The iPhone 17 Air is Predicted to be Apple's Most Expensive Smartphone

The iPhone 17 Air, rumored to replace the 17 Plus, is expected to feature an ultra-thin design, a 24-megapixel front camera, and a higher price than the 17 Pro Max.

The iPhone 17 Air is the most anticipated model from Apple, possibly debuting in September next year. If the rumors are true, it will be a significant change for the iPhone lineup since Apple replaced the Mini model with the Plus in 2022. The Plus series, known for its large screen and battery, did not gain popularity like the Mini, making it likely to be discontinued.

According to Jeff Pu, an analyst at Haitong International, the iPhone 17 Air will be powered by the A19 chip, produced with a 3 nm process, similar to the iPhone 17, rather than the A19 Pro used in the Pro versions. The device will maintain 8 GB of RAM and may support Apple Intelligence. Despite having a 6.6-inch display, the 17 Air could be lighter than the 6.3-inch 17 Pro. The front camera will have 24 megapixels, aligning with previous rumors that Apple will upgrade the selfie camera in next year’s smartphones. The iPhone 17 Air will be the thinnest iPhone ever, which means it might only have a single rear camera with a 48-megapixel sensor.

Previously, Ice Universe reported that the starting price of the iPhone 17 Air would be $1,299, higher than the $1,199 price of the 17 Pro Max. Jeff Pu shared similar information, stating that the iPhone 17 Air will be Apple’s most expensive smartphone. The next generation of iPhones is also expected to feature a smaller Dynamic Island thanks to a new FaceID system.

Last week, Majin Bu, who frequently shares accurate information about Apple products, said that Apple will use a new adhesive to secure the battery in all iPhone 17 models, including the ultra-thin 17 Air. The most important feature of this new adhesive is that it allows the battery to be easily removed using a small electrical current. This technology was introduced with the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus but is not yet available in the two high-end Pro models.

Currently, information about the iPhone 17 lineup is purely speculative since the product is more than 10 months away from being officially announced, and Apple may adjust its plans based on testing and actual production circumstances.