When Apple releases its next flagship iPhones next fall, the iPhone 17 series could be dominated by an entirely new design, at least on one model. This is the super slim model that captures the imagination of many people. And the good news is that it may be cheaper than expected.

Initial rumors about this thin model suggested that it would be very expensive and that the new design would be costly to produce. However, it now appears to be “cheaper than Pro models,” according to a new report from the Wall Street Journal.

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This contradicts reports from early 2024 that said it would be more expensive than the iPhone 16 Pro Max, making it the most expensive iPhone ever.

The new phone has been dubbed the iPhone 17 Air by many, although it could be given a different title when Apple launches it. And while it’s not the most expensive ever, its name probably has another superlative: the thinnest ever.

It’s part of “a series of major design and format changes… aimed at revitalizing growth after years of offering largely incremental upgrades,” the report said.

In details consistent with previous reports, Aaron Tilley and Yang Jie say: “Starting next year, Apple plans to launch an iPhone that will be thinner than the roughly 8-millimeter profile of current models, people said, who are familiar with the company’s plans.”

But then it goes on to say: “The model is said to be cheaper than Pro models, with a simplified camera system to reduce costs.”

Note the simplified camera system reference, which may refer to a single or at most dual camera configuration.

But if the report is true and it’s cheaper than the Pro models, that likely means the iPhone 17 Air will be about the same price as the iPhone 16 Plus, which is set to replace the 17 Air. This is a big change, as the perception of the Air has always been slightly more premium than the Plus.

If current pricing holds, that would mean the Air would cost less than the $999 currently being asked for the iPhone 16 Pro. And since Apple likes to keep a reasonable price gap, that suggests a price of $899 for the Air, the same as the iPhone 16 Plus currently.

ForbesNew leak reveals Apple iPhone 17 “Air’s thinnest design everFrom David Phelan