Apple is reportedly making a significant change to its smartphone lineup next year, replacing the Plus model with the iPhone 17 Air. This new device is expected to be an ultra-thin model with a single rear camera. According to supply chain sources, the iPhone 17 Air has entered the New Product Introduction (NPI) phase, marking the first step toward production. During this stage, Apple and its suppliers assess the design’s feasibility and work out the manufacturing methods needed for assembly.
Some small design adjustments may occur as part of this process to ensure practicality and cost-effectiveness. After the NPI, a small-scale test production will be set up to fine-tune the assembly process. While it’s still early in the iPhone 17 Air’s development, it seems that Apple has decided to discontinue the Plus model in favor of this new approach. Time will tell if the Air model proves more successful in terms of sales.
