Apple’s obsession with the slim profile is age-old. While the Cupertino giant has nailed the ultra-sleek profiles quite a few times, the iPhone 6 Plus bendgate saga still feels like yesterday. For folks who have been on the receiving end of this saga can vouch for the mayhem that it triggered.
Guess what? The bendgate 2 seems to be loading up much faster than you could imagine.
Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Air is drawing buzz for its ultra-thin form factor and minimalist design, but not all the attention is flattering. While the iPhone maker is known for pushing the envelope, this year’s radical shift may leave even the most loyal Apple fans scratching their heads. Here’s why the iPhone 17 Air might be remembered not for innovation, but for overambition.
1. Ultra Slim Design: Bendgate 2.0 in the Making?
Apple’s fascination with thinness has once again taken center stage, but have we learned nothing from the iPhone 6 Plus? The ultra-slim design of the iPhone 17 Air may look sleek on a keynote stage, but in real-world use, it raises serious durability concerns.
The iPhone 17 Air will reportedly be around 5.5mm thick – with a thicker camera bar area. If the rumor holds true, it will be the thinnest iPhone to date. Comparatively, the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to be around 8.725mm thick.
With structural rigidity likely sacrificed to shave off millimeters, there’s growing fear that we’re on the verge of a Bendgate 2.0 scandal. Consumers expect their $800 devices to withstand the rigors of everyday use—not morph in their back pockets.
2. A Single Camera on a Flagship? That’s a Bold (and Risky) Choice
In an era where even mid-range smartphones come equipped with multiple rear cameras, Apple’s decision to include just one on the iPhone 17 Air feels out of touch. Competing Android flagships are boasting periscope lenses, ultra-wide sensors, and AI-enhanced zoom capabilities.
A single lens not only limits functionality but also undermines Apple’s reputation in smartphone photography—a category it once dominated. For a device expected to compete in the premium tier, this design choice is baffling.
Though the single rear camera could be a fine deal for folks who are not into photography or love snapping shots or Insta Reels, it will fail to invoke any interest among the Gen-Next.
3. Low Battery Capacity Is a Dealbreaker in 2025
The sacrifice for slimness comes at a steep price: battery life. Due to spatial constraints, the iPhone 17 Air reportedly packs a smaller battery than its predecessors. That’s a red flag in a world where users demand all-day performance and intensive multitasking—from gaming to 4K video capture.
While Apple may promise software-based efficiency bolstered by the C1 modem gains, history tells us that smaller batteries simply can’t keep up with the growing demands of power-hungry apps and features. The result? More time tethered to the wall, and less time actually enjoying your phone.
Apple has a storied history of defying critics and reshaping market expectations. But with the iPhone 17 Air, it feels like the company is prioritizing aesthetics over practicality—again. In a highly competitive market where users expect the best of both form and function, Apple’s gamble could backfire.
Unless there are some serious surprises under the hood, the iPhone 17 Air risks becoming a cautionary tale rather than the next must-have device.
