A leaked image of dummy units has given us our first exciting peek at how thin the iPhone 17 Air might be compared to the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Posted by tipster @MajinBuOfficial, this image shows just how sleek Apple’s upcoming phone could look. With the iPhone 17 series set to launch in September 2025, about 150 days from now, the buzz around its design is growing louder.
The iPhone 17 Air, rumored to replace the iPhone 16 Plus, could be as thin as 5.84 mm, making it a standout in Apple’s lineup.
The dummy units in the leak are mock-ups, not real phones, but they’re based on info from Apple’s supply chain. They show the iPhone 17 Air next to the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which might stay at 8.3 mm thick, like the current iPhone 16 Pro Max.
That’s a big difference—about 42% thicker than the Air! This thinness could make the iPhone 17 Air super easy to carry, perfect for students who want a lightweight phone in their backpacks.
Why the iPhone 17 Air’s Thinness Matters
Apple is shaking things up with the iPhone 17 Air, aiming to make it the slimmest iPhone ever. Some leaks even suggest it could dip to 5.5 mm thick, beating out the iPhone 6’s 6.9 mm record.
This ultra-thin design is part of Apple’s goal to create the “thinnest and lightest” gadgets in the tech world, according to PCMag.
For students, this means a phone that slips into a pocket or bag without adding bulk, ideal for busy school days.
But being super thin might come with trade-offs. Reports from 9to5Mac say the iPhone 17 Air could lose a second speaker because there’s no room for it. It might also have just one 48-megapixel camera instead of the multiple lenses on Pro models.
Still, as predicted by analyst Ross Young, it’s expected to keep cool features like MagSafe and a 6.55-inch screen. That’s a big, clear display for watching videos or doing homework!
What Else Is Coming With the iPhone 17 Series?
The iPhone 17 series isn’t just about the Air. Leaks hint at four models: the standard iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The Pro models might get upgrades like more RAM and a new 48-megapixel telephoto lens, according to MacRumors. This could mean sharper zoomed-in pics, great for snapping photos of notes or faraway whiteboard lessons.
The iPhone 17 Air might use a new A19 chip, while the Pro models could get an even faster A19 Pro chip, says PhoneArena. Plus, all models might feature 120Hz ProMotion displays, making scrolling and games super smooth, something students will love for both fun and study apps.
Forbes also notes the Air could have a titanium and glass build, a first for a non-Pro iPhone, adding a fancy touch without the Pro price tag.
How Does It Stack Up Against the iPhone 17 Pro Max?
The leaked dummy units really highlight the size gap between the iPhone 17 Air and the iPhone 17 Pro Max. While the Air goes for thin and light, the Pro Max is built for power.
It’s rumored to keep a thicker body to fit a bigger battery and a triple-camera setup, perfect for students who need long battery life and top-notch photos.
Hindustan Times suggests the Air’s slim design might mean a smaller battery, which could be a downside for all-day use.
The Pro Max, at 8.3 mm, isn’t as sleek but offers more features. Analytics Insight calls it a “battle of specs,” with the Air focusing on style and the Pro Max on performance.
For students, it’s a choice between a cool, thin phone that’s easy to carry or a bulkier one that does more heavy lifting.
