Apple is expected to refresh its smartphone lineup later this year, replacing the current Plus model with a new “Air” version. Until now, only concept images and 3D-printed mockups have given a glimpse of the iPhone 17 Air. However, a new leak has provided the most realistic look yet at what the device could actually resemble.
Tipster MajinBu recently shared an image labeled “iPhone 17 Air,” showing a person holding what appears to be a highly realistic representation of the upcoming phone. The device looks almost like a finalized retail dummy unit, similar to the ones seen in stores.
The photo clearly displays the metallic frame and a two-tone glass finish on the back. Apple has favored this glossy and frosted look for several generations now, and it seems the trend will continue with the iPhone 17 Air, which is expected to be one of the thinnest phones the company has produced.
Despite the sleek appearance, the design might not excite everyone. Earlier mockups and renders showcased a horizontal camera module that blended smoothly into the glass rear. However, the latest image hints at a slightly more conventional, raised camera island that resembles Google’s Pixel 9 series, particularly with its pill-shaped design.
Without the stretched camera island, the iPhone 17 Air would look almost identical to the rumored iPhone 16e. The transparency and lighting in the leaked image make it hard to judge how thick the camera bump will actually be.
Current leaks suggest that the iPhone 17 Air will feature a 48-megapixel rear camera and a 24-megapixel front-facing camera. It is expected to be powered by the A19 chip built on a 3-nanometer process, paired with 12GB of RAM.
In terms of form factor, the phone could be incredibly slim at just 5.1mm and feature a 6.7-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Reports also suggest Apple might eliminate the physical SIM card tray entirely, pushing users toward eSIM technology globally.
For connectivity, Apple plans to use its own modem inside the iPhone 17 Air. However, it remains unclear whether it will debut a new generation of the chip or rely on the existing C1 modem seen in the iPhone 16e, which lacks mmWave 5G capabilities.
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