The Apple iPhone 17 series is set to launch in September 2025, and Apple enthusiasts are buzzing with excitement over the rumoured lineup, particularly the iPhone 17 Air. Touted as Apple’s thinnest smartphone yet, the iPhone 17 Air promises a groundbreaking design, but how does it stack up against the rest of the iPhone 17 series, including the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max? In this article, we’ll dive into the specs, design, features, and more to help you decode the whole iPhone 17 series lineup.
iPhone 17 Series Lineup: A Quick Overview
The iPhone 17 series is expected to include four models: the standard iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Yes, Apple is all set to replace the “Plus” models with “Air” this year. Each model caters to different user needs, from budget-conscious buyers to power users seeking flagship features.
iPhone 17
- Design: Similar to the iPhone 16, with a vertical dual-camera setup in a pill-shaped bump.
- Camera: Dual 48MP rear cameras (wide and ultra-wide), 24MP front camera.
- Display: 6.1-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate (ProMotion).
- Performance: 8GB RAM with A19 chip.
- Price: Expected to start around $799.
The standard iPhone 17 is a balanced option for most users, offering upgraded features like ProMotion without the premium price tag of the Pro models.
iPhone 17 Air
- Thickness: 6mm, the slimmest iPhone yet.
- Design: Minimalistic with a single elongated camera bump, as seen in dummy models shared by TrakinTech on X.
- Camera: A single 48MP Fusion rear camera with a 24MP front camera, as per Tom’s Guide (March 2025).
- Display: Expected to feature a 120Hz ProMotion display, a first for non-Pro models.
- Material: Rumoured to use a half-glass, half-aluminium frame for better durability (MacRumors, June 2024).
- Battery Life: Rumoured to have “worse” battery life compared to other models due to its slim profile (MacRumors, May 2025).
- Performance: 8GB RAM with A19 chip.
- Price: Expected to start around $899.
iPhone 17 Air vs iPhone 16 Plus pic.twitter.com/JbtWTZaj3E
— iDeviceHelp (@iDeviceHelpus) May 1, 2025
The iPhone 17 Air is designed for users who value a lightweight, stylish device over advanced features like a multi-camera system. However, its slim design comes with trade-offs, such as reduced battery life and a simplified camera setup.
iPhone 17 Pro
- Design: Features a new horizontal camera bar with a triangular arrangement of three lenses, as noted in MacRumors (May 2025).
- Camera: Triple 48MP camera system (wide, ultra-wide, telephoto) with LiDAR, 24MP front camera.
- Display: 6.3-inch display with 120Hz ProMotion.
- Material: Rumoured to use a half-glass, half-aluminium frame for better durability (MacRumors, June 2024).
- Performance: 12GB RAM with A19 Pro chip.
- Price: Expected to start around $1,099.
The iPhone 17 Pro is ideal for users who want premium features like advanced photography and a larger display without going for the top-tier Pro Max.
iPhone 17 Pro Max
- Design: Similar to the Pro, with a horizontal camera bar, but with a larger 6.9-inch display.
- Camera: Triple 48MP camera system with enhanced zoom capabilities, 24MP front camera.
- Display: 6.9-inch display with 120Hz ProMotion.
- Material: Half-glass, half-aluminium frame, possibly in a new light blue colour (MacRumors, June 2024).
- Performance: 12GB RAM with A19 Pro chip.
- Price: Expected to start around $1,299.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max remains Apple’s flagship, offering the best specs and features for power users, albeit at a higher price point.
Apple iPhone 17 Air vs iPhone 17 Series: Head-to-Head Comparison
Let’s break down how the iPhone 17 Air compares to the rest of the iPhone 17 lineup across key categories.
1. Design and Build
- iPhone 17 Air: At 5.5mm thick, the Air is the slimmest of the bunch, with a minimalist design featuring a single camera bump. Its lightweight build makes it highly portable.
- iPhone 17: Retains a familiar design with a dual-camera setup, measuring around 7.8mm thick, similar to the iPhone 16.
- iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max: Both Pro models feature a new horizontal camera bar, with a half-glass, half-aluminium build for improved durability. They’re thicker than the Air at around 8mm but offer a more premium feel.
Winner: The Apple iPhone 17 Air wins for portability and sleekness, but the Pro models offer a more premium and durable design.
2. Camera System
- iPhone 17 Air: A single 48MP Fusion camera limits its versatility, making it less ideal for photography enthusiasts.
- iPhone 17: Dual 48MP cameras offer better versatility with wide and ultra-wide lenses.
- iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max: The triple 48MP camera system, including a telephoto lens and LiDAR, makes the Pro models the best choice for advanced photography and videography.
Winner: The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max dominate with their advanced camera systems.
3. Display
- iPhone 17 Air: Likely a 6.6-inch display with 120Hz ProMotion, bringing smoother scrolling to a non-Pro model.
- iPhone 17: 6.1-inch display with 120Hz ProMotion, matching the Air.
- iPhone 17 Pro: 6.3-inch display with 120Hz ProMotion.
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: 6.9-inch display with 120Hz ProMotion, the largest in the lineup.
Winner: The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max offers the largest and most immersive display, but all models benefit from ProMotion.
4. Performance
- iPhone 17 Air: Powered by the A19 chip, offering solid performance for everyday tasks.
- iPhone 17: Also uses the A19 chip, with similar performance to the Air.
- iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max: Equipped with the A19 Pro chip, providing better performance for gaming, editing, and multitasking.
Winner: The Apple iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max take the lead with the more powerful A19 Pro chip.
5. Battery Life
- iPhone 17 Air: Expected to have reduced battery life due to its slim design (MacRumors, May 2025).
- iPhone 17: Likely to offer better battery life than the Air, similar to the iPhone 16.
- iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max: Expected to have the best battery life in the lineup, thanks to larger battery capacities.
Winner: The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is likely to offer the best battery life.
6. Price
- iPhone 17 Air: Expected to start around $899, replacing the Plus model (Tom’s Guide, March 2025).
- iPhone 17: Around $799, the most affordable option.
- iPhone 17 Pro: Around $1,099.
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: Around $1,299, the most expensive.
Winner: The Apple iPhone 17 is the best value for budget-conscious buyers, while the Air offers a middle ground.
Which iPhone 17 Model Should You Choose?
- Choose the iPhone 17 Air if: You want the thinnest iPhone ever with a sleek, minimalist design and don’t need advanced camera features. It’s perfect for users who prioritize portability over power.
- Choose the iPhone 17 if: You’re looking for a well-rounded iPhone with solid performance, a dual-camera system, and a more affordable price tag.
- Choose the iPhone 17 Pro if: You want a premium iPhone with advanced features like a triple-camera system and a larger display, without paying for the Pro Max.
- Choose the iPhone 17 Pro Max if: You need the best of the best—largest display, longest battery life, and top-tier performance for power users and professionals.
Conclusion: Is the Apple iPhone 17 Air Worth the Hype?
The iPhone 17 Air is shaping up to be a game-changer with its ultra-slim 6mm design, making it the thinnest iPhone ever. However, its single-camera setup and reduced battery life may deter users who need more versatility and longevity. Compared to the rest of the iPhone 17 series, the Air stands out for its portability but falls short in features compared to the Pro models. The iPhone 17 Pro Max remains the flagship choice for power users, while the standard iPhone 17 offers the best value.
As we approach the September 2025 launch, the iPhone 17 Air’s unique design will likely continue to spark debate. Which iPhone 17 series model are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below!
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