Apple has been actively developing a new model to replace the iPhone Plus, which itself succeeded the iPhone mini. This innovative device, known as the iPhone 17 Air, was intended to mark Apple’s foray into a portless design. A vision of a future devoid of charging ports is an intriguing concept. Despite some lingering discontent regarding the removal of the headphone jack, many enthusiasts hoped that manufacturers would fully embrace this direction rather than forcing consumers to rely on adapters and wired chargers.
This sentiment was shared by Apple insider Mark Gurman, who outlined the company’s aspirations for the iPhone 17 Air. However, Apple ultimately faced regulatory challenges that led to the abandonment of its portless plans for the iPhone 17 Air. The company was concerned about potential conflicts with European Union regulations that could classify their new device as non-compliant. To further optimize the design, Apple also decided to reduce the dimensions of the iPhone 17 Air, scaling it down from 6.9 inches to approximately 6.6 inches, thus addressing durability issues reminiscent of the iPhone 6 Plus.
Even with these adjustments, the iPhone 17 Air promises appealing features. Reports suggest it will include a denser battery, enabling it to provide similar longevity compared to thicker models. The device is set to feature the A19 chip, alongside Apple’s own energy-efficient cellular modem. Additionally, it will likely come with a single rear camera, drawing comparisons to the iPhone 16e.
Early renders reveal an attractive design, reminiscent of Google’s Pixel line, offering a modern aesthetic. As a result, while there have been compromises, the iPhone 17 Air holds the potential to deliver a robust user experience.