Apple is reportedly planning to introduce a new variant in its upcoming iPhone 17 lineup, unofficially dubbed the iPhone 17 Air. This model is expected to be the thinnest iPhone Apple has ever created, though it may not be as slim as initially anticipated due to design adjustments.
According to reports, Apple’s pursuit of an ultra-thin design led to an early concept that would have made the device completely port-free. The company reportedly considered eliminating the USB-C port entirely, requiring users to rely solely on wireless charging and cloud-based data transfers. However, this radical design was ultimately scrapped for several reasons.
Revised Design Following Customer and Regulatory Concerns
Apple’s decision to retain the USB-C port was influenced by concerns over potential customer backlash. Previous major design shifts—such as the removal of the headphone jack—were met with resistance, and Apple appeared cautious about repeating that scenario.
Additionally, regulatory requirements played a crucial role in the decision. The European Union’s recent mandate requiring all new smartphones to adopt USB-C connectivity forced Apple to integrate the port in the iPhone 15 lineup. This ruling likely contributed to Apple’s decision to keep the port in the upcoming iPhone 17 Air rather than pushing for a completely wireless experience.
While Apple’s iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature a significantly thinner form factor, the company is maintaining a balance between innovation and practicality to ensure a seamless user experience. More details on the new model will likely emerge as Apple moves closer to the official launch of the iPhone 17 series.
Stay tuned to DC Brief for further updates on this story and other technology developments.
