iPhone 17 Air Leak: A First Real Look at Apple’s Thinnest iPhone Yet

(Image credit: @SonnyDickson - x page)

A new leak just dropped, and it might give us our clearest look yet at Apple’s boldest iPhone redesign in years.

Late last night, leaker Sonny Dickson—well known for sharing accurate dummy models of unreleased iPhones—posted images of what appear to be the entire iPhone 17 lineup, including a brand new model: the iPhone 17 Air. These dummy units are non-functional prototypes that case and accessory manufacturers use to prepare for new iPhone designs.

And let’s just say… if this is what’s coming, Apple might actually be shaking things up for real this time.

iPhone 17 Dummy Models: What They Reveal

Dickson’s photos show dummy models from every angle. The standout is the iPhone 17 Air, which looks shockingly thin compared to the rest of the iPhone 17 family—even though those other models aren’t exactly thick by modern standards.

It’s rumored to measure just 5.5mm thick, which would make it the thinnest iPhone ever.

Side-by-side shots really highlight how much slimmer it is, almost making the other models look bulky. The design seems consistent with renders that have been circulating online lately, especially the large camera bump that spans the phone’s rear—expected on every model except the standard iPhone 17.

iPhone 17 Air: Specs, Features, and Design

According to both Sonny Dickson’s leak and Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, here’s what we can expect from the iPhone 17 Air:

📱 6.6-inch display — Sits between the 6.3-inch iPhone 16 Pro and 6.9-inch Pro Max

🔄 120Hz ProMotion screen for smoother visuals

🧠 Powered by a standard A19 chip (not the A19 Pro)

📸 Single rear camera, similar to the iPhone 16E

🌟 Dynamic Island cutout (like the current Pro models)

🎛️ Camera Control button — consistent with the dummy model images

🔋 Battery life expected to be on par with other iPhones, despite the thin frame.

Interestingly, Apple initially considered going with a 6.9-inch screen for the Air, but dropped the idea due to fears that such a thin device with a large screen could be prone to bending—a concern with past devices like the iPhone 6 Plus.

A New Design Direction (and Maybe a Foldable Future)

At first glance, the iPhone 17 Air might seem like just a thinner phone. But according to Gurman, it could be the beginning of something much bigger.

If customers respond well, Apple may use the Air as a testing ground for more ambitious changes, like:

• A portless iPhone (finally!)

• Bringing the thin design language to other iPhone models

• Paving the way for Apple’s first-ever foldable iPhone, potentially by 2026

That last point is especially interesting. Gurman and The Information both suggest that Apple is using the materials and methods from the iPhone 17 Air’s design to prepare for a folding iPhone—something like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, but with Apple’s signature polish and (hopefully) a nearly invisible crease.

How Much Will the iPhone 17 Air Cost?

Early estimates say the iPhone 17 Air will launch around $900, placing it in the same range as the current iPhone 16 Plus. That’s not cheap, but if Apple delivers a unique, ultra-thin experience with premium features, it could be a fair price for a major design leap.

Final Thoughts

It’s easy to be skeptical about iPhone rumors—especially after years of incremental updates. But this leak feels different.

The iPhone 17 Air could mark a turning point for Apple. Whether it’s a stepping stone toward a foldable iPhone or just a sleeker middle-tier option, it shows that Apple might finally be ready to change the iPhone in a meaningful way.

Stay tuned—we’ll keep watching the leaks roll in.