iPhone 17 Air — What to Expect (Gurman / Bloomberg)

Summary (from a German source translated): A few days before Apple’s September event, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman summarized expectations for the new iPhone lineup and highlighted a new slim variant called the iPhone 17 Air. Below is an English summary of the key claims and what they could mean for buyers.

Key rumored specs

• Thickness & design: Extremely thin — around 5.5 mm — designed to be the thinnest iPhone ever.
• Display: 6.6-inch panel with ProMotion (120 Hz).
• Chip: New A19 processor.
• Camera: Single rear camera to keep the body slim (fewer camera features versus Pro models).
• Battery: Smaller battery capacity expected due to the slim chassis, likely shorter battery life compared with other 17 models.
• Connectivity: eSIM-only model (no physical SIM tray).
• Modem: Apple’s new C1 modem reported for improved cellular performance.
• Colors: New “Sky Blue” finish reported.

Context & implications

The iPhone 17 Air appears positioned as a lightweight, ultra-slim alternative that trades off battery life and multi-lens camera capabilities for a thinner profile. It may replace the previous Plus lineup and aims at users who prioritize portability and design.

Pros

• Very thin and lightweight — great for pocketability.
• Large 6.6″ ProMotion display for smooth scrolling.
• Latest A19 chip performance.

Cons

• Reduced battery life compared to thicker models.
• Single rear camera may lag behind Pro-level photography features.
• eSIM-only could be inconvenient for some travelers or carriers.

Release timing: Reports tie the announcement to Apple’s September event (reported Sept 9, 2025).

Source / Read more: MacRumors coverage of Gurman’s summary — https://www.macrumors.com/2025/09/05/everything-apple-to-debut-next-week-bloomberg/

Question for readers: Would you choose the iPhone 17 Air’s ultra-thin design even if it means worse battery and fewer camera features? Leave a comment below.