Apple is set to unveil a significantly redesigned iPhone 17 range, with a new iPhone SE featuring Face ID and an iPhone 17 Air that boasts a slimmer design. According to a report by Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, the main factor behind this redesign is Apple’s in-house modem system, which will debut next spring.
The new modem, code-named Sinope, has undergone significant development, with early prototypes being deemed too large and power-inefficient. However, Apple has reportedly implemented new practices and hired engineers from Qualcomm to improve its design. As a result, the company is now confident that its modem plan will work, and it will be used in future iPhones.
The iPhone 17 Air is expected to be around 2 millimeters thinner than the current iPhone 16 Pro, potentially making it the thinnest iPhone ever at just 6.25mm. The phone’s design will prioritize aesthetics over performance, with a focus on creating a sleeker form factor. Other rumored specs include a 6.6-inch display and a single rear camera.
It’s worth noting that the new modem may not be as powerful as its predecessor, with download speeds capped at around 4 gigabits per second in lab tests. However, this is unlikely to significantly impact day-to-day use, highlighting the importance of design in Apple’s latest iPhone model.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidphelan/2024/12/08/apple-iphone-17-air-thinnest-ever-design-emerges-in-new-leak