• Source:JND
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iPhone 17 Air: iPhone 17 Series leaks are getting more and more interesting with each passing day. The Cupertino-based tech giant is expected to drop the new iPhone 17 Series lineup sometime in September, which is next month, and the expected dates for which are 8-9 September. So far leaks and rumours have given us more than just a glimpse into what Apple's next flagship would bring with itself, and now another fresh rumour has surfaced on the internet, and this time it concerns the anticipated new member of the iPhone 17 series, the iPhone 17 Air.

The rumours tell us that the iPhone 17 Air will come with an A19 Pro chip under the hood but will come with a compromise when it comes to the GPU. This latest leak by a prominent Chinese tipster, Fixed Focus Digital, sheds light on the fact that the iPhone 17 Air might come with a 5-core GPU configuration, and the 6-core configuration will be exclusive to higher-end Pro models. This development spotted by MacRumors is the second such leak by Fixed Focus Digital in recent months that reportedly points towards potent information about iPhone 17 Air.

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There could be a few reasons for this move, if it is at all true. The decision to decrease the number of GPU cores could be due to 'binning', a process through which chips with a slight variation are repurposed, or it could be to keep the temperatures in control and keep the thermals optimal in the newer slim design, the publication added.

Not All Analysts Agree With The Leaks

This latest leak for Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 series is challenging earlier predictions from well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Kuo had suggested that the iPhone 17 Air would run on Apple’s standard A19 chip rather than the Pro variant. Now, tipster Fixed Focus Digital has echoed that claim, adding that the regular iPhone 17 will also get the same non-Pro A19 processor.

This update marks a shift from earlier speculation by supply chain analyst Jeff Pu, who initially believed the entry-level iPhone 17 could be powered by last year’s A18 chip. Pu has since revised his outlook and now also expects the A19 to be featured in the base model. The Weibo leaker behind the latest report has a strong track record, having accurately revealed the “iPhone 16e” branding for Apple’s upcoming iPhone SE successor.

Expected launch schedule

German tech outlet Phone-ticker.de, citing information from local telecom providers, reports that Apple is likely to unveil the iPhone 17 lineup on 9 September. Pre-orders could go live on 12 September, with in-store availability and first deliveries starting 19 September.

Line-up details

The iPhone 17 range is expected to include four models: the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Apple seems set to continue its strategy of staggered chip upgrades across different tiers. The new “Air” variant is tipped to be a slimmer, performance-orientated option sitting just below the Pro series.

Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro is rumoured to feature a redesigned camera layout that could also improve cellular performance and reduce latency, adding to the list of incremental but potentially meaningful upgrades.

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With multiple analysts now aligning on the A19 chip for both the base and Air models, Apple’s 2025 lineup is shaping up to blend design refinements with carefully tiered performance differences.