The highly anticipated iPhone 17 "Air" model, set to launch in fall 2025, may not live up to the thinness expectations Apple enthusiasts had hoped for. According to a recent report from Korean rumor aggregator "yeux1122," the tech giant is facing significant manufacturing challenges that could affect the device's sleek design.

The key issue centers around the development of a new battery with a thinner substrate, which Apple aimed to achieve to allow the iPhone 17 to be one of the slimmest in its lineup. However, sources suggest that technical hurdles and increased production costs have forced Apple to revert to its existing battery technology. As a result, the iPhone 17 "Air" is now expected to sport a battery thickness of around 6mm, hinting that the overall device will likely be thicker than initially projected.

For context, Apple's thinnest iPhone to date is the iPhone 6, measuring just 6.9mm. This development indicates that the iPhone 17 "Air" may not be significantly thinner than this 2014 flagship model. Furthermore, Apple's previous lightweight champions, the 13-inch iPad Pro and the seventh-generation iPod Nano, still dominate the thinness category at 5.1mm and 5.4mm respectively.

Currently, the iPhone 16 Plus, which the iPhone 17 "Air" will replace, measures 7.8mm thick. As comparisons are made, many are left wondering if the future iPhone can truly deliver that iconic lightweight feel users have come to love.

In addition to its questionable thickness, the iPhone 17 "Air" is rumored to feature the next generation "A19" chip, a single rear camera, and a ProMotion display capable of refresh rates up to 120Hz. While these specs promise enhancements in performance and display quality, consumers might have to adjust their expectations regarding the device’s slim profile.

Stay tuned as we continue to monitor further developments on this story and others related to Apple's upcoming launches. Will the iPhone 17 "Air" live up to the Apple legacy of sleek and innovative designs, or is another slim dream going to fall flat? Only time will tell!