When rumors began circulating in May about a new phone that might replace the iPhone Plus model, tech enthusiasts were buzzing with anticipation. The excitement grew even more when early rumors suggested that this device, which everyone except Apple is calling the iPhone Air, could be priced higher than the Pro Max model. This led many to believe that Apple was gearing up to release a high-spec, ultra-slim device.

However, the excitement was short-lived. Just as hopes were rising, they were quickly dashed when a spec sheet, reportedly showing the details of the iPhone 17 lineup, was leaked by Ice Universe on “X” (formerly Twitter). According to the leak, the iPhone 17 Air’s specs were underwhelming. The phone is expected to feature a 6.65-inch OLED display with ProMotion and a dynamic refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz, depending on the content. While this display is certainly a plus, it’s also rumored to be standard across all iPhone 17 models. The real letdown is the supposed inclusion of the A19 processor in the iPhone 17 Air, as opposed to the more advanced A19 Pro chip found in the Pro models.

Moreover, while the iPhone 17 Pro models are rumored to come with 12GB of RAM, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to be equipped with just 8GB—enough to support Apple Intelligence, but still less than the Pro variants. Speculation also suggests that the iPhone 17 Air might only feature a single rear camera, centered on the back panel. Despite these modest specifications, the phone is expected to start at $1,299, which is $100 more than the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has shared his thoughts on Apple’s potential marketing strategy for the iPhone 17 Air, suggesting that Apple might position it as a more stylish alternative to the base iPhone 17, appealing to those who don’t need the high-end performance, larger screen, or advanced cameras of the Pro models. However, the price disparity could pose a problem, as the iPhone 17 Air is expected to come with a heftier price tag despite offering lower specs than the Pro Max.

Gurman also predicts that the iPhone 17 Air, along with the anticipated iPhone SE 4, will help boost iPhone sales in 2025. He believes the iPhone 17 Air will resonate more with consumers than the previous iPhone mini and Plus models. However, before making any predictions about its success, many, like Gurman, are waiting to see how Apple will market this new model.

As the rumored September 10 unveiling of the iPhone 16 series approaches, the anticipation continues to build. Pre-orders are expected to start on September 13, with the phones likely hitting stores by Friday, September 20.