Apple fans have eagerly awaited a design revolution with the upcoming iPhone 17 Air, expected in fall 2025, but new reports indicate the device may not be as wafer-thin as initially planned. Apple set out to create an ultrathin iPhone, but according to supply chain sources shared by *MacRumors*, the tech giant has encountered significant challenges in the race to reduce thickness.
The biggest hurdle? Battery technology. Industry sources, including the popular Naver user “yeux1122,” report that Apple aimed to use a new battery with a thinner substrate to keep the iPhone 17 Air’s design as slim as possible. However, cost concerns and technical constraints are reportedly forcing Apple to return to its current battery tech, resulting in a battery thickness of about 6 mm. With these adjustments, the iPhone 17 Air might not achieve the sleek dimensions Apple had hoped for, likely ending up similar in thickness to the iconic iPhone 6, which held the title of Apple’s thinnest smartphone at 6.9 mm.
Apple’s thinnest devices to date, like the 5.1 mm iPad Pro and the 5.4 mm iPod Nano, set a high bar, but it appears the iPhone 17 Air will fall short of these benchmarks. This shift in design philosophy hints that the company may be prioritizing durability and production feasibility over achieving record-breaking thinness.
Though it may not break records for slimness, the iPhone 17 Air promises to bring some powerful upgrades. Apple’s A19 chip will be under the hood, powering everything from the apps to the visuals. Additionally, it’s expected to include a 120 Hz ProMotion display, making scrolling and gameplay exceptionally smooth—a welcome feature for fans who enjoy a buttery-smooth user experience. The phone is also expected to have a single rear camera, keeping things streamlined but still potent.
Ultimately, while Apple’s vision for the iPhone 17 Air’s thinness may have hit some speed bumps, the device still looks set to impress with an eye-catching design and refined hardware. Fans may have to wait a bit longer for the ultra-slim iPhone of their dreams, but the iPhone 17 Air should still be a sleek addition to Apple’s lineup.
