According to a new report from Wall Street Journalsigned by our colleagues Aaron Tilley and Yang Jie, Apple is reportedly preparing significant design and format changes for future iPhones. Unsurprisingly, we can expect an ultra-thin model next year, the iPhone 17 Air, but also two foldable phones the following year. The iPhone 18 could therefore be placed under the sign of innovation.
iPhone 17 Air: ultra-thin design
One of the highlights of the 2025 lineup is the so-called “iPhone 17 Air,” which is expected to feature an ultra-thin design, much thinner than any previous iPhone. While exact dimensions haven’t been disclosed, previous leaks suggest the device could be between 6mm and 6.25mm thick, crushing the current iPhone 16 lineup, which starts at 7.8mm . If true, the iPhone 17 Air would even beat the iPhone 6’s 6.9mm record, making it the thinnest Apple phone ever produced.
To achieve this ambitious goal, the iPhone 17 Air would sacrifice some features of the “Pro” models. The report mentions a “simplified” camera system, without further details. But we know that the main sensor could be alone, in order to free up space for the battery. This compromise will allow Apple to position the device at a lower price than the Pro range, which currently starts at $999 in the United States, while offering some Premium features such as Dynamic Island or 120 Hz.
Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 17 Air in September 2025, alongside the other iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Foldable devices: iPhone and MacBook in development
In addition to the iPhone 17 Air, Apple is reportedly working on two foldable devices. The first is a foldable iPhone with a large inward-facing display that would dwarf the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s 6.9-inch display when unfolded. The second device would be a foldable MacBook with a massive 19-20 inch screen when fully opened, making it the largest MacBook ever. Yesterday we were talking about a hybrid foldable iPad capable of running macOS apps under iPadOS, it is probably the same product.
The iPhone Fold is expected to be released in 2026 or 2027, either the iPhone 18 or the iPhone 19, while the foldable MacBook is expected to arrive even later, around 2028. Both devices have been the subject of speculation for years, even though Apple faced technical challenges, including perfecting the hinge mechanism and developing a durable screen coating.
The report also notes that Apple previously considered a foldable iPhone with an outward-facing display, but ultimately chose a design with an inward-facing display. Samsung offers both, with its Z Fold and Z Flip.
In any case, Apple no longer has a choice, it must offer real novelty to revive sales which are starting to decline.
