Haitong International Securities' Apple analyst Jeff Pu predicts the iPhone 17 Air: The thinnest iPhone ever?

Haitong International Securities' Apple analyst Jeff Pu predicts the iPhone 17 Air: The thinnest iPhone ever?Jeff Pu, an Apple analyst at Haitong International Securities, predicts in his latest research report that the highly anticipated "iPhone 17 Air" (also referred to as the "iPhone 17 Slim") will boast an astonishing 6mm thickness. This prediction has garnered significant attention, as if true, it would mark a new milestone in iPhone history, making it the thinnest iPhone ever, surpassing the iPhone 6's record of 6

Haitong International Securities' Apple analyst Jeff Pu predicts the iPhone 17 Air: The thinnest iPhone ever?

Jeff Pu, an Apple analyst at Haitong International Securities, predicts in his latest research report that the highly anticipated "iPhone 17 Air" (also referred to as the "iPhone 17 Slim") will boast an astonishing 6mm thickness. This prediction has garnered significant attention, as if true, it would mark a new milestone in iPhone history, making it the thinnest iPhone ever, surpassing the iPhone 6's record of 6.9mm.

Pu's prediction isn't baseless; it aligns with recent rumors of Apple's plans to launch an ultra-thin iPhone. Numerous reliable sources have indicated Apple's development of a redesigned iPhone 17 model with a significantly reduced thickness. While the final name remains unconfirmed, "iPhone 17 Air" has gained traction within the industry and become a common moniker.

What does a 6mm thickness actually mean? Let's compare it to previous iPhone generations for a clearer picture. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max measure 8.25mm thick, while the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are 7.8mm. Similarly, the iPhone 15, 14, 13, 12, and earlier models all exceed 7mm, mostly ranging from 7.5mm to 8.5mm. The iPhone 17 Air, at approximately three-quarters the thickness of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, promises an incredibly slim profile.

While some users might harbor concerns about such a thin chassis worries about battery and component limitations, internal structural stability, and heat dissipation a 6mm iPhone 17 Air would represent a remarkable advancement in phone design compared to the increasingly thicker models of recent years, offering unparalleled comfort and portability.

It's important to note that while the iPhone 17 Air is poised to be the thinnest iPhone, it wouldn't break Apple's overall thinnest product record. That title currently belongs to the 2024 13-inch iPad Pro at a mere 5.1mm, with the previous generation iPod nano also measuring just 5.4mm.

Beyond thickness, rumors regarding the iPhone 17 Air's design and specifications are plentiful, but key details are becoming clearer. Most sources suggest a 6.6-inch display. Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted in July that the device would feature a standard A19 chip, Dynamic Island, a single rear camera, and an Apple-designed 5G modem. Pu corroborated the 6.6-inch display prediction last month. He further predicts an aluminum frame, Face ID, a 48MP single rear camera, a 24MP front camera, and 8GB of RAM (Apple Intelligence system).

This hardware suggests Apple isn't sacrificing performance or functionality for extreme thinness. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to retain the flagship experience Apple users anticipate, including a powerful processor, advanced camera system, and smooth operating system.

Current predictions point to a September 2025 release for the iPhone 17 Air. However, with time still before the official launch, these rumors and predictions are subject to change. Caution is warranted, awaiting official confirmation from Apple.

Let's review the thickness evolution of iPhones to better understand the significance of the iPhone 17 Air's predicted 6mm thickness:

• iPhone 6 (6.9mm): Once the "thinnest" iPhone, representing a significant milestone in Apple's pursuit of thinness.

• iPhone 6s (7.1mm): Slightly thicker, but still maintaining a relatively slim profile.

• iPhone 7 (7.1mm): Same thickness as the iPhone 6s.

• iPhone 8 (7.3mm): Slightly thicker.

• iPhone X (7.7mm): The introduction of the all-screen design resulted in a slight thickness increase.

• iPhone 11 (8.3mm): Thickness increased to accommodate a larger battery and triple-camera system.

• iPhone 12 (7.4mm): Thickness reduced through redesign.

• iPhone 13 (7.65mm): Slightly thicker.

• iPhone 14 (7.8mm): Slightly thicker again.

• iPhone 15 (7.8mm): Same thickness as the iPhone 14.

• iPhone 16 (7.8mm): Same thickness as the iPhone 15.

• iPhone 17 Air (predicted 6mm): Expected to be the thinnest iPhone ever.

The data shows fluctuating iPhone thicknesses, reflecting both a trend towards thinness and periods where thickness increased to enhance performance and features. The iPhone 17 Air aims to push the boundaries of thinness and performance to new heights.

It's crucial to remember that all information about the iPhone 17 Air currently remains speculative. Only Apple's official announcement will confirm the final specifications and design. Nevertheless, a 6mm thickness is an exciting prospect, hinting at Apple's continued innovation in phone design. This wouldn't just be a new iPhone; it could redefine slim phone design. It represents Apple's relentless pursuit of excellence and provides a new benchmark for future smartphone development.

Ultimately, only time will tell if the iPhone 17 Air will achieve Pu's predicted 6mm thickness. However, this prediction has undeniably ignited significant anticipation for this future iPhone. We eagerly wait to see if Apple can once again revolutionize our perception of smartphone thinness.