iPhone 17 Air – everything about features, price and release

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The iPhone 17 Air is coming into focus because it's Apple's first ultra-thin device to be introduced into its lineup. It replaces the iPhone 16 Plus and is expected to offer more performance, larger storage options, and a high-quality display. Initial information from TrendForce indicates that Apple is raising the price even higher than other sources predicted.

While the base iPhone 17 remains unchanged, the iPhone 17 Air brings a breath of fresh air to the product lineup. Priced between $1,099 and $1,499, it positions itself clearly above the standard model but remains below the Pro devices. It also features new hardware that significantly differentiates it from the previous generation.

Price and storage options

The iPhone 17 Air will be released in three variants. TrendForce lists the following:

256 GB for $1,099
512 GB for $1,299
1 TB for $1,499

This means the series will launch with more base storage than the regular iPhone 17, which continues to start at 128 GB for $799. The Pro models will also start at 256 GB, but are expected to cost between $50 and $100 more per storage variant than their direct predecessors. The comparison with previous estimates is interesting. JP Morgan had estimated the starting price of the iPhone 17 Air at $899 to $949. TrendForce's higher figures indicate a clear positioning in the upper price segment.

Hardware and equipment

The iPhone 17 Air brings several technical improvements. At its heart is the new A19 chip, while the Pro models are equipped with the A19 Pro. The RAM also increases to 12 GB, which was previously reserved for the Pro devices. Only the standard model remains somewhat more economical with 8 GB of RAM. Another feature concerns the display. For the first time, Apple is using a 120 Hz ProMotion panel in all models, which enables smoother displays and was previously only installed in the Pro devices. This creates a significant difference from the iPhone 16 series, which offered powerful performance but relied on simpler features in the cheaper models.

Market forecasts

According to TrendForce, total shipments of the iPhone 17 series are expected to increase by 3.5 percent compared to the iPhone 16 series. The Pro models, in particular, remain the main sales drivers. The iPhone 17 Air complements the series as a new intermediate model, offering users more performance and storage options without immediately entering the price range of the Pro Max devices.

Presentation and sales launch

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series during its "Awe Dropping" keynote on September 9. Sales could begin on September 19, following the usual pattern.

iPhone 17 Air: Slim design meets powerful hardware

The iPhone 17 Air combines an ultra-thin design with more storage, more RAM, a fast A19 chip, and, for the first time, a 120 Hz ProMotion display. The starting price is higher than some analysts expected, but it's above the standard model and below the Pro devices. This positions the Air as an exciting addition to the iPhone 17 series, which is attracting attention primarily due to its features and positioning in the mid-range. (Image: MajinBuOfficial)