Get ready for a fresh shake-up in Apple’s iPhone lineup. Word on the street says the new iPhone 17 Air, set to replace the Plus series in 2025, will be incredibly thin. We’re talking just 5.5 millimeters. That’s even slimmer than the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, which debuted in May 2025 at 5.8 millimeters thick. But the real buzz is about what material this sleek new phone will use.
For a long time, Apple stuck with strong aluminum frames, like on the iPhone 6s back in 2015. Then, they moved to premium titanium for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max in 2023. They kept using titanium for the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max released in 2024. So, everyone expected the titanium trend to continue across their top-tier phones.
Well, it seems Apple has a surprise in store. The Information reports that Apple is changing its material strategy again. The iPhone 17 Air will be the only phone in the entire iPhone 17 series to feature a titanium frame. This premium material is perfect for such a thin phone. It helps make the device super durable while keeping it incredibly light.
This focus on lightness means the iPhone 17 Air might weigh about the same, or even less, than the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, which clocks in at 163 grams. Meanwhile, the regular iPhone 17, the iPhone 17 Pro, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max will likely return to aluminum frames. Their lower backs will still have glass to allow for wireless charging.
Beyond the materials, there are whispers about the iPhone 17 Air’s colors. It might come in new, very faded shades. The rumored main blue color, for instance, is said to be so pale it’s almost white. This design choice would truly highlight the phone’s thin and light feel, matching its core concept.
Apple is expected to unveil all four iPhone 17 models in September 2025. Mark Gurman from Bloomberg suggests it could happen on Tuesday, September 9, or Wednesday, September 10, 2025. There’s also talk of a more budget-friendly iPhone 17e version, possibly launching later in early 2026.