Highlights
- The iPhone 17 Air is expected to replace the iPhone 16 Plus due to poor sales, featuring a notably thinner profile.
- The iPhone 17 Air will likely use the A19 Pro chip with a reduced 5-core GPU, while the Pro models will get the full 6-core version.
- 17 Air will be launched alongside iPhone 17, 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max on September 9.
Among the things we already know about the upcoming iPhone 17 lineup is that it is set to debut on September 9. Some reports have suggested that the iPhone 17 Air will replace the iPhone 16 Plus due to disappointing sales of the latter. Up until now, the new model’s ultra-thin profile has been at the centre of all discussions surrounding it. What we haven’t heard about is which chipset it will use. It seems recent reports are finally indulging in that.
iPhone 17 Air – Possible Chipset
According to prominent Chinese tipster Fixed Focus Digital, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to ship with the A19 Pro processor but with a reduced 5-core GPU configuration. In contrast, the iPhone 17 Pro models will reportedly get the full 6-core GPU version of the chip.
This claim was spotted by MacRumors and marks the second time in recent months that the leaker has shared details about the iPhone 17 Air.
MacRumors report, meanwhile, notes that the GPU downgrade could be the result of “binning”, where chips with minor manufacturing variances are repurposed, or a measure to control heat in the slimmer chassis. However, everyday performance differences are expected to be minimal for most users.
The new leak challenges an earlier prediction from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who said the iPhone 17 Air would use a standard A19 chip rather than the Pro version. Fixed Focus Digital also claims that the base iPhone 17 will be equipped with the regular A19 chip.
Previously, supply chain analyst Jeff Pu suggested that the entry-level model might use the A18 chip, but he has since revised his forecast to the A19.
When it comes to who to believe, we would recommend taking all the info with a grain of salt. As for tipster Fixed Focus Digital’s reputation, the account has over two million Weibo followers and has a history of accurate pre-launch leaks, including revealing the “iPhone 16e” branding for Apple’s upcoming iPhone SE replacement.
iPhone 17 Series – Launch Date and Models
Citing information from local telecom providers, German outlet Phone-ticker.de reports that Apple will announce the iPhone 17 series on September 9. The pre-orders start starting September 12 and availability from September 19.
The series is expected to include four models, which are iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
FAQs
Q1. What is the expected launch date for the iPhone 17 Series?
Answer. Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 17 Series on September 9, with pre-orders beginning on September 12 and general availability starting September 19.
Q2. What models will be included in the iPhone 17 lineup?
Answer. The iPhone 17 lineup will include four models: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. The Air model is expected to replace the iPhone 16 Plus.
Q3. What chipset will the iPhone 17 Air use, and how does it differ from the Pro models?
Answer. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature the A19 Pro chip with a reduced 5-core GPU, while the Pro models will use the full 6-core GPU version. This difference may help manage heat in the Air’s slimmer design.
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