By this point, we’re fairly sure we know what to expect from the iPhone 17 Air. Consistent reporting suggests that it will be an ultra-slim device, with around half the thickness of existing iPhones.
The big unknown is how many people will be willing to pay a premium for that sleek design – and Samsung’s latest phone may help answer that question …
We recently got our best look yet at the upcoming iPhone 17 Air in the form of a realistic-looking dummy model with the reported dimensions, seen alongside dummies of the rest of the expected line-up.
The latest iPhone 17 preview comes from Sam Kohl’s AppleTrack YouTube channel. In the video, Sam compares physical models meant to recreate the rumored iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max designs.
Everything now points to the Air being just 5.5mm thick – or 5.5mm thin, as Apple might put it.
But it’s not the only smartphone with the goal of being ultra-thin and sleek. Samsung has got there first, with the Galaxy S25 Edge, and it looks remarkably close to what we’re expecting to see from the iPhone 17 Air. While it’s slightly thicker than we’re anticipating from Apple, at 5.8mm it is very close indeed, and dramatically slimmer than almost every other model on the market.
It also has a pretty hefty price tag, with a starting price of $1,099.
While iPhone and Android smartphones represent different markets, with limited switching between the two ecosystems, we will get two important clues to the appeal of this type of device.
First, reviews. Will reviewers be blown away by the slim form-factor, or be relatively unmoved? Will they consider that a super-sleek design justifies a high price? Will they express concern at the robustness of the S25 Edge, in particular the risk of bending? Will YouTubers start checking out what force is required to bend it? In short, will reviewers recommend buying an ultra-slim phone?
Second, public reception. Buyers will get their hands on the device on May 30, giving plenty of time for owners to share their impressions with the world – and more than enough time for any Galaxy Fold style horror stories to come to light.
If Samsung’s device is well received by reviewers and owners alike, that likely signals a promising launch for the iPhone 17 Air. If not, then Apple may be in for a tough sell.
Watch this space.
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Photo: Samsung
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