Three Features Reportedly Absent in iPhone 17 Air

Following the introduction of the iPhone 16e, Apple is planning to refresh its smartphone range again with the upcoming iPhone 17 Air. This new phone is expected to be impressively thin, measuring between 5.5mm and 6mm, making it slimmer than the iPhone 16, which is 7.8mm thick, and even the previous thin leader, the iPhone 6, at 6.9mm. While this new design sounds fantastic, it also means that Apple might have to eliminate some features to achieve this sleekness. However, I find that the proposed cuts may not be a big deal for many users, myself included.

It’s important to note that this is all still speculative. Unless my current iPhone 14 Pro faces an unexpected mishap, I won’t be rushing to buy the iPhone 17 Air on launch day. Here’s why the feature cuts seem manageable to me.

iPhone 17 Air Cut #1: No More SIM Card Slots

For many in the United States, the absence of a physical SIM card slot is not surprising. Since the launch of the iPhone 14, Apple has eliminated SIM card trays from its smartphones, so the iPhone 17 Air following suit doesn’t raise eyebrows. Reports from last year suggested that Apple is moving towards eSIM-only devices, especially to save space in thinner models, and the iPhone 17 Air appears to be following this trend.

I used to rely on physical SIM cards for my iPhone, especially when testing other devices, allowing easy switching to Android phones. However, after using a temporary international eSIM while traveling in Turkey last year, I found the change beneficial. No more fiddling with temporary physical SIM cards or depending on inconsistent hotel Wi-Fi—just a quick setup that made my life easier. This experience has certainly changed my perspective on the matter.

iPhone 17 Air Cut #2: Only One Speaker

Next on the chopping block is the iPhone 17 Air’s speaker setup. Sources suggest it will feature just one speaker located in the earpiece, rather than the dual speakers seen on current models. This means users will miss out on the stereo sound experience.

For me personally, this change is not a dealbreaker. I mainly use the iPhone’s speaker for phone calls or when I need a hands-free option. When it comes to listening to music or podcasts, I prefer using headphones for better sound quality anyway. In fact, if this cut helps reduce the number of people playing loud TikTok videos in public spaces, I welcome it!

iPhone 17 Air Cut #3: A Single Camera Lens

This potential change is the most debated one and perhaps the hardest for many to accept. The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to feature only one camera, like the iPhone 16e. Surprisingly, I’m okay with this cut as well.

In my case, I rarely use an ultra-wide lens, and I’ve noticed over time that I don’t often use the telephoto lens on my iPhone 14 Pro either. Having a lighter phone with a more simplified design seems appealing. Plus, with recent iPhones’ impressive software allowing for good 2x optical zoom shots, a single camera might actually suffice for everyday users like myself.

The iPhone 17 Air Upgrade I’m Excited About

One feature that I believe is essential, and which will hopefully remain, is the display. Reports suggest that this year, all iPhones, including the iPhone 17 Air, will come with a 120Hz ProMotion display. Personally, I wouldn’t want to revert to a 60Hz screen; the choppy animations when switching to low-power mode are uncomfortable to watch. For me, having a smoother display is crucial.

Air to the Throne

Although the iPhone 17 Air is not expected to launch until September, we are currently in the early stages of information. There is always a chance of additional features being removed that could make this model unappealing to some users. However, if the aforementioned feature cuts are the extent of Apple’s strategy to create a slimmer phone, and if battery life remains reasonable, I’d be interested in exploring this new model. I hope the Air line sees continued success and longevity in the market, unlike the discontinued mini series, so it will still be available when I finally decide to retire my iPhone 14 Pro.