With the iPhone 17 Air, Apple is planning a particularly thin and light smartphone. But this design comes at a price. Reports have been circulating for months that the new model will omit some familiar features. Three features, in particular, that have been standard in many iPhone models are said to be missing from the iPhone 17 Air: a bottom-mounted speaker, an ultra-wide-angle camera, and an international SIM card slot. We'll explore why Apple is making these decisions and what impact they have for users below.
Apple is pursuing a clear goal with the iPhone 17 Air: The device is intended to be even thinner and lighter than its predecessors. To achieve this goal, however, some features that were previously standard on an iPhone are no longer included. This could be a disadvantage for many users, but it could also potentially bring new advantages. The question of how these savings will impact everyday life is particularly exciting. What compromises will you have to make as a user? What advantages could arise from the new design? The three most important points are examined in detail below.
No speaker on the bottom
iPhones typically have two speakers—one in the earpiece and one at the bottom of the device. However, Apple appears to be doing away with the latter on the iPhone 17 Air. According to a report from The Information, there will only be a single speaker integrated into the earpiece. A look at the recently surfaced 3D renderings of the iPhone 17 Air confirms this rumor. At the bottom of the device, only a few small openings for microphones are visible, but no speaker. This means that users will only hear sound from the top. In practice, this could have the following effects:
- The sound will appear less spatial, as true stereo sound is only possible via headphones or Bluetooth speakers.
- The overall volume may be lower because the upper speaker is usually weaker than the lower one.
- When watching videos or gaming, the sound experience may be less impressive.
Why is Apple omitting the second speaker? It's likely to save space. Fewer components mean a thinner casing and potentially a larger battery. Whether this is a worthwhile compromise for users remains to be seen.
No ultra-wide-angle camera
The iPhone 17 Air is said to feature a single 48-megapixel camera on the back. This main camera combines a standard 1× view with an optical-quality 2× zoom option. However, it lacks an ultra-wide-angle camera, as found in many previous iPhone models. The ultra-wide-angle camera typically offers a 0.5× view and is particularly suitable for landscape shots or group photos. Its removal means users have to forgo this perspective. However, the absence of the ultra-wide-angle camera also has advantages. The space gained could be used for a larger battery. Battery life has often been a point of criticism in the past, especially with the slimmer iPhone models. A larger battery could compensate for this. However, for photographers who often work with different perspectives, the lack of the ultra-wide-angle camera is a clear limitation. Anyone who regularly takes 0.5× shots may not be happy with the iPhone 17 Air.
No more physical SIM card slot
Apple has already begun eliminating the physical SIM card slot with the iPhone 14 in the US. Instead, the devices rely exclusively on eSIMs. This step could now be extended internationally with the iPhone 17 Air. According to The Information, Apple plans to remove the SIM card slot in even more countries. This would mean that the iPhone 17 Air will only work with eSIM technology worldwide. This decision has both advantages and disadvantages for users.
Advantages:
- Changing mobile phone providers is easier because there is no longer a need to exchange a physical card.
- eSIMs make it possible to use multiple mobile phone contracts on one device.
- A missing SIM card slot saves space in the case and increases water resistance.
Disadvantages:
- Not all mobile phone providers worldwide support eSIMs, which can be problematic when traveling abroad.
- Users who like to switch flexibly between physical SIM cards no longer have the option to do so.
- If there are technical problems with the eSIM, switching is more difficult than with a physical card.
eSIMs have become established in the US, but in many other countries, the physical SIM card slot remains an important feature. If Apple does indeed switch to eSIMs internationally, it could mean a major change for some users.
iPhone 17 Air: Is Apple's new design worth the compromise?
The iPhone 17 Air will undoubtedly be one of the thinnest and lightest smartphones on the market. Apple is omitting certain features to achieve this goal. However, the lack of a speaker, the lack of an ultra-wide-angle camera, and the omission of a SIM card slot could be a limitation for some users. The question is whether the sleek design and potentially longer battery life will compensate for these drawbacks. Those who value stereo sound, wide-angle photography, and flexible SIM card usage should carefully consider whether the iPhone 17 Air is the right choice. Apple is expected to officially unveil the iPhone 17 Air in September. That will be the latest time to see whether the design decisions are well received by users. The best accessories in one place: Our Amazon Storefront offers you top products, including for your HomeKit! (Image: Front Page Tech)
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