Apple will launch its much-anticipated iPhone 17 series at its annual “Awe-Dropping” event on 9 September 2025, with global pre-orders expected to begin shortly thereafter and sales to start by 19 September. A notable change in the line-up: the iPhone 17 Air will replace the traditional Plus variant, effectively marking the end of the iPhone Plus era.
The end of the Plus model
Introduced as a budget-friendly large-screen option, the iPhone Plus model has been phased out with rising demand for sleeker, more premium devices. The iPhone 17 Air reportedly retains a large display (~6.6 inches) but features a markedly thinner and lighter design, possibly as slim as 5.5 mm, the thinnest in Apple’s history.
What to expect from the iPhone 17 Air
Rumoured specifications suggest the 17 Air will boast a titanium-aluminium hybrid frame, potentially weighing only 145 grams, making it notably lighter than previous Plus models. It may also include a single 48MP rear camera, a 24MP front-facing camera, an A19 or A19 Pro chip, 12GB RAM, and support for 120Hz refresh rates and iOS 26.
What this means for Apple’s lineup
With the introduction of the iPhone 17 Air, Apple will likely simplify its offerings to four models: the standard 17, iPhone 17 Air, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max. This move consolidates the large-screen option under a thinner, more compact design umbrella.
Broader product discontinuations
The Plus replacement is part of a broader phase-out. Following the launch of the iPhone 17 series, Apple is expected to discontinue several previous models, including the iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, and older Plus editions.
