This is why the iPhone 17 Air might be the best “Plus” iPhone yet

Apple has often refined its iPhone lineup in response to user habits. The iPhone 17 Air continues this process, taking over the spot once held by the discontinued “Plus” model. The “Plus” never fully aligned with long-term user expectations, but the Air enters the scene with a clearer purpose. It focuses on portability, a new design, and a specific role between standard and Pro models.

 The iPhone 17 Air could be considered the most suitable replacement Apple has introduced for the former “Plus” category.

The iPhone 17 Lineup and the Air’s Role

Apple introduces four models under the iPhone 17 name: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the new iPhone 17 Air. This marks the end of the “Plus” variant, which has not appeared to satisfy Apple’s expectations for mid-tier appeal.

The Air is not simply a rebranded version of the Plus. It targets a slightly different group which is looking for more portability but unwilling to sacrifice display size or certain design upgrades.

The Air model carries a screen size of around 6.6 inches. That places it between the standard iPhone 17 and the Pro Max, both in terms of physical dimensions and expected pricing. Apple positions it as a middle offering, not a flagship, but above entry level. It fills a space between cost-efficiency and premium design that has, until now, remained slightly underdeveloped in the iPhone catalogue.

iPhone 17 Air: Apple’s Slimmest iPhone Yet

The Air’s defining trait is its size. It is not only regarding the screen, but the overall thickness. At roughly 6mm or less, it is likely Apple’s thinnest phone in years. This design marks a return to sleek hardware decisions last emphasised during the launch of the iPhone X. The flat edges remain, but the reduced depth gives it a lighter feel and a visual shift from the Pro models, which are generally heavier and thicker due to their feature load.

With its ultra-thin design and likely emphasis on portability, the iPhone 17 Air seems tailored for users who rely on their phones as their primary device. Mobile becomes the go to platform for tasks once done on desktop, so the demand for immersive, high performance apps continues to grow, especially in the entertainment world, games and online slots, where visual fidelity and responsiveness are key to the experience.

Modern slot games are designed to run very well on smartphones, so playing on mobile means people can play online slot games at their convenience. This weight and size reduction changes the feel of the device. It brings it closer to the MacBook Air and iPad Air naming strategy that it needs to be lightweight, minimalistic, and designed for daily utility.

Price and Market Positioning

Initial speculation about the Air suggested that it might surpass the Pro Max in price. This is not the case. The Air positions itself between the standard iPhone 17 and the Pro models. It is not intended to compete with the Pro Max in terms of specifications or materials. Its pricing strategy reflects the replacement of the “Plus” tier. A tier that aimed for screen size without Pro-level performance.

The Air does not carry features like ProMotion or Always-On display technology. Those remain tied to the higher-end models. This pricing logic keeps the Air as a mid-tier option, suited for users who prioritise screen size and modern design but do not need every new hardware feature offered on Pro models. That places it in a more refined niche than the Plus ever occupied.

Design Differentiation from the Pro and Standard Models

Despite its mid-range positioning, the iPhone 17 Air presents several notable design changes. These do not necessarily involve premium materials but reflect deliberate structural choices. The camera layout is empowered. It gives the back of the phone a different appearance. Though still using dual or triple lenses, their configuration sets the Air apart visually from the rest of the lineup. 

The increased screen size, up from the standard model’s 6.3 inches to approximately 6.6 inches, also gives the Air a stronger viewing presence. Still, it manages to weigh less and offer a slimmer frame. This combination may appeal to users who found previous large screen iPhones too heavy or bulky for single-hand use. Apple likely designed this model for people who prioritise comfort, visual appeal, and portability, while still expecting more than the base configuration.

Comparison to the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro

Where the standard iPhone 17 targets the entry level, and the Pro delivers high end performance, the Air serves a new midpoint. It carries neither the advanced display features of the Pro nor the simplified structure of the base model. Its function is not to bridge the two but to offer a standalone alternative.

It matches the Pro in screen size but excludes some performance features. Its appearance may reflect a hybrid identity that is distinct from the minimalist 17 and the utility heavy Pro. This balance may be where it finds its audience. The Air does not attempt to attract power users. It speaks to those who expect design fluency, convenience, and moderate technical capability.

The “Plus” model tried to do this as well but suffered from unclear differentiation. The Air, by contrast, begins with clearer separation based on form and pricing.

Rationale Behind Dropping the “Plus”

The removal of the “Plus” model is not surprising. It consistently fell into an awkward space. It offered size but lacked distinguishing features to justify its place between the standard and Pro tiers.  

The Air avoids the trap of being a size upgrade alone. It introduces design distinctions that distance it from the models above and below. This addresses the core issue that limited the appeal of the “Plus.”

That model never fully delivered a compelling reason for users to skip either the more affordable base model or the feature rich Pro version. By altering form, structure, and possibly weight, the Air resets that middle ground with different dimensions and with an actual change in design philosophy.

Display and Performance Expectations

The iPhone 17 Air does not use ProMotion or Always-On displays. These features remain reserved for the Pro and Pro Max models. The Air is expected to feature the same display resolution and colour calibration found in other non-Pro phones. It still represents a visual upgrade over older models or entry-level phones. 

The display is likely aimed at balance in place of peak performance. Apple likely assumes that those interested in high refresh rates and advanced graphical processing will look toward the Pro lineup. The Air, on the other side, maintains display quality within a range acceptable for mainstream use.

Its performance targets casual and moderate users. This includes those who browse regularly, stream content, use productivity apps, or manage files and communication heavily via phone. By keeping its technical ceiling lower than the Pro line, it helps distinguish its place in the lineup while meeting general-use expectations.

Today, retailers focus on frictionless mobile interaction, including payment and checkout UX, so devices like the iPhone 17 Air are well placed to support that without overcommitting to high-spec hardware.

Naming Strategy and Apple’s Product Structure

The naming of the “Air” fits a broader naming system that Apple has used with other devices. In the Mac and iPad lines, “Air” products are thinner and simpler, with reduced feature sets compared to the “Pro” versions. Applying this structure to the iPhone lineup gives users an immediate sense of what to expect. 

This system clarifies intent. It removes the ambiguity that surrounded the “Plus” models. By borrowing from an established naming framework, Apple signals to buyers that the Air is part of a leaner, lighter product family, but not one that tries to push into Pro territory or expand on the base model’s specifications. That makes the Air easier to classify and possibly easier to market.

This also reflects a clearer separation across price points and features. That distinction helps it step into the space the Plus never quite settled.