iPhone 17 Air: A New Size Between Pro and Pro Max

Apple is set to unveil the iPhone 17 lineup soon, with the official announcement expected later this month and a reveal about four weeks away. One of the biggest changes? The introduction of the iPhone 17 Air, replacing the Plus model with an ultra-thin design.
Display Size Comparison
According to leaker Majin Bu, the iPhone 17 Air’s display will measure 6.6 inches, sitting right between the 6.3-inch iPhone 17 Pro and the 6.9-inch iPhone 17 Pro Max.
IPhone 17 Pro screen protector pic.twitter.com/wwWPLitXiU
— Majin Bu (@MajinBuOfficial) August 10, 2025
Expected lineup:
- iPhone 17 – 6.1-inch display
- iPhone 17 Pro – 6.3-inch display
- iPhone 17 Air – 6.6-inch display (new)
- iPhone 17 Pro Max – 6.9-inch display
Why It’s Different
The Air model is not only slimmer but also slightly smaller than the Plus models it replaces (which had 6.7-inch screens). Apple is reportedly prioritizing this ultra-thin form factor to refine the tech ahead of its first foldable iPhone, rumored for next year with a 7.58-inch inner display.
Tradeoffs to Consider
While the size might appeal to those wanting something between Pro and Pro Max, there are compromises:
- Cameras: Single rear camera vs. Pro models’ triple camera system.
- Battery life: Likely shorter, though Apple may release a dedicated battery pack for the Air.
The Bigger Picture
The iPhone 17 Air could be a stepping stone toward a foldable future. For now, it offers a unique blend of portability, screen real estate, and ultra-thin design, though power users may still prefer the Pro models.