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.