iPhone 17 Air May Ditch These 3 Features for Ultra-Thin Design: Here's What to Expect from Apple in September

iPhone 17 Air may ditch these 3 features for ultra-thin design, here's what to expect from Apple in September

Apple is expected to introduce its ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air this year, replacing the Plus variant in its lineup. Several leaks and reports suggest that the iPhone 17 Air will be the lightest and thinnest Apple iPhone to date. However, to achieve this sleek form factor, Apple may remove three key features found in previous iPhone models.

What features might Apple remove from the iPhone 17 Air?

• Bottom Speaker Removal: The iPhone 17 Air may lack a traditional bottom-firing speaker. Instead, reports suggest that Apple will integrate a single speaker into the earpiece at the top.
• No Ultra Wide Camera: Unlike previous iPhone models with a dedicated Ultra Wide sensor, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature only a 48MP Fusion Camera with a 2× zoom option.
• SIM Card Slot Removal: Apple began phasing out physical SIM card slots with the iPhone 14 series in the U.S. Reports suggest that the iPhone 17 Air will support only eSIM worldwide, removing the physical SIM slot entirely.

iPhone 17 Air specifications and design

The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to feature a 6.6-inch Dynamic Island display, an advanced Face ID system, and a more compact yet premium design. Unlike the Pro models, the Air variant may have slightly reduced hardware specifications but will retain a smooth and responsive user experience.

With the removal of the Ultra Wide camera, Apple might utilize the extra internal space to enhance battery life, making the iPhone 17 Air more power-efficient. The device is expected to include the latest A18 Bionic chip, ensuring top-tier performance.

iPhone 17 Air expected launch date and price in India

Apple is likely to unveil the iPhone 17 lineup in September 2025, including the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. The expected price for the iPhone 17 Air in India is around ₹90,000. With no iPhone 17 Plus in this lineup, the Air model could take its place as the mid-tier option.

Apple's push for an eSIM-only future

Apple has been gradually transitioning toward a fully eSIM-based ecosystem. The removal of the physical SIM card slot from the iPhone 17 Air could indicate Apple's long-term plan to shift all iPhones to an eSIM-only setup, enhancing security and streamlining design.

Final thoughts on iPhone 17 Air

The iPhone 17 Air aims to offer a lightweight, ultra-thin design while maintaining high-end performance. Although it may lack some traditional features, its sleek form factor, improved battery life, and powerful hardware could make it a compelling option for users seeking a more compact flagship iPhone.