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iPhone 17 Air wishlist: What we want to see in Apple's slimmest iPhone

iPhone 17 Air could be special if Apple gets it right.

Published on: Feb 24, 2025, 18:39:18 IST
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The iPhone 17 Air is expected to be the fourth model in the iPhone 17 series, replacing the ‘Plus’ moniker that debuted with the iPhone 14 series. Reports so far suggest that it will prioritise form over function, with some trade-offs expected in terms of the camera experience, and battery life. Now, that aside, let us share our wishlist—what we expect from the iPhone 17 Air. Read on.

iPhone 17 Air is expected to join the rest of the iPhone 17 lineup in September, later this year. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP)
iPhone 17 Air is expected to join the rest of the iPhone 17 lineup in September, later this year. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP)
Shaurya Sharma

Design that makes you feel..something

The joy of using thin and light devices is real. Remember the first Moto Razr? It may not have had the best internals or been the most practical device, but its striking design evoked emotion.

Now, imagine if the iPhone 17 Air debuts with an exceptionally thin design. If it reportedly measures between 5.5-6.5 mm, as many reports suggest, it would undoubtedly be the thinnest iPhone ever and would certainly turn heads. It remains to be seen whether Apple’s final design approach will be similar to Samsung’s with the S25 Edge (which didn't seem all that different compared to the vanilla S25 models) or if Apple will carve its own path.

Also Read: iPhone 16e goes on sale on 28 February: Know how to grab up to 10000 discount on your purchase

A single camera is fine, but it needs Fusion tech

Moving on to the camera, based on leaked renders, it looks increasingly likely that the iPhone 17 Air will feature a single-camera setup. However, as we saw with the iPhone 16e, referred to as the iPhone SE 4 in leaks, this may not be a major drawback. Why? Because it is expected to incorporate Apple's two-in-one Fusion Camera technology, allowing users to capture optical-quality zoom shots.

We certainly hope the primary sensor matches that of the other iPhone 17 models, as this would significantly enhance the overall camera experience. However, given the phone’s expected ultra-thin design, concerns naturally arise over how Apple will manage to include a large sensor. That said, the renders showcase a camera layout similar to the Pixel 9 series’ camera bar, giving us hope that Apple has found a way to accommodate a larger sensor.

Colours are fun

As premium as Apple's Pro models feel, they do not offer a wide selection of vibrant colours. The iPhone 16 lineup follows the same trend, where fun colours like ultramarine, teal, and pink are exclusive to the standard iPhone 16 models, while the Pro models feature muted and rather mature shades. We hope the iPhone 17 Air debuts with a variety of fun shades, allowing users to choose a colour that truly reflects their personality.

  • Shaurya Sharma
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Shaurya Sharma

    Shaurya Sharma is the Technology Editor at Hindustan Times Digital Streams, where he oversees technology coverage across digital and social platforms. With over eight years of experience across editorial, video production, and digital media, his work focuses on smartphones, AI, consumer gadgets, and shaping audience-first content strategies for modern tech consumers. He began his career in 2018 as a fashion cinematographer before turning his lifelong passion for technology into a profession. From spending his childhood immersed in tech magazines, video games, and the latest gadgets to covering the global consumer tech industry today, technology has remained a constant throughout his journey. Over the years, Shaurya has worked with some of India’s leading media organisations, including CNN-News18, Sportskeeda, and Guiding Tech, where he led video initiatives that combined strong editorial storytelling with engaging visual and social-first execution. A graduate in Journalism and Mass Communication from Manipal University, Shaurya has reviewed hundreds of products across categories including smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles, cameras, and wearables. Beyond work, he is passionate about animal welfare, environmental causes, and automobiles, particularly turbo-petrol carsRead More