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Apple Scrapped Plans for 6.9-Inch Ultra-Slim iPhone 17 Air Due to Bend Concerns

Apple reportedly prototyped an ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air with a massive 6.9-inch display, but ultimately decided against moving forward with the device. According to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, the company was concerned the design could be prone to bending, a potential repeat of the infamous “Bendgate” controversy with the iPhone 6 Plus in 2014.

Why Apple Shelved the 6.9-Inch Prototype

In Gurman’s latest Power On newsletter, he revealed that Apple initially worked on a 6.9-inch ultra-thin device, matching the size of the Pro Max model. However, fears about the structural integrity of the phone led the company to abandon the idea.

Gurman shared:

“Apple pulled the plug on that over fears that a thin device with a giant screen would be susceptible to bending. The company suffered such a controversy in 2014 — ‘Bendgate’ — when the iPhone 6 Plus would sometimes warp when in a tight pocket.”

What to Expect From the iPhone 17 Air

Despite scrapping the larger prototype, Apple is moving ahead with a slightly smaller iPhone 17 Air. Earlier rumors from China suggested that the device might share the same dimensions as the iPhone 17 Pro Max, but with a thinner design.

The latest corroborating reports indicate the iPhone 17 Air will feature:

  • A 6.6-inch display with 120Hz ProMotion support
  • Dynamic Island functionality
  • A19 chip performance
  • A single 48-megapixel rear camera
  • Apple’s new custom-made C1 modem

How Much Will It Cost?

Gurman suggests that the iPhone 17 Air could startAn error occurred during generation. Please try again or contact support if it continues.