YouTuber Praises iPhone 17 Air’s Slim 5.5mm Design, Calls It ‘Futuristic’ But Questions Bendgate Issues and Battery Performance

Apple is poised to unveil the iPhone 17 Air, which is anticipated to be the company’s slimmest smartphone yet, measuring approximately 5.5mm at its thinnest section, not including the camera module. However, this reduction in thickness has sparked concerns about potential bending, particularly in light of the infamous Bendgate controversy surrounding the iPhone 6. Recently, Lewis Hilsenteger from the popular YouTube channel Unbox Therapy presented dummy units of the new device, allowing for a closer examination in contrast to the iPhone 17 Pro models.

Thinner Design Raises Questions About Durability and Battery Life

It is important to note that these dummy units are not definitive representations of the final design; they are likely intended for case manufacturers. However, insights from industry reports suggest that the dimensions of these dummies align closely with what consumers can expect. The iPhone 17 Air’s expected thickness of 5.5mm contrasts sharply with the 8.725mm thickness of the iPhone 17 Pro variants, which has left some apprehensive about the potential for bending.

iPhone 17 Air dummy units raise Bendgate concerns

Apple appears to be proactively addressing these durability concerns by limiting the display size of the iPhone 17 Air to 6.6 inches, slightly smaller than the Pro Max variant. Initially, there were plans for a 6.9-inch display; however, due to the heightened risk of bending associated with an ultra-thin profile, Apple has opted for a more resilient approach.

In his review, Lewis expressed both admiration and caution regarding the slim design, echoing the apprehensions surrounding its potential fragility, a subject he is quite familiar with owing to his previous investigations into the Bendgate incident. He is recognized for conducting one of the first bending tests on the iPhone 6, which significantly boosted his channel’s visibility.

Another critical consideration raised by Lewis is the impact that the iPhone 17 Air’s slim design may have on battery life. Reports indicate that Apple plans to integrate advanced silicon-carbon batteries, which offer higher density compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries currently in use. This innovation would enable Apple to maintain or enhance battery life while accommodating a slimmer form factor. Additionally, a transition to Apple’s custom C1 modem is expected to further optimize battery performance, aligning with similar advancements anticipated in the iPhone 16e model.