Significant Clue for Apple’s Rumored Slim iPhone Emerges
Apple often keeps future iPhone models tightly under wraps until their official reveal. However, the second developer beta of iOS 26 appears to have inadvertently offered a strong hint about the existence and key specifications of the highly anticipated ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, a device rumored to significantly change the iPhone lineup in 2025.
Hidden within the system code of iOS 26 beta 2, developers discovered a new version of a classic clownfish wallpaper. This particular asset carried an internal resolution reference of “420×912@3x,” which translates to a display resolution of 1260×2736 pixels. Crucially, this specific resolution does not match any current or previously released iPhone model, making its presence in the beta particularly noteworthy.
Resolution Match Points to New Model
The plot thickened when this unique resolution was compared to past leaks regarding Apple’s next-generation iPhones. Back in 2024, respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported on the specifications for a rumored “ultra-thin iPhone 17,” listing its expected screen resolution as approximately 1260×2740 pixels.
The striking similarity between the resolution found in the iOS 26 beta wallpaper (1260×2736) and Kuo’s leaked specification (1260×2740) is seen by many as compelling evidence. The minor 4-pixel difference is well within the margin of approximation for pre-release leaks. Given that iOS 26 is expected to launch in September 2025 alongside the iPhone 17 series, the presence of this specific display asset suggests Apple is already finalizing software support for a model featuring this exact screen geometry.
This discovery serves as one of the most concrete clues yet that the iPhone 17 Air is real and on track for its expected release.
The Era of the Ultra-Thin iPhone
The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to represent the first major form factor redesign for the iPhone in years, poised to replace the ‘Plus’ model in the 2025 lineup. Its defining characteristic is its extreme thinness. Rumors converge around a thickness of just 5.5mm to 6mm (excluding the camera bump), which would make it the slimmest iPhone ever released, significantly thinner than models like the iPhone 16 Pro (8.25mm) or even the classic iPhone 6 (6.9mm). This quest for a dramatically thinner profile is also expected to result in a lighter device, potentially weighing around 145 grams.
To accommodate this slim design, subtle changes are anticipated, including potential adjustments to the USB-C port placement and simplified speaker grilles. The device is expected to feature a titanium-aluminum alloy frame.
Display and Performance
Beyond its dimensions, the iPhone 17 Air is rumored to sport a 6.6-inch to 6.7-inch OLED display. While the resolution discovered in the beta points to 1260×2736, there’s exciting speculation that this model could finally bring 120Hz ProMotion technology – previously exclusive to Pro models – to a non-Pro iPhone, enhancing scrolling and overall smoothness.
Under the hood, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to be powered by the next-generation A19 chip. A notable rumor suggests it could feature 12GB of RAM, matching the expected RAM in the Pro models and likely necessary for future Apple Intelligence features. To manage thermals in the thin chassis, the device is expected to incorporate a vapor chamber heatsink.
Camera Setup and Connectivity
Due to the space constraints imposed by the ultra-thin design, the iPhone 17 Air is likely to feature a simplified camera setup. Rumors indicate a single 48-megapixel Wide rear camera, potentially the same sensor found in the iPhone 16 models. This would mean sacrificing features reliant on multiple rear lenses, like spatial video capture. However, the entire iPhone 17 lineup, including the Air, is expected to receive an upgraded 24-megapixel front-facing camera.
Connectivity-wise, the Air model might be among the first to feature Apple’s custom-designed C1 5G modem chip, although this is rumored to support only sub-6GHz 5G speeds. It is also anticipated to include support for Wi-Fi 7.
Battery Life: A Potential Compromise?
The push for extreme thinness may come with a significant trade-off: battery life. Rumors, stemming from leaked details about a mass production-confirmed sample, suggest the iPhone 17 Air could house a battery with a capacity of just 2800mAh. This is notably smaller than the batteries found in current models like the standard iPhone 16 (3561mAh) or the iPhone 16 Pro Max (4685mAh).
While Apple is reportedly exploring solutions like more efficient silicon-anode battery technology that could increase capacity by up to 15%, the physical limitations imposed by the 5.5mm thinness make a smaller battery likely. This has led to speculation that the iPhone 17 Air might offer worse battery life compared to its siblings, potentially even necessitating the return of an official Apple battery case accessory for users prioritizing longevity.
Positioning and Expected Launch
The iPhone 17 Air is expected to be priced somewhere between the standard iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Pro models, potentially around $899, similar to the current iPhone 16 Plus price point. Its unique selling proposition will be its design and thinness, rather than being a performance or camera leader.
The discovery of its display resolution in iOS 26 beta 2, coupled with the wealth of other rumors, strongly reinforces expectations that Apple will unveil the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air as part of its 2025 lineup, likely during the traditional September launch event. While its potential battery limitations remain a point of discussion, the evidence is mounting that this radical new iPhone design is well into development.
