iPhone 17 Air: Headed for the same fate as the Mini and Plus?

New name, same old warning signs.

Thin smartphones are dominating 2025. It started with the Oppo Find N5, the world’s thinnest foldable. Honor is ready to take it further with the Magic V4 or V5.

Then comes Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7, possibly the sleekest yet. Even beyond foldables, Samsung launched the 5.8mm-thick Galaxy S25 Edge. Now Apple is rumored to launch the iPhone 17 Air at only 5.4mm, replacing the Plus.

But at what cost?

iPhone 17 Air: Slim, but sacrificing battery and camera

To achieve this thinness, Apple had to compromise on battery and camera. A smaller body means a smaller battery. Apple hopes to fix that with iOS 19’s AI, which adapts power usage to your behavior.

Rumors also say just one 48 MP rear camera, like the iPhone 16e. If priced like the Plus, that may be hard to justify.

History repeats: Mini failed, Plus failed — is Air next?

Apple has tried four-model lineups since iPhone 12. The Mini failed due to battery issues. The Plus, despite a big screen, is Apple’s worst-selling model for three years.

Air looks to be next. Less power, fewer features, likely higher price. Users may skip it and go Pro instead.

Air: Stylish, sleek, but not for everyone

iPhone 17 Air will appeal to those who prioritize aesthetics over practicality. For most users, battery and camera matter more. Without new battery tech like silicon-carbon, thin phones will always sacrifice function for form.

Like the Mini and Plus, Air may be short-lived — a trend that fades quickly.

So what’s next? A modular iPhone? Something wild? Let’s hear your craziest ideas. Foldables are old news!