By iPhone 17 Air: Apple’s Lightest and Sleekest iPhone Yet
Apple is reportedly preparing for a major refresh of its smartphone lineup with the launch of the iPhone 17 Air, expected to debut later this year. This new model is rumored to replace the iPhone Plus variant and will come with significant upgrades — including a thinner body, a 120Hz display, a powerful A19 chipset, and an elegant new color palette.
According to well-known Apple analyst Jeff Pu (via MacRumors), the iPhone 17 Air and other models in the iPhone 17 series will be unveiled at Apple’s annual September launch event. The Air model will not only stand out due to its design and performance but will also mark a shift in Apple’s strategy to offer more differentiation in its non-Pro lineup.
iPhone 17 Air to Feature A19 Chipset and iOS 26
One of the biggest highlights of the iPhone 17 Air will be its processing power. In a recent investor note, analyst Jeff Pu confirmed that Apple plans to equip the base models of the iPhone 17 — including the Air — with its new A19 chipset. This marks a shift from the previously expected A18 chip and suggests Apple is pushing forward with more powerful hardware, even in non-Pro devices.
The iPhone 17 Air will run on iOS 26, the latest version of Apple’s operating system, ensuring users get the newest features, security updates, and UI improvements.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will reportedly be powered by an even more advanced “A19 Pro” chip, giving them an extra edge in performance.
iPhone 17 Air Display: 120Hz Refresh Rate Finally Coming to Non-Pro Models
In another exciting development, Apple is expected to bring 120Hz refresh rate support to the iPhone 17 Air, making it the first non-Pro iPhone to receive this upgrade. This would significantly enhance the scrolling and animation smoothness, bringing the experience closer to what’s currently seen in the Pro models.
However, sources suggest that this won’t be a ProMotion display — which means the 120Hz refresh rate may not be dynamically adjustable. This decision is likely a move to optimize battery life while still offering high refresh performance.
iPhone 17 Air Design: Thinner Bezels, New Dynamic Island & Color Options
A new leak from popular tipster Digital Chat Station on Weibo reveals that Apple is planning some major design improvements across the entire iPhone 17 series. The iPhone 17 Air, in particular, will be Apple’s slimmest and lightest model yet, with ultra-thin bezels and a redesigned Dynamic Island for a cleaner, more modern front panel.
Apple is also refreshing its color lineup, with a special focus on the iPhone 17 Air. According to another leak by Fixed Focus Digital, the Air model will be available in four color options, including a new super-pale blue shade. This new hue is reportedly even lighter than the blue used in the iPhone 15 series and may appear nearly white under certain lighting — similar to the Silverblue finish seen on Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra.
iPhone 17 Series: What Else to Expect?
In addition to the iPhone 17 Air, Apple will launch the standard iPhone 17, along with iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models. All models are expected to feature thinner bezels, enhanced displays, and minor design tweaks.
While details about pricing remain under wraps, Apple’s decision to phase out the Plus model in favor of the Air hints at a more refined and lightweight user experience for customers who don’t need all the Pro-level features but still want premium performance and design.
