Apple is gearing up to launch the iPhone 17 series in the coming weeks, and recent leaks have shed light on the screen size of the anticipated iPhone 17 Air model. This new variant is expected to replace the iPhone 16 Plus and could become Apple’s thinnest iPhone to date.
Tipster Majin Bu shared an image on X showing what appear to be screen protectors for all four iPhone 17 models. According to the leak, the iPhone 17 Air will feature a 6.6-inch display, positioning it between the 6.3-inch iPhone 17 Pro and the 6.9-inch iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Traditionally, Apple has kept the standard and Pro models at similar sizes, while the Plus and Pro Max models had larger screens. However, this trend shifted with the iPhone 16 series, where the Pro models grew slightly due to slimmer bezels.
If the leak is accurate, the iPhone 17 Air introduces a new size tier. It will be smaller than the 6.7-inch Plus models of previous generations but bigger than the regular iPhone 17, which is expected to remain at 6.1 inches. The Pro should continue at 6.3 inches, while the Pro Max holds the crown as the largest at 6.9 inches.
This middle-ground size might attract users seeking a larger screen than the base iPhone but without the bulk of a Pro Max. However, the Air is rumored to sport a single rear camera, unlike the triple-camera setups on the Pro models, which could be a deciding factor for photography enthusiasts.
Battery life could also see compromises; a thinner body typically means a smaller battery capacity. Some reports hint that Apple might introduce an external battery accessory to compensate for any reduction in usage time.
Besides offering a fresh size option, the iPhone 17 Air might be a stepping stone in Apple’s broader ambitions. Industry insiders suggest Apple is working on a foldable iPhone, and developing ultra-thin designs like the Air could be crucial in perfecting the engineering needed for a foldable device.
While Apple has yet to confirm launch dates, following past patterns, an official announcement could come later this month, with the product reveal about four weeks afterward.
If the leak holds true, the iPhone 17 Air could provide a sleek, lightweight alternative that fills the gap between the Pro and Pro Max models, albeit with some trade-offs in camera features and battery endurance. As always, it’s best to take these leaks with caution.
