Apple prepares for the launch of the iPhone 17 Air with new camera upgrades

As of July 2025, Apple is gearing up for the much-anticipated launch of its iPhone 17 lineup, which is projected to include the new iPhone 17 Air. This new model, expected to replace the current Plus variant, may debut as Apple’s thinnest phone to date, measuring around 5.5mm in thickness. Various leaks suggest that the iPhone 17 Air will feature a single 48MP rear camera housed within a new horizontal pill-shaped camera bar, continuing Apple's trend of enhancing camera capabilities. Reports indicate that the iPhone 17 Air will be available in several colors including black, white, sky blue, and a soft gold finish, catering to diverse customer preferences. Pricing information has also emerged, with the iPhone 17 Air slated to maintain the same price point as the iPhone 16 Plus, estimated at $899 in the U.S. and £899 in the UK. In addition to the new design and camera setup, the entire iPhone 17 series, including the Pro and Pro Max models, is expected to be powered by Apple's latest A19 chip, while the Pro variants will see even further enhancements with the A19 Pro chipset. Furthermore, all models are rumored to come equipped with 12GB of RAM, a meaningful increase from the previous 8GB in the iPhone 16 Pro. These specifications hint at a push towards better performance and support for advanced features associated with Apple Intelligence. However, there are concerns that the ultra-thin design of the iPhone 17 Air might negatively impact battery life, with projections indicating that about 60 to 70 percent of users may struggle to last a full day on a single charge. This consideration is critical as Apple aims to balance aesthetics with practicality, a challenge in the modern smartphone market where consumers demand both style and functionality. As production shifts increasingly towards countries like India to circumvent tariffs, global pricing dynamics could also be affected. As the September launch approaches, which traditionally occurs in the second week of the month, excitement builds around what could be one of Apple’s most significant updates in years. Despite the speculation and leaks, it remains to be seen how all these changes will be received in the market and whether Apple’s adjustments will meet consumer expectations and professional reviews.