Admirers of compact smartphones, listen up!
The iPhone 17 Air is shaping up to be a game-changer in Apple's smartphone lineup this year, but analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has already given us a sneak peek into its future. This analyst, renowned for his insights on Apple-related topics, predicts that both the iPhone 17 Air and its 2026 successor will boast a 6.55-inch display. However, he hints that the 2027 model could have a larger screen size.
Kuo's predictions align with the trend of increasing smartphone screen sizes we've seen in recent years. With speculations of Apple launching its first foldable device in 2026, larger screens might become the norm in the near future.
Here's a look at what we can expect from the iPhone 17 Air's screen specs:
- Screen size: While reports vary, analysts predict a screen size of 6.55 to 6.7 inches. Some even suggest a 6.6-inch display. Interestingly, a canceled prototype allegedly tested a 6.9-inch display, although this was dropped due to concerns over durability.
- Key upgrades: The iPhone 17 Air could adopt a 120Hz ProMotion display, enabling an Always-On Display, and thinner OLED panels using touch/display driver integration.
The future beyond 2025 remains unclear as there's no credible information available about the iPhone 18 and 19 models. However, historical patterns suggest standard models might stick to screen sizes between 6.1 to 6.7 inches, while premium models could potentially feature 6.3 to 6.9-inch screens, as seen in recent size bumps.
Rumors about Apple developing a foldable iPhone are still in the realm of speculation for now, as the company hasn't confirmed any plans. However, competitive pressures from rivals like Samsung, Google, and Honor, combined with technical challenges like hinge durability, crease visibility, and software optimization, might be slowing down Apple's entry into the foldable market. That being said, leaked documents suggest Apple is exploring designs such as clamshell and horizontal folding, although no production timelines have been revealed yet.
When it comes to competing devices, the Honor Magic V3 boasts a 7.92-inch foldable OLED display, while the Google Pixel Fold (2) is rumored to have a display size similar to the iPhone 17 Air, with a thickness of around 5.1mm.
As always, take these predictions with a grain of salt, as Apple hasn't confirmed anything yet. For more insights, read about Apple's plans to address the two major issues with foldable phones.
- In line with Kuo's predictions, it's known that both the iPhone 17 Air and its successor in 2026 will likely sport a 6.55-inch display, a growing trend in smartphone screen sizes.
- The iPhone 17 Air might also increase its screen size slightly compared to its predecessors, as analysts suggest a screen size of 6.55 to 6.7 inches.
- Kuo's insights hint at the possibility of the iPhone, in 2026, being Apple's first foldable device, following the footsteps of competitors like Samsung and Google.
- By 2026, smartphone technology might witness a shift towards larger foldable screens, as Apple prepares to challenge the market with its first foldable iPhone, according to Kuo's predictions.
