Apple is slowly adding more options to the iPhone lineup. Earlier, it was just the base model in two sizes, the Pro model in two sizes, and the SE. This year, we saw the introduction of the iPhone 16e. This sits above the SE, but below the 16, and is the start of a new line in a new upper midrange price segment for Apple.
However, even before the launch of the iPhone 17 Air, there are leaks from Ming Chi Kuo that the iPhone 19 Air will have a much larger screen than the upcoming 17 Air and 18 Air. We don’t have the exact dimensions, but we can expect the size to hover around the size of the iPhone 17 Plus.
As per several credible leaks, including Mark Gurman and Ming Chi Kuo, the company is going to introduce the iPhone 17 Air or Slim this year. This will serve as the fashion-focused slim iPhone. We don’t yet know whether Apple will replace the Plus model with the Air, or if the Air will stand on its own. Keeping both models around will complicate the pricing ladder.
The boost in size makes sense, since the phone is already slim. This is part of Apple’s attempts to diversify the iPhone portfolio. As per the latest report from Kuo, the iPhone 17e is still on Apple’s radar. We can assume that the iPhone 18 Air and iPhone 17 Air will share a similar display size, and the iPhone 19 Air will get the larger screen.
The leak does not specifically reveal any dimensions about the product. We do not have a diagonal screen size measurement. However, Kuo notes that the device will have a “larger display” compared to the 18 Slim. Leaks do not have a single answer to whether the upcoming ultra-slim iPhone will be called the “Air” or the “Slim.” As per reports, the overall thickness could be under 6.5mm.
Samsung’s S25 Edge will feature a 6.6″ display, and that’s the company’s slimmest offering. The iPhone 17 Air is presently rumored to use a 6.6″ display panel as well. This is smaller than the Pro Max iPhone, but still larger than the base iPhone models. We think that the iPhone 19 Air might boost that size to a 6.9″ panel.
As per Kuo, one main reason for Apple’s diversification of its portfolio is the intense competition, particularly in China and markets like India. To manage the supply chain effectively, Apple is also planning to do a bi-launch strategy instead of launching all of the models at once.
As per the roadmap, Apple will launch the base models earlier in the year, around Spring, while the Pro models will apparently launch in the Fall. Apple might launch its first foldable open-book style phone in 2026. Since 2027 will mark the 20th anniversary of the iPhone, we might see a full-screen iPhone with no bezels.
