iPhone 17 Air: the thinnest iPhone, A19 Pro, and price in USA

The iPhone 17 Air marks a new direction in Apple’s lineup. The focus is on an ultra-thin design and a minimalist approach that removes the superfluous and reinforces what matters. In this guide you will find the key specifications, how it is positioned against the other models, and the prices and dates for United States of America.

Apple presents the iPhone 17 Air as the thinnest smartphone the brand has ever made, with clean lines and a construction designed to reduce volume and weight. The device adopts a simple, understated look with no distractions.

The 17 Air includes an OLED panel with 120 Hz ProMotion for smoother transitions in navigation and gaming. Apple states a peak brightness of 3000 nits outdoors and Always On with the refresh rate dropping to 1 Hz to save power. The result is clear readability under direct sunlight and fluidity in all animations.

Inside, the A19 Pro provides headroom for heavy tasks such as 4K video editing and games with stable frame rates. Thanks to the new SoC, the 17 Air stands side by side with the Pro models in raw performance. In practice, apps open faster and complex content renders in less time.

The iPhone 17 Air drops the physical SIM slot and works exclusively with eSIM. This decision simplifies the chassis and improves protection against dust and water, while also making it easier to configure multiple profiles. In specific markets, this option still faces regulatory approvals, and the international press reports a delayed launch in China until the process concludes.

It will be available in four colours: Space Black, Cloud White, light gold and sky blue. Pre orders start on 12 September at 1 p.m., with launch on 19 September. The price in USA starts at $1249, aligned with its premium positioning and the engineering behind the new design.

The reduced thickness improves pocketability and long term comfort in hand. For anyone who records vertical video, takes quick notes or switches between apps for work, the gain in comfort stands out. The minimalist approach removes visual noise and keeps attention on the content.

The 3000 nits of brightness improve legibility in strong light. Taking photos at midday and reviewing the results on the spot becomes easier, without needing to look for shade. HDR content stands out more in high-contrast scenes.

A19 Pro opens the door to more years of updates with headroom for new iOS features. On device AI tasks, complex camera filters and games with high resolution textures benefit from the extra capability.

• Display: OLED ProMotion 120 Hz, Always-On down to 1 Hz, peak 3000 nits outdoors
• Processor: A19 Pro
• SIM: eSIM-only, no physical slot
• Colours: Space Black, Cloud White, light gold, sky blue
• USA: from $1249, pre-order 12 September, availability 19 September

Pros

• Ultra-thin, minimalist design, better portability and comfort.
• 120 Hz OLED with 3000 nits, strong outdoor readability and smoother animations.
• A19 Pro, performance on par with top-tier models.
• eSIM only, cleaner chassis and simpler profile management.

Cons

• eSIM only may limit users who need to swap physical SIMs frequently. In some markets, launch depends on regulatory approval.
• Price starts at $1249, a high entry point compared to premium Android rivals.

The iPhone 17 Air is more than just a new name. Apple delivers a model that prioritises minimal thickness, a high brightness 120 Hz display and the A19 Pro for a fluid experience over many years. The eSIM only choice pushes a future-forward vision and cleans up the design, although it requires attention to compatibility when travelling. If you value portability, strong outdoor brightness and top tier performance in a discreet body, the 17 Air fits that profile.