iPhone 17 Air May Not Achieve Apple's Slimmest Design Yet, But iPhone 18 Pro Could Bring Game-Changing Camera Features

Apple has always pushed the envelope in terms of design and innovation, working tirelessly to make its devices sleeker and more powerful. This year’s spotlight was supposed to be on the , rumored to become Apple’s thinnest iPhone yet. But, according to recent reports, the Cupertino giant has hit a roadblock in its quest to slim down its devices. Meanwhile, exciting developments suggest that the iPhone 18 Pro could feature a variable aperture camera, a long-awaited addition that could elevate its photography capabilities to new heights.

The iPhone 17 Air’s Slim Profile Hits Technical Challenges

Apple’s ambition to create a thinner iPhone is now facing unexpected hurdles. Leaker yeux1122, via Naver, reports that Apple has been unable to reduce the thickness of the iPhone 17 Air’s battery. To achieve a slimmer profile without sacrificing battery life, Apple was exploring the use of new materials and a thinner substrate. However, this approach has proven more complex than anticipated.

Technical limitations and high production costs have forced Apple to reconsider its options. As a result, the iPhone 17 Air may not surpass the benchmark set by the iPhone 6’s slim 6.9mm thickness. The latest generation iPhone 16 and 16 Plus stand at 7.8mm, and while Apple is still aiming to reduce thickness, it may not achieve the ultra-slim profile originally envisioned for the iPhone 17 Air.

Despite these setbacks, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature notable upgrades, including a 120Hz display and the A19 chipset, setting it apart from its predecessors and maintaining its appeal in the non-Pro lineup.

iPhone 18 Pro’s Variable Aperture Camera: A Leap in Photography

On a brighter note, the iPhone 18 Pro could introduce a groundbreaking feature that photography enthusiasts will appreciate: a variable aperture camera. While several high-end Android devices already offer this technology, Apple has so far held back—until now. According to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is finally planning to integrate variable aperture in the iPhone 18 Pro’s main rear camera.

Variable aperture technology allows users to manually control the amount of light entering the camera lens based on different lighting conditions, a game-changing feature for mobile photography. It offers more control over depth of field and sharpness, allowing users to capture crisp, clear images in any setting.

Reports indicate that Sunny Opticals and Luxshare will supply the shutters for this feature, with Largan serving as the primary provider for the variable aperture lens and Sunny Opticals as the secondary source. This setup is expected to help Apple match the photography quality of top Android rivals while retaining Apple’s signature camera experience.

A Look Ahead: iPhone 17 and iPhone 18 Pro Expectations

While the iPhone 17 Air may not shatter records for thinness, Apple’s dedication to premium design and cutting-edge features remains evident. For non-Pro users, the iPhone 17 Air will still offer an upgraded experience with its enhanced display and processing power. On the Pro side, the iPhone 18’s anticipated variable aperture camera signals Apple’s deeper commitment to delivering a high-quality, versatile camera system that rivals the best in the market.

As Apple faces these evolving technical challenges and ambitious new projects, fans can expect even more innovation on the horizon, each generation bringing new features that redefine the possibilities of mobile technology.