Apple is well into planning the release of the next generation iPhone – the iPhone 17 (which I think should really be the iPhone XX given there have been 20 different iPhone releases since the first iPhone). For the last five years, Apple has released four different iPhones, two ‘regular’ versions and a pair of Pro devices. This year promises to be a little different with the iPhone 17 Air expected. If Apple is taking a good, better, best approach to the iPhone range, the iPhone 17 Air will be placed in the better category with the good and best positions taken up by the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro.
This mirrors the product strategy Apple uses with the iPad. The iPad mini is a niche device that falls outside the three-tier strategy.
The iPhone Air, as per Apple’s previous uses of the ‘Air’ moniker, is given to a mid-range device that is thinner than the top-of-the-like option. And while the iPhone 17 Air has not been officially released there are now leaked images of mock-ups making the rounds.
In order for the iPhone 17 Air to be thinner than the other models in the range, it is suggested, with by Sonny Dickson, who leaked these images, and Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman that Apple will be ditching the USB-C port entirely and relying solely on wireless charging using MagSafe.
When Apple was forced to shift from Lightning to USB-C, following the European Union’s edict regarding charging cables, there was some talk of Apple considering a shift to wireless charging for the iPhone. It seems Apple is starting its journey done Wireless Road with the next generation iPhone.
The only time I use a wired charger is in the car as I have an older vehicle that lacks a wireless charging pad. But I could easily install a MagSafe mount somewhere in the car. But, at the moment, wired charging is convenient for me.
Wireless charging is now firmly entrenched. There are many different charging accessories with IKEA even integrating wireless charging into coffee tables and desks. But there are still many people who prefer wired charging and have a next of cables they can use.
But if this rumor proves to be true, it may only take Apple a year or two before it removes wired charging for the iPhone completely.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.