Apple Set to Unveil Thinner ‘iPhone Air‘ Alongside iPhone 17

Jakarta – Apple is scheduled to host a major product launch event at the Steve Jobs Theater on September 9th US time, or midnight on September 10th in Indonesia. The event is expected to showcase the latest iPhone 17 series, but anticipation is also building around the rumored debut of a new ‘iPhone Air’ variant.

the prospective iPhone Air is reportedly being designed with an exceptionally thin profile, indicating Apple’s potential embrace of a growing trend in smartphone design. This follows a similar move by Samsung, a key competitor, which recently unveiled its ‘Galaxy S25 Edge’ as a notably slender device.

Samsung has further pushed the boundaries of thinness with the Galaxy Z Fold 7, the thinnest foldable phone currently available, measuring just 8.9mm when closed – comparable to the thickness of standard smartphones. this growth seems to be prompting Apple to explore similar innovations.

The ‘iPhone Air’ name echoes Apple’s existing line of thin and lightweight products, such as the MacBook Air laptops. Analysts suggest this new model will demonstrate Apple’s ability to produce slim phones without compromising on essential features like battery life and camera quality.

According to Reuters reports from Tuesday, September 9th, 2025, the iPhone air is anticipated to be priced between the standard iPhone 17 and the Pro models, perhaps broadening Apple’s consumer appeal. Forrester analyst, Chatterjee, emphasized that a slimmer iPhone could spur greater innovation within the company, as consumers have increasingly demanded important design updates.

“It has been a considerable time as we witnessed substantial changes in the form factor of this device, beyond incremental adjustments,” chatterjee stated. “A novel design like the ‘Air’ could encourage many iPhone 14, 15, and even 16 users to upgrade.”

Industry observers also beleive this thinner design could serve as a stepping stone toward a fully foldable iPhone and an enhanced Siri experience, although these advancements are not expected to materialize until the following year. Currently, Samsung is developing its seventh-generation foldable phone, while Google is working on its third iteration.

Despite these advancements, Chatterjee estimates that folding phones will account for less than 2% of all cellphone sales in the near future, with growth potentially reaching a maximum of 5%.Though, these devices are seen as crucial for Apple to regain market share in China, where consumers demonstrate a strong preference for foldable technology.

Historically,Apple has derived nearly a quarter of its total sales from the mid-price iPhone segment,as noted by Gene Munster,Managing Partner at Deepwater Asset Management. He predicts that apple will likely implement price adjustments across its iPhone lineup, potentially increasing costs for greater storage capacity.

Details on the ‘iPhone Air’

Details regarding the specifications of the iPhone Air remain scarce. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has described the model as an intermediate option between the standard and Pro versions, catering to consumers seeking a design that is both stylish and functional.

The ‘Air’ is expected to appeal to consumers who desire a more visually appealing device than the standard iPhone, without requiring the premium features of the Pro model. It will also likely be priced accordingly: more expensive than the standard version, but less than the Pro.

Reports suggest the iPhone Air will replace the “plus” version in Apple’s lineup. The ‘Air’ is anticipated to feature a distinct display, potentially including a Dynamic Island and a smaller screen size compared to the Plus model.

The discontinuation of the Plus version is not unusual for Apple. The company previously phased out the mini version after the iPhone 13.

Gurman forecasts an enhancement in apple’s overall sales performance next year, partly attributed to the introduction of the iPhone 17 Air.

These details remain unconfirmed and subject to change until Apple officially unveils the iPhone 17 series and the new ‘Air’ model.

What are your thoughts on Apple’s potential move towards a thinner iPhone? Do you believe this design change will impact your purchasing decisions?