Apple iPhone 17 Air’s Thinner Build Might Mean No SIM Tray; Says Report

Following the release of the iPhone 16, the spotlight has already shifted to the next big thing: the iPhone 17 series, particularly the much-anticipated iPhone 17 Air. Apple’s goal with this new model is to craft the thinnest iPhone ever, with reports suggesting it could be so slim that it might not include a physical SIM card tray. If true, this would make the iPhone 17 Air even thinner than the iPhone 6, which previously held the title of Apple’s sleekest phone.

iPhone 17 Air to be slimmest in iPhone history pic.twitter.com/O5Vjiy9T6s
— Apple Club (@applesclubs) November 21, 2024

Recent reports from The Information reveal that Apple plans to remove the physical SIM card tray from the iPhone 17 Air in more countries, continuing the trend it began with the iPhone 14. In the U.S., the shift to e-SIM technology was already made, but the iPhone 17 Air could push this transition even further, potentially moving toward an entirely e-SIM-dependent future. However, this change might not be welcomed by everyone, especially in countries like China, where e-SIM technology hasn’t gained widespread adoption. It remains unclear whether the iPhone 17 Air will even be sold in China without a physical SIM tray.

Despite some concerns, Apple has stood behind its decision to embrace e-SIMs, highlighting their increased security. Unlike traditional SIM cards, e-SIMs can’t be removed or stolen, making them a safer option for users. Additionally, e-SIMs allow people to manage up to eight different profiles at once, making it easier to avoid the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards when traveling.

iPhone 17 ‘Air’ new details 🚨

Would you buy one?

Source: @theinformation pic.twitter.com/5npCLMpy4a
— Apple Hub (@theapplehub) November 25, 2024

Beyond the potential removal of the SIM tray, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to come with several exciting upgrades. Leaked specs suggest the device will feature a 6.1-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, promising smoother scrolling and a better overall viewing experience. The phone will be powered by Apple’s new A18 chip, which is expected to deliver faster processing speeds, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced performance, particularly for gaming and other graphics-heavy tasks.

The camera system is also rumored to be getting a major boost, with a 48-megapixel primary sensor that could offer better optical zoom and improved low-light capabilities. AI improvements are expected to take photography to the next level, especially in areas like augmented reality and machine learning.

Set to be unveiled in September 2025, the iPhone 17 Air is still in development, and its features and design may evolve over the coming months. With its sleek look and cutting-edge technology, the iPhone 17 Air is poised to shake up the smartphone market once it finally arrives.

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