The Wall Street Journal decided not to be inferior to Bloomberg in quickly discussing Apple’s latest plans, and said the day before that the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, scheduled for release next year, will not be the most expensive smartphone in the line. In fact, it will be comparable in price to the iPhone 16 Plus, which it will formally replace.
Image Source: Apple
As noted in the original source, from next year Apple expects to introduce a model into the iPhone range that will be thinner than the existing ones, but at the same time will be cheaper than the Pro series models, largely due to the use of simpler cameras. In other words, the alleged iPhone 17 Air will be designed for those who want to own a thinner smartphone and are willing to put up with some compromises on its functionality, but not overpay. In fact, with this positioning, the iPhone 17 Air can fit into the price niche of about $900.
At the same time, Apple’s intentions are also reported to develop a folding smartphone with a flexible display by 2026, which would have a diagonal of at least 7 inches when unfolded. At least, the current iPhone 16 Pro Max with its 6.9-inch display will definitely be inferior to it. Apple initially experimented with placing the display on the outer surface of a foldable smartphone, but has now focused on a layout that allows the display to be hidden on the inner surface when folded. The main problem in developing such a device is choosing sufficiently reliable and comfortable hinges, as well as ensuring a minimally noticeable fold line on the display.
As noted the day before, after the folding smartphone, Apple intends to release a folding device in a larger format, which will belong to the iPad family, but when unfolded will have a display diagonal of about 19 inches. The original plan was to release the foldable tablet before the foldable iPhone, but now Apple’s priorities have changed places.