The Apple iPhone 17 Air is speculated to preview future portless iPhone models.

SUMMARY

Apple iPhone 17 Air: A Potential Glimpse into the Portless Future of iPhones

• Bloomberg analyst Mark Gurman reports that the upcoming iPhone 17 Air, expected this autumn, will be Apple’s first attempt at a mass-produced portless iPhone, initially featuring MagSafe charging and cloud-based file transfers, although this portless design was later shelved due to regulatory pressures.

• Despite the initial setback, the iPhone 17 Air is still anticipated to introduce several innovations, including a 6.6-inch display (originally planned to be 6.9 inches),  display, battery, iOS and modem optimizations to maintain battery life despite a 120Hz ProMotion display, and a price point comparable to the iPhone 16 Plus.

• The success of the iPhone 17 Air’s design and features could influence future iPhone models;  if the portless design proves popular, it may pave the way for future portless iPhones, potentially starting with the Pro models within a generation or two.

• Gurman suggests that the iPhone 17 Air’s thinner design (5.5 mm thick) and other advancements will serve as a testing ground for future iPhone designs, indicating that Apple’s pursuit of a portless iPhone is ongoing, even if delayed.

STORY

Bloomberg analyst Mark Gurman has revealed details about the upcoming iPhone 17 Air, anticipated to launch this autumn alongside the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to have dimensions between the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, and will feature a slim design with a case thickness of only 5.5 mm. The device is planned to come with a 6.6-inch display, although there were initial plans for a larger 6.9-inch display likely similar to that of the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Gurman notes that early prototypes of the iPhone 17 Air, referred to as ‘D23’, did not include a physical charging port and utilized MagSafe for charging. File transfers were intended to be conducted entirely through the cloud. However, this concept has been put on hold given Apple’s ongoing discussions with the European Commission regarding compliance with common charging standards. While the possibility of a portless iPhone remains on the table, it may only materialize if an ultra-thin model gains significant popularity.

Importantly, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to maintain battery life without significant compromise, thanks to optimizations in display, battery, iOS, and modem technology, even while featuring a 120 Hz ProMotion panel. Financially, it is likely to be priced similar to the current iPhone 16 Plus, which is around $729.95 on Amazon, indicating a potential launch price of approximately $899 for the iPhone 17 Air.

In addition to these insights, there are several related articles and updates, including discussions about other models in the iPhone 17 series and potential upgrades to the camera systems in these devices. Furthermore, the anticipated use of vapor chamber cooling for the iPhone 17 Pro has been speculated based on leaks. This information contributes to the expectations surrounding Apple’s innovation trajectory and evolving designs in future iPhone models.