July 3, 2025 | By TECH INSIDER STAFF – In a move signaling a major design shift, Apple is reportedly planning to axe the current iPhone Plus model and replace it with an astonishingly thin "iPhone Air" as part of its 2025 iPhone 17 lineup, according to well-connected industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of TF International Securities.
Citing supply chain sources, Kuo indicates Apple is prioritizing extreme thinness as the next major differentiator for its flagship smartphones. The new "iPhone Air" (a potential name, though Apple's final branding remains unconfirmed) is rumored to target a jaw-dropping thickness of just 5.5mm. This would make it significantly slimmer than even the sleekest current iPhone 15 models, which measure around 7.8mm.
The End of the Plus?
The report suggests this ultra-thin model will slot directly into the position currently occupied by the larger-screened, non-Pro "Plus" variant within Apple's lineup. The standard iPhone 17 and the Pro/Pro Max models are expected to continue, but the Plus – known for its larger battery and screen without the Pro's premium features – appears headed for discontinuation.
"Apple sees thinness as the next major battleground for high-end smartphones," Kuo wrote in his latest investor note. "Replacing the Plus model with a significantly thinner 'Air' model allows Apple to offer a clear design and form factor distinction beyond just screen size within its non-Pro segment."
Achieving the Impossible: 5.5mm
Achieving a 5.5mm profile requires radical engineering. Kuo suggests Apple will leverage several cutting-edge technologies:
A New Metal Injection Molded (MIM) Chassis: Replacing parts of the traditional aluminum frame with a lighter, stronger MIM structure.
Thinner Displays: Adoption of next-generation OLED panels with reduced thickness.
Smaller Logic Board: Significant miniaturization of internal circuitry.
Redesigned Cameras: While a challenge, the rear camera bump is expected to be drastically minimized, potentially through new lens technologies and sensor arrangements. However, expect some camera compromises compared to Pro models to achieve this thinness.
Potential Battery Trade-offs: Achieving such thinness inevitably impacts battery volume. Kuo suggests Apple will rely heavily on efficiency gains from the next-generation A19 chip and possibly new battery chemistry to maintain acceptable battery life.
See the Vision: The Thinnest iPhone Concept Yet
While official renders don't exist, concept designers are already imagining what a 5.5mm iPhone could look like. This video explores the potential design and engineering challenges Apple faces:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNpoRSuPwfM
Strategic Shift
Replacing the popular Plus model with an "Air" variant represents a strategic pivot. The Plus appealed to users wanting a larger screen without the Pro price tag, often offering the best battery life in the non-Pro range. The "iPhone Air" would instead prioritize portability and cutting-edge design as its main selling points.
"This feels like Apple returning to its roots with the 'thin and light' mantra that defined products like the MacBook Air," commented tech analyst Sarah Chen. "It's a bold bet that aesthetics and form factor will trump battery capacity for a significant portion of the mid-tier market. The success hinges on whether Apple can deliver 'good enough' battery life in that incredibly slim package."
The Road to Fall 2025
As with all pre-launch rumors, details are subject to change as Apple finalizes the iPhone 17 lineup. Production is expected to ramp up in the latter half of 2025, targeting a launch around September.
If Kuo's sources are accurate, consumers looking for a large-screen iPhone without Pro features next year might need to brace themselves for a dramatically different – and incredibly thin – device: the iPhone Air. The question remains: will thinness be enough to win over the Plus fans?
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