculative claim that needs more evidence to be considered accurate. While some of the information aligns with existing rumors and reports, the lack of direct evidence or official statements from Apple reduces the overall factual accuracy of the article.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on the potential features and design changes of the iPhone 17 Air, offering a speculative look into Apple's future plans. However, it does not provide a balanced perspective by including opinions or insights from industry experts or analysts who might have differing views on the feasibility or desirability of these changes. The article leans heavily on the information from leaker Sonny Dickson and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, which may skew the narrative towards the perspectives of these sources. A more balanced approach would include counterpoints or skepticism from other industry observers.

Clarity

The article is generally clear in its language and structure, making it accessible to readers interested in technology news. It outlines the potential features of the iPhone 17 Air in a straightforward manner. However, the speculative nature of the content may lead to some confusion among readers about which details are confirmed and which are based on rumors. The article could enhance clarity by clearly distinguishing between confirmed facts and speculative information.

Source quality

The primary sources cited in the article are Sonny Dickson, a known leaker, and Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, both of whom have a history of providing reliable information about Apple products. However, while these sources are credible within the tech community, the reliance on leaks and speculative reports without direct confirmation from Apple limits the reliability of the information presented. The article could benefit from a wider range of sources, including official statements or comments from Apple representatives, to enhance its credibility.

Transparency

The article is somewhat transparent about its sources, mentioning that the information is based on leaks and reports from specific individuals. However, it does not sufficiently explain the methodology or the basis for these claims, especially regarding the more speculative aspects of the iPhone 17 Air's features and future plans. The article could improve transparency by clarifying the level of certainty associated with each claim and by providing more context on how the information was obtained.