Apple is gearing up to unveil its sleekest iPhone yet this year, debuting alongside the iPhone 17 Pro models. Rumored to be just 5.5mm thick, this iPhone won’t surpass the ultra-thin 13-inch iPad Pro, which stands at 5.1mm. The forthcoming iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature a 6.6-inch display, a strategic choice to enhance durability. Looking further ahead, Apple is planning to release the iPhone 19 Air in 2027 with an even larger display, aligning it closely with the “Pro” models.
In a series of intriguing predictions, well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that the iPhone 19 Air will showcase a larger screen, marking a significant evolution for the device. Alongside this, Kuo reveals more about Apple’s future lineup, including the introduction of the iPhone 17e next year and a second-generation foldable iPhone slated for 2027.
Apple seems to be positioning the ‘Air’ model for annual upgrades, paralleling the ‘standard’ and ‘Pro’ versions. Recent insights suggest Apple aims to stagger iPhone releases, debuting more premium models in the Fall while reserving the standard versions for a Spring launch. This strategy may help streamline offerings and potentially enhance sales.
While specifics about the iPhone 19 Air’s dimensions remain under wraps, Kuo notes its display will be larger compared to the iPhone 18 Slim. The ‘Slim’ moniker frequently appears in Kuo’s reports, though Apple might favor the ‘Air’ branding for its simplicity and consistency.
Size-wise, the iPhone 17 Air is set to be larger than standard variants yet smaller than the 6.9-inch ‘Pro’ model. To diversify its range, Apple plans to introduce a new budget-friendly model alongside the specialized ‘Air’ version, expanding its current lineup of four models. This expanded lineup necessitates a staggered launch strategy, with the iPhone 18 Pro models set for a Fall release followed by standard models in Spring.
Kuo also anticipates a second-generation iPhone Fold will be released in the Fall, alongside the bigger iPhone 19 Air. Whether Apple will implement any substantial design changes remains to be seen. Stay tuned for further insights into these exciting developments.
