iPhone 17 Air Likely to be World’s First e-SIM-Only Smartphone
Apple to unveil iPhone 17 series on Sept 9. iPhone 17 Air may feature ultra-thin design, e-SIM only, 12GB RAM, 48MP camera, global rollout.
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Apple is gearing up for a major launch event on September 9, where it is expected to reveal its new iPhone 17 lineup. Industry sources suggest that alongside the standard models, Apple may introduce a completely new variant, the iPhone 17 Air, which could replace the Plus versions with an ultra-slim design.
The iPhone 17 Air is anticipated to mark a significant shift in Apple’s hardware strategy. Reports indicate the device will eliminate the physical SIM tray, relying solely on e-SIM technology. While Apple has already offered e-SIM-only models in the US since the iPhone 14, this could be the first global rollout of a phone without a physical SIM.
According to Moneycontrol, Apple is preparing its retail partners in the European Union to guide customers on e-SIM setup ahead of the release. Training sessions for EU retailers are reportedly scheduled to start by September 5, aiming to ease the transition for buyers unfamiliar with the technology.
The switch to e-SIM offers enhanced security, as these SIMs cannot be removed if the phone is stolen. However, users accustomed to traditional SIM cards may initially hesitate to adopt the new model. Apple’s global rollout will test consumer readiness for a fully e-SIM-enabled smartphone.
The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to be remarkably thin, measuring just 5.5mm and weighing under 150 grams. Its body is expected to combine glass and titanium, with a minimalist design featuring a single rear camera. The device may sport a 6.6-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
Performance is likely to be driven by Apple’s A19 chip paired with up to 12GB of RAM. Photography features could include a 48MP main camera and a 24MP front camera. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to be powered by a 2,900mAh battery. Storage options may range from 128GB to 512GB, with RAM variants of 8GB and 12GB.
Preliminary pricing suggests the iPhone 17 Air could start at Rs 99,999 in India. Other models in the series, such as the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, are expected to be priced at Rs 1,34,999 and Rs 1,64,990 respectively. The iPhone 17e, a lower-end variant, may retail at Rs 64,900.
Apple’s upcoming event is likely to focus not only on hardware upgrades but also on introducing new form factors and global adoption of e-SIM technology.
