Next year’s iPhone 17 Air will get a lot of attention for its ultra-thin form factor. But there’s another strong contender for what could ultimately become the device’s best feature: the 17 Air’s unique display.
Apple’s screen size lineup has traditionally come in pairs
For years now, iPhone buyers have had a couple main screen size choices when buying a flagship model.
- iPhone Pro and base iPhone have had 6.1-inch displays
- iPhone Pro Max and Plus have had 6.7-inch displays
That changed slightly with the iPhone 16 line, as Apple bumped the Pro models up to 6.3- and 6.9-inch, respectively.
I’ve heard from a lot of former Pro Max buyers who felt like the slightly larger iPhone 16 Pro gave them enough breathing room to transition away from the largest model.
Personally, I felt like the iPhone 16 Pro’s increase did little to benefit my uses, and actually made the phone larger than I’d like. It mainly adds height rather than width, so it doesn’t feel much like a Pro Max experience to me.
But the iPhone 17 Air is expected to introduce a new display that fits neatly into the middle of existing options.
An experimental display size in Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup
According to current reporting, Apple plans to carry over the existing iPhone 16 screen sizes for its iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max.
One big change is coming though with its ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air.
The iPhone 17 Air is getting a 6.6-inch display, slotting perfectly into the middle of the Pro and Pro Max.
Normally, I’d say that sounds larger than I’d like—I’ve favored the smaller Pro models for years.
However, the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air’s body should make a larger screen feel better than ever for users like me.
iPhone 17 Air could offer the perfect size and with Pro-level features
Years ago I did use a Max phone, and there’s a ton to appreciate about its extra screen real estate. Thanks to the Pro Max I had an easier time getting things done from my iPhone, without needing an iPad or Mac nearby.
Overall though, the Max just felt too unwieldy for my tastes. But a radically thinner iPhone with a 6.6-inch display could be the perfect solution.
Thinness has a huge impact on what amount of screen feels manageable.
If I can get closer to a Pro Max screen’s usefulness, with an in-hand feel that’s closer to the small Pro, that could prove very compelling.
Not only that, but the iPhone 17 Air’s display is expected to gain two key features formerly exclusive to Pro models:
- always-on mode
- ProMotion
Without these two features, it would be very hard to move from a Pro model to the 17 Air.
But with them, and the potential of a unique new screen size, I’m very eager to get my hands on the new flagship model.
What are your thoughts on the iPhone 17 Air’s screen size? Let us know in the comments.
Best iPhone accessories
- Anker 100W charging brick for fast charging
- 6.6ft USB-C cable for longer reach
- Beats Pill Bluetooth speaker (currently only $99, down from $149)
- MagSafe Car Mount for iPhone
- MagSafe Qi2 3-in-1 iPhone charger
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