Apple Reportedly Working on Bigger iPhone Air for 2027, Says Kuo

Highlights

• Apple’s iPhone 17 Air will feature an ultra-thin 5.5mm design and a 6.6-inch display.
• It is expected to replace the current Plus model with an expected price between $900 and $1000.
• Apple plans to follow a yearly upgrade cycle, with the iPhone 18 Air in 2026 and a redesigned iPhone 19 Air in 2027, featuring a larger screen.

Caption – A comparison of the upcoming iPhone 17 Air with the current iPhone 16 Pro. (Image credit – Apple Track on YouTube)

Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Air has been rumoured to be called the iPhone 17 Slim previously. It is shaping up to be one of the most eye-catching releases this year, featuring an ultra-thin 5.5mm design. The model is expected to take the place of the current Plus model in Apple’s lineup with the expected price to fall between $900 and $1000.

According to multiple leaked schematics, the iPhone 17 Air will come with a 6.6-inch screen, putting it right between the Pro and Pro Max models in terms of size.

But well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo now says Apple is already working on a future version of the Air with an even bigger display.

Kuo believes Apple will stick to a regular yearly upgrade cycle for the Air series. That means we’ll see the iPhone 18 Air in fall 2026 as a spec bump to the iPhone 17 Air. Then, in the second half of 2027, Apple is expected to launch a redesigned version with a larger screen, likely called the iPhone 19 Air.

Kuo didn’t share exact details about how much bigger the screen will be, but earlier reporting from Bloomberg might offer a clue.

In March, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman revealed that Apple had initially prototyped the slim iPhone with a 6.9-inch display, the same size as the Pro Max. However, the company scaled back the design during development, concerned it was too fragile and could bend too easily. Apple didn’t want to risk a repeat of “Bendgate.”

It appears like Apple hasn’t given up on that original idea. The company might finally bring the 6.9-inch slim iPhone to market in 2027.

By then, Apple’s definition of a “large iPhone” will have evolved. The iPhone 19 Slim is expected to debut alongside the second generation of Apple’s foldable iPhone.

There’s a lot to look forward to. Alongside the new Air models, Apple is also planning a major redesign for the Pro models in 2026 and 2027. And for the first time, foldable iPhones are expected to arrive starting in late 2026.

FAQs

Q1. What is the expected design and price of the iPhone 17 Air?

Answer. The iPhone 17 Air will feature an ultra-thin 5.5mm design and a 6.6-inch screen, replacing the current Plus model in Apple’s lineup. The expected price range is between $900 and $1000.

Q2. What future Air models are expected, and when will they launch?

Answer. Apple plans to follow a regular yearly upgrade cycle for the Air series. The iPhone 18 Air is expected in fall 2026 as a spec bump to the iPhone 17 Air. A redesigned iPhone 19 Air with a larger screen is expected in the second half of 2027.

Q3. Is Apple working on foldable iPhones?

Answer. Yes! Apple’s first foldable iPhone is expected to arrive starting in late 2026, and the second-generation foldable iPhone will likely debut alongside the iPhone 19 Slim in 2027.

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