If the latest whispers from the tech world are anything to go by, Apple might just be gearing up to introduce the iPhone 17 Air this fall. According to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman in his recent Power On newsletter, this new addition to the iPhone family could be dubbed the “iPhone 17 Air,” aiming to set a new standard for slimness in smartphones.

The name “Air” isn’t new for Apple; it’s been used to signify the thinnest versions of both the MacBook and iPad lines, and it seems the iPhone is next in line for this designation. Gurman suggests that the iPhone 17 Air could be about 2 millimeters thinner than its predecessors, aligning with other leaks that have pegged its thickness between 5.5mm and 6.25mm. This would make it slimmer than any previous iPhone, including the iPhone 6, and closer in profile to the recently unveiled M4 iPad Pro.

This move towards a thinner iPhone isn’t just about aesthetics or one-upping competitors; it’s a strategic step toward Apple’s future in mobile technology. Gurman points out that the iPhone 17 Air could serve as a testing ground for technologies that might pave the way for Apple’s first foldable devices. The slim profile could be crucial for the mechanics of foldables, where space saving is key.

Another intriguing aspect is the potential inclusion of Apple’s first in-house modem, codenamed Sinope, which is expected to debut in the upcoming iPhone SE. If the iPhone 17 Air indeed incorporates this modem, it would mark a significant shift from Qualcomm‘s chips, offering Apple more control over its hardware ecosystem and potentially improving power efficiency and integration.

While we’re on the topic of technology, the iPhone 17 Air is rumored to feature a 6.6-inch ProMotion OLED display, bringing the 120Hz variable refresh rate technology previously exclusive to the Pro models to a broader audience. However, in a bit of a design twist, it’s expected to sport only one 48-megapixel rear camera lens, contrasting with the multi-lens setups we’ve seen in recent years. The front-facing camera is said to be upgraded to 24-megapixels, ensuring selfies remain a highlight.

Under the hood, the iPhone 17 Air might be powered by an A19 chip, alongside 8GB of RAM, similar to what’s rumored for the iPhone SE 4. This RAM capacity is thought to be sufficient for running Apple Intelligence, the company’s AI features which have been expanding with each iOS update.

It’s also worth noting that Apple is anticipated to introduce its own Wi-Fi/Bluetooth chips this year, though whether the iPhone 17 Air will be among the first to feature these remains unclear according to Gurman’s insights.