Apple is rumored to release its thinnest iPhone ever, the iPhone 17 Air, this fall. However, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the device could have been even more groundbreaking if Apple had followed through on an initial plan to remove the USB-C port, making it the first completely port-free iPhone. The company ultimately abandoned this idea due to potential regulatory issues with the European Union, but it may revisit it in the future, depending on how well the iPhone 17 Air performs.
Apple is expected to launch four iPhone models this year, following its usual release strategy. The iPhone 17 Air is said to be about 2 millimeters thinner than the other models. Over the weekend, leaker Sonny Dickson shared images allegedly showing iPhone 17 dummies, highlighting just how slim the Air model will be. These leaks have already generated excitement among Apple fans, and more details are expected to surface in the coming months.
Apple’s iPhone 17 Air Could Have Been Port-Free but Faces Regulatory HurdlesBalancing Innovation and Functionality While Maintaining a Familiar iPhone Experience
The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to be priced at around $900, positioning it between the entry-level iPhone 17 and the two higher-end models. It will likely feature a 6.6-inch screen, Dynamic Island, and a Camera Control button, with a battery life similar to previous iPhones. Despite its slim design, Apple appears to be maintaining core features that users have come to expect.
Apple’s decision to delay a port-free iPhone suggests that the company is carefully balancing innovation and regulatory challenges. If the iPhone 17 Air proves successful, Apple may feel confident enough to remove ports in future models. For now, the focus remains on achieving a thinner form factor while retaining familiar functionalities.
With the official launch still months away, more rumors and leaks about the iPhone 17 Air are likely to emerge. As Apple continues refining its next-generation devices, tech enthusiasts eagerly anticipate new features and design changes that could set the stage for future iPhones.
