Apple is reportedly preparing to launch a new addition to its iPhone series, the iPhone 17 Air, which is anticipated to succeed the existing Plus model. As per supply chain insights from DigiTimes, the iPhone 17 Air has commenced the New Product Introduction (NPI) phase at Foxconn.
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iPhone 17 ‘Air’ new details 🚨
Would you buy one?
Source: @theinformation pic.twitter.com/5npCLMpy4a
— Apple Hub (@theapplehub) November 25, 2024
This phase marks the initial step towards production, involving extensive collaboration between Apple and its suppliers to evaluate the design’s feasibility and manufacturing techniques.
The NPI phase is crucial as it transitions the product from an idea to mass production, beginning with design validation, prototype testing, and supplier qualification. This process also encompasses the development of manufacturing methods, pilot production runs to assess assembly and quality control, and the alignment of logistics with the supply chain to prepare for full-scale production, reports GizmoChina.
Minor design modifications may still be made to ensure compatibility with manufacturing capabilities and cost factors. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature a notably slimmer profile compared to its predecessors, reportedly around two millimeters thinner than the current iPhone 16 Pro.
In terms of dimensions, it is likely to be positioned between the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max, with display size estimates ranging from 6.55 inches to 6.65 inches. A significant enhancement is the anticipated integration of Apple’s custom-designed 5G modem chip, which is smaller and more seamlessly integrated with other Apple components, designed to optimize space without sacrificing battery performance or display quality.
iPhone 17 ‘Air’ new details 🚨
Would you buy one?
Source: @theinformation pic.twitter.com/5npCLMpy4a
— Apple Hub (@theapplehub) November 25, 2024
Furthermore, the rear camera is expected to be repositioned to the center of the device, featuring a single 48-megapixel lens housed in a prominent, centered camera bump. Scheduled for release next year alongside the standard iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, the iPhone 17 Air signifies a notable evolution in Apple’s smartphone offerings.
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