Why iPhone 17 Air could outshine the Pro model: 4 key advantages

Radically new ultra-thin design

This is the main advantage that will make many consider the choice between the iPhone 17 models. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to become significantly thinner and go down in history as the thinnest iPhone.

Exact dimensions are still unknown, but reports indicate that the body thickness will be 25% less than the current Pro models.

Previously, the thinnest iPhone was the iPhone 6, with a thickness of 6.9 mm. The iPhone 17 Air will be even thinner, likely between 6 and 6.5 mm.

For comparison, the current iPhone lineup has the following dimensions:

• iPhone 16: 7.8 mm

• iPhone 16 Plus: 7.8 mm

• iPhone 16 Pro: 8.25 mm

• iPhone 16 Pro Max: 8.25 mm

Such thinness will naturally require compromises, such as a smaller battery capacity and reduced camera capabilities. However, the new ultra-thin design will feel like a step into the future.

Screen size – the perfect compromise between Pro

The display sizes of the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are 6.3 and 6.9 inches, respectively. The 17 Pro models are expected to stick with the same sizes next year.

However, the iPhone 17 Air will likely offer the perfect middle ground. Its screen will be 6.6 inches, comfortably sitting between the two Pro models.

This size could be large enough to appeal to Pro Max users but still remain convenient for Pro owners, especially with the thinner body.

More affordable price

For a long time, the price of the iPhone 17 Air raised the most questions. The first rumors suggested it would be a premium device in the spirit of the "iPhone Ultra." However, upon learning about some of the device's limitations, it became clear that a high price might not be entirely justified.

Recent rumors indicate that the iPhone 17 Air will replace the Plus model in the lineup. It may be more expensive than the Plus, but it is still cheaper than the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max.

If price is an important factor for you, the iPhone 17 Air could be the best choice.

Apple's in-house 5G modem

This advantage has sparked the most debate, as it depends on your modem preferences.

The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are expected to retain the current Qualcomm 5G modem, while the iPhone 17 Air will feature Apple's long-awaited in-house modem.

Apple's first 5G modem might fall short in some areas compared to Qualcomm's solution, but it has unique advantages.

For example, as Mark Gurman notes, "It will be tightly integrated with Apple-designed main processors to use less power, scan for cellular service more efficiently, and better support on-device features for connecting to satellite networks."

It could be risky if the iPhone 17 Air were the first device with the new modem. However, the upgrade will first appear in the iPhone SE 4, which will be released about six months before the 17 Air debut. This will give Apple enough time to test new features and fix any potential bugs.