Apple Inc. AAPL is betting large on design with the launch of the iPhone 17 Air, its thinnest smartphone but, a 5.6mm system that executives name a dream realized, however one which additionally challenges patrons to weigh trend towards performance.
Apple’s Thinnest Telephone But
Unveiled at Apple’s Cupertino headquarters, the iPhone 17 Air is 36% thinner than the iPhone 17 Professional, lighter than a Cartier “Love” bracelet and solely barely thicker than three stacked quarters, reported the Wall Road Journal.
“It is one thing that we dreamed about for a very long time, to make simply an extremely, shockingly skinny iPhone,” stated Molly Anderson, Apple’s vp of commercial design.
CEO Tim Prepare dinner echoed the sentiment, including that the Air feels so mild it might “fly away” in your hand.
Alan Dye, Apple’s vp of human interface design, framed it as a step nearer to the late Steve Jobs’ imaginative and prescient of a seamless “piece of glass.”
A Commerce-Off Between Energy And Fashion
The brand new Air mannequin sacrifices some capabilities to realize its modern profile. It doesn’t match the battery life or digital camera system of the Professional fashions, that are aimed toward photographers and energy customers, the report stated.
As a substitute, the Air is marketed as the fashionable selection, a telephone as a lot about private expression as efficiency.
“I like that it is a laborious selection,” Anderson stated, contrasting the Air’s stylish look with the Professional’s workhorse performance.
To strengthen its trend attraction, Apple launched reflective finishes, slim translucent circumstances and cross-body straps that allow the telephone double as an adjunct.
Cultural Buzz Round Thinness
Early reactions from trend insiders and cultural figures counsel Apple’s gamble could repay. Palace Skateboards co-founder Lev Tanju stated the Air was the mannequin that immediately drew him in.
Stylist Gabriella Karefa-Johnson praised the Air for fixing the conflict between shrinking purses and rising telephones.
Design critics famous Apple faces the unimaginable activity of reinventing the smartphone every year, however the Air alerts a daring new method. Rumors of a foldable iPhone in growth solely added to the intrigue.
Market Context And Monetary Efficiency
Apple stays the worldwide chief in smartphones, holding 25.71% market share worldwide in August 2025, in contrast with Samsung Electronics Co.’s SSNLF 20.96%, based on Statcounter.
Within the U.S., its dominance is even stronger at 57.24%, greater than double Samsung’s 22.25%.
Financially, Apple reported $94 billion in fiscal third-quarter income in July, beating Wall Road estimates. iPhone gross sales rose to $44.58 billion, up from $39.3 billion a yr earlier, underscoring the system’s continued position as Apple’s prime development driver.
Worth Motion: Apple shares slipped 3.23% on Wednesday and are down 7% year-to-date, based on Benzinga Professional.
Benzinga’s Edge Inventory Rankings point out that AAPL maintains a constructive trajectory throughout brief, medium and long-term durations, with extra efficiency insights out there right here.
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Disclaimer: This content material was partially produced with the assistance of AI instruments and was reviewed and printed by Benzinga editors.
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