iPhone 17 Air Rumored to Drop Ultra Wide Camera and Speaker for Thinner Design

Apple’s rumored iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature an ultra-thin and lightweight design, but this will come at the cost of some familiar features. Reports suggest the device will lack a bottom speaker, an Ultra Wide camera, and a physical SIM card slot in international markets. These changes indicate that Apple is prioritizing a sleeker form factor while making adjustments that could affect user experience.

iPhone 17 Air Features Single Speaker and Simplified Camera for Slimmer Design

Unlike previous iPhones that feature stereo speakers, the iPhone 17 Air will reportedly have only a single speaker, built into the earpiece at the top. Recent 3D renders show very few holes on the bottom edge, suggesting they are only for microphones rather than an additional speaker. While this design helps achieve a thinner profile, it may lead to reduced audio output and a different sound experience compared to iPhones with dual speakers.

The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to feature a single 48-megapixel Fusion camera, similar to the iPhone 16e. This means it will not include an Ultra Wide camera, limiting its ability to capture wider shots. However, removing this component could free up internal space, allowing for a larger battery. This trade-off suggests that Apple is aiming to enhance battery life while simplifying the camera system.

Apple Expands eSIM-Only Approach, Eliminating Physical SIM Slots Worldwide in iPhone 17 Air

Apple has been gradually removing the physical SIM card slot from its devices, starting with U.S. models in 2022. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to follow this trend, relying entirely on eSIM technology, even in international markets. While eSIMs offer advantages such as easier carrier switching and enhanced security, they may present challenges for users in regions where support for digital SIMs is still developing.

The iPhone 17 Air is anticipated to be introduced in September, following Apple’s traditional annual schedule. The design decisions made for this model suggest Apple is experimenting with a more minimalistic approach, focusing on thinness while removing certain features. Whether these changes will be well-received remains to be seen, but they signal Apple’s continued push for a modernized iPhone experience.