The next iPhone is expected to be released, and so are expectations.
Rumors have been wandering about months about the upcoming lineup, which may include a thin model called iPhone 17 air. But speculations are not stopping there. It is also hidden next year what Apple has revealed to the fall.
Undoubtedly, thin phones are spending a moment, in which companies like Samsung, Huawei, Honor and Oppo launch the slum devices in the name of novelty – and are slapping on high price tags. The iPhone 17 Air, which can start its launch in September with the rest of the iPhone 17 series, has a 5.5 mm thick profile and a 6.6 -inch screen rumor. This will give Apple a chance to take advantage of the thin phone hype, while its newborn AI efforts will also divert attention.
It can also help to silence critics, which says that the design of the iPhone has been very predicted in recent years – though it seems that consumers like better cameras and longer battery life do not demand a thin phone.
“The trend toward thin smartphones is not necessarily driven by consumer demand,” said Anisha Bhatia, a senior global data analyst. “Slammons is a factor that can be clearly marketed, unlike uncertainty for AI.”
See this: Hey, Apple: steal these S25 edge features for a thin iPhone
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Issuing the iPhone 17 Air is also an opportunity for Apple to mark the price of its thin handset, Bhutia note. Charging more for a modern design can prove to be far more straightforward pitch than trying to monitor the features of the phone’s AI, especially since the platforms like Gemini and Chat GPT have free levels.
But in Apple’s long -term project, more than just releasing a thin iPhone 17 can be more. In fact, this year, Samsung’s mobile strategy, namely the Galaxy S25 Age release in May, can paint the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which can also be painted in Apple’s Blue Print.
The Galaxy S25 Edge is freshly thinner and light – and the rumor can also be 17 air.
A page out of Samsung’s book (styling foldable)
Earlier this year, Samsung met General doubts at the beginning of 1,100 Galaxy S25 Age – even acknowledging, even by me. What is the thin phone thing exactly? But once I held the device and tested it, I began to understand the thinking behind it: a slim, lightweight phone actually feels more comfortable to use and take it around. And a 200 -megapixel camera definitely helps to meet the upper offline S25 ultra.
But it was not until the $ 2,000 Galaxy Z Fold 7 was unveiled a few months later that all of this was really starting to click. This phone takes a slim design of the S25 Edge and replicates it in a foldable that feels significantly like a normal slate phone when folds are turned off.
Similarly, Apple can not only release the iPhone 17 Air to demonstrate its hardware progress, but also to present the foundation for foldable rumors of its long rumors, which reports that it may be revealed in September 2026 and could cost $ 2,000.
“If Apple goes on a similar way where it first launches a thin iPhone and then using it, potentially thin foldable launch,” said Nabila Papal, senior IDC research director.
Popal says if Apple follows Samsung’s template, it should also make sure that a thin foldable iPhone does not compromise on the essential features that users expect like battery life. He adds that minimizing the screen crease (which Apple is allegedly contributing to the Samsung display) can help to come out.
If Apple starts a foldable next year, it may also be thinner to compete with a phone like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7.
Samsung, Google and several Chinese companies have defeated Apple by foldable cartoon, but this is not important. Apple’s rivals have a history of running the product well. For example, the iPhone launched MP3 players, tablets and smart watchs before the launch of smartphones from companies like BlackBerry and Palm, and before the iPod, iPad and Apple Watch. Nevertheless, Apple quickly dominated these spaces – and it is possible that the rollout of foldable iPhone can follow it.
“When Apple comes out (with a new device), they come out loud and do better,” said Popal. “This is equivalent to entering the party late, but then stealing the show.
Nevertheless, the watch is colliding with Apple to join its rivals and proves that it is still serious about innovation. For years, rumors wandered about the iPhone flip, like Samsung and Motorola’s Climp Shell Equipment. But it appears that it is no longer on a quick roster, because Apple is likely to be in the eyes of the eye-and is likely more expensive-a book-style foldable. Due to the slow rollout of Apple Intelligence, it also faces a growing pressure, which is still filled with rivals like Samsung and Google.
But it’s not too late to make a statement to Apple. Foldables are a niche category, and Apple’s entry can give the form factor a significant promotion thanks to the company’s loyal fans and its improved category innovation. It also has the benefit of learning second -handed that Android manufacturers had to absorb because they emphasized to make their foldable, more powerful and more sustainable. Apple can take these results and any opinion that comes with users and can have a bigger impact.
Popal said, “If you come late to the party, it’s okay,” but then you make a great admission better. “
