The next generation of iPhones is still a few months away, but excitement is already building—especially following the latest leak that offers a side-by-side look at the upcoming iPhone 17 Air and the iPhone 17 Pro Max. A newly surfaced image of two dummy units has revealed just how dramatically thinner the iPhone 17 Air might be compared to its Pro Max counterpart, suggesting a significant design shift for Apple’s 2025 iPhone lineup.
A Stunningly Slim Design for the iPhone 17 Air
Shared by reliable tipster @MajinBuOfficial, the leaked image shows off two non-functional mock-ups believed to represent the final dimensions of the iPhone 17 Air and the iPhone 17 Pro Max. These dummy units are typically based on CAD files and schematics leaked from Apple’s supply chain partners, and while they aren’t operational, they give a reliable sneak peek into the hardware form factor.
iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 17 Pro Max in comparison pic.twitter.com/KrGlUXDuUY
— Majin Bu (@MajinBuOfficial) April 5, 2025
According to previous reports and now supported by this visual comparison, the iPhone 17 Air could feature an incredibly slim profile of just 5.84 mm, making it one of the thinnest iPhones Apple has ever made—possibly even thinner than the 2014 iPhone 6, which measured 6.9 mm.
For comparison, the iPhone 16 Pro Max, and likely the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro Max, measures around 8.3 mm in thickness. If those numbers hold true, the Pro Max would be approximately 42% thicker than the iPhone 17 Air—a noticeable difference when holding the devices in hand.
iPhone 17 Air: A Replacement for the Plus Model
Apple appears to be making some big changes to its flagship iPhone lineup in 2025. Rumors suggest the iPhone 17 Air will replace the iPhone 16 Plus, effectively phasing out the Plus branding in favor of the sleeker, lighter “Air” designation, mirroring Apple’s MacBook and iPad naming conventions.
Industry analyst Ross Young added more weight to the rumors by reiterating his earlier claim that the iPhone 17 Air will feature a 6.55-inch display. That’s slightly smaller than the 6.7-inch screen on the Plus models, but the ultra-thin chassis could make it feel more comfortable to hold. Despite the thinner body, the device is still expected to support MagSafe, Apple’s magnetic wireless charging and accessory system.
What’s Coming in the iPhone 17 Lineup
If Apple sticks to its traditional release cadence, the iPhone 17 series is expected to launch in September 2025, which is roughly 150 days away. The full lineup will likely consist of four models:
- iPhone 17
- iPhone 17 Air
- iPhone 17 Pro
- iPhone 17 Pro Max
The Pro and Pro Max models are expected to receive several notable upgrades, including a bump in RAM and camera enhancements. Design-wise, all models are rumored to feature refined aesthetics, potentially slimmer bezels, and minor tweaks to button placement and frame materials.
The leaked dummy units don’t provide much insight beyond external dimensions, but they do give us an early look at how Apple might be planning to differentiate its models more clearly in terms of physical feel and form factor.
Looking Ahead: WWDC and iOS 19
Before the new iPhones arrive in the fall, Apple is set to host its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2025. During the keynote, we can expect a full unveiling of iOS 19, the operating system that will ship with the iPhone 17 lineup. New iOS features often provide clues about upcoming hardware capabilities, especially when it comes to AI, camera software, and user interface enhancements.
With the iPhone 17 Air shaping up to be a standout model due to its unprecedented slimness, it’s clear Apple is aiming to make a bold statement in both form and branding. As more leaks emerge in the coming weeks, expect further details about display tech, camera features, battery compromises (if any), and pricing. For now, the dummy unit leak gives us our clearest indication yet that 2025’s iPhones will mark a new era in Apple’s design language.