iPhone 17 Air price in Pakistan: will it take over the Plus model? 

ISLAMABAD: Apple’s next major iPhone launch is shaping up to be more than just the usual yearly refresh. Alongside the expected iPhone 17, 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max, rumours are pointing to an entirely new model, the iPhone 17 Air, which could be the thinnest and lightest iPhone ever made. 

Expected to debut this September with iOS 26, the iPhone 17 Air might be Apple’s answer to those who want a bigger screen without the bulk. And if early leaks are to be believed, it’s bringing more than just a new name. 

A Plus replacement with a slim twist 

The Air is reportedly replacing the “Plus” variant that’s been in the lineup for the past few years, but it’s not just a branding update. According to multiple sources, the iPhone 17 Air could measure just 5.5mm thick (excluding the camera bump), which would make it the slimmest iPhone ever, and one of the thinnest smartphones on the market, full stop. 

That ultra-slim body might weigh in at around 145g, putting it between the iPhone SE 2 and iPhone 13 mini in terms of weight, but with a much larger 6.6-inch OLED display. That’s a solid middle ground between the standard and Pro Max models, and should appeal to anyone who wants a lightweight phone without giving up screen real estate. 

Premium materials, bold design 

To get the weight down without making it feel cheap, Apple is said to be using a new titanium-aluminium alloy for the frame, reportedly with more titanium than the current Pro models. There are also whispers of a new design element: a glass panel integrated around the Apple logo, set into the aluminium chassis. If true, this would be a bold shift in Apple’s design language. 

And here’s something to get excited about: Apple may finally bring 120Hz ProMotion tech to all iPhone 17 models, not just the Pros. That means smoother scrolling and animations, even if you’re not buying the top-tier device. 

One camera, but a good one 

Here’s the catch. The thinner body might force Apple to ditch the secondary rear camera. The iPhone 17 Air is rumoured to have a single 48MP wide sensor, the same one used in the iPhone 16, so while you’ll lose versatility, you won’t lose image quality. For most users, this won’t be a dealbreaker. 

Selfie fans, however, are in for a treat. The front camera on all iPhone 17 models is expected to jump from 12MP to 24MP, promising sharper detail and better performance in low light. That could be a huge upgrade for FaceTime and Instagram alike. 

Battery, eSIM, and new chips 

There’s understandably some concern about battery life in such a slim device, but Apple may have an answer. The Air could use silicon-anode battery tech, offering higher energy density in a smaller package. Add to that a more efficient chipset and modem, and Apple might just squeeze out enough battery life to get you through the day. 

Also likely: the removal of the physical SIM tray. iPhones sold in the US already dropped it, and now the Air might go eSIM-only worldwide to save space. 

Under the hood, the iPhone 17 Air will reportedly be powered by the A19 chip, bringing modest speed and efficiency gains over the A18. It’s also said to come with 12GB of RAM, the same as the Pro models, which should make for slick multitasking and gaming. 

What about the Pro models? 

The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are also expected to debut with the new A19 Pro chip. Early Geekbench leaks show single-core scores over 4,000 and multi-core in the 10,000+ range. That’s not a massive jump from the A18 Pro, but it still keeps Apple ahead of the Android competition, especially with the chip built on TSMC’s 3nm node. 

Design-wise, the Pro models could see their biggest visual shake-up since the iPhone 11, with a new horizontal camera bar. They may also get a new 48MP telephoto lens, finally an upgrade from the 12MP sensor in the iPhone 16 Pro. 

iPhone 17 Air price in Pakistan 

If you’re in Pakistan, you already know iPhones aren’t cheap. Thanks to high taxes and import duties, PTA-approved iPhones come with a serious markup. The base iPhone 16 starts at Rs320,000, while the iPhone 16e goes for around Rs283,000. 

For the iPhone 17 Air, expect a starting price of anywhere between Rs400,000 and Rs440,000, at least in the early weeks of launch. Prices usually ease slightly once more stock enters the Pakistani market through official distributors, but the initial premium is unlikely to go away anytime soon. 

The iPhone 17 Air could be one of Apple’s boldest moves in years, a fresh design, a thinner form, and the kind of balance between size, weight and performance that could appeal to a broad audience. Sure, there are trade-offs, but if Apple delivers on battery life and camera performance, the Air might just be the most interesting iPhone in the lineup this year. 

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