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Quick answer: The “iPhone 17 slim” launched as the iPhone Air on 9 September 2025. It is 5.6mm thin, weighs 165g, has a 6.5-inch 120Hz display and A19 Pro chip, and starts at $999. In Pakistan, PTA-approved units launched at about Rs 480,000 for 256GB in October 2025.
For more than a year, rumours talked about an ultra-thin “iPhone 17 slim” that would be Apple’s sleekest phone ever. In September 2025, the rumours became real: Apple launched it as the iPhone Air. Here is everything you need to know, from the official specs and US price to what it costs in Pakistan and how PTA tax works.
From Rumour to Reality: A Short History
In May 2024, reports citing Tech Spot said Apple was working on a much thinner iPhone that would debut in September 2025, with an estimated starting price of $1,200. The rumours also suggested an aluminium body and a screen between 6.1 and 6.7 inches, with a design change as big as the iPhone X. Apple’s ultra-thin iPad Pro, released in 2024, was seen as a hint of what was coming.
Some of those predictions were right and some were wrong:
- Launch timing: Correct. It arrived in September 2025 alongside the iPhone 17 series.
- Screen size: Correct range. The final phone has a 6.5-inch display.
- Price: Wrong. It started at $999, not $1,200, and it is cheaper than the Pro Max.
- Material: Wrong. Apple used a titanium frame, not aluminium.
- Name: Many called it the iPhone 17 Air or iPhone 17 Slim, but Apple simply named it iPhone Air.
iPhone Air Launch Date and US Price
Apple announced the iPhone Air on 9 September 2025. Pre-orders opened on 12 September, and the phone went on sale on 19 September 2025 in more than 60 countries, with more markets added from 26 September.
The iPhone Air starts at $999 in the US for 256GB. It also comes in 512GB and 1TB versions. Colours are Space Black, Cloud White, Light Gold and Sky Blue.
iPhone Air Official Specs
| Feature | iPhone Air |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 5.64mm (Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever) |
| Weight | 165 grams |
| Size | 156.2mm x 74.7mm |
| Display | 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR, ProMotion up to 120Hz, up to 3000 nits outdoors |
| Chip | A19 Pro (6-core CPU, 5-core GPU) |
| Rear camera | 48MP Fusion camera with 2x optical-quality telephoto option |
| Front camera | 18MP Center Stage camera |
| Battery | Up to 27 hours video playback (up to 40 hours with MagSafe Battery) |
| Build | Grade 5 titanium frame, Ceramic Shield 2 front, Ceramic Shield back |
| Water resistance | IP68 (up to 6 metres for 30 minutes) |
| Charging | USB-C (USB 2 speed), MagSafe up to 20W |
| SIM | eSIM only, no physical SIM slot |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
The iPhone Air also uses Apple’s own C1X modem and N1 wireless chip, which supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.
What you give up for the slim design
To get that thin, Apple made a few compromises. There is only one rear camera, so you don’t get a dedicated ultra-wide lens like on the iPhone 17 Pro models. The USB-C port runs at USB 2 speed, and there is no physical SIM tray. If you shoot a lot of wide-angle photos or need fast cable transfers, a Pro model may suit you better.
iPhone Air Price in Pakistan
The iPhone 17 series and iPhone Air officially landed in Pakistan in October 2025 with PTA-approved prices through local vendors. At launch, the reported prices were:
| iPhone Air storage | PTA-approved launch price |
|---|---|
| 256GB | Rs 480,000 |
| 512GB | Rs 563,000 |
| 1TB | Rs 646,000 |
Prices in Pakistan move with the dollar rate and taxes, and many retailers have since listed the phone for less. ProPakistani’s price page, last updated in August 2026, listed the 256GB model at Rs 426,999. Always compare a few trusted shops before you buy.
PTA Tax on iPhone Air
If you buy a locally supplied, PTA-approved iPhone Air, it is already registered and you do not pay anything extra. But if you bring one from abroad or buy a non-PTA unit, you must register it through PTA’s DIRBS system and pay the tax, or it will stop working on Pakistani SIMs.
The exact PTA tax depends on whether you register on a passport or CNIC and on the current exchange rate, so reported figures vary. ProPakistani listed a DIRBS tax of Rs 113,837 in August 2026, while other outlets have reported higher amounts for CNIC registration. Check the latest figure on the PTA DIRBS portal before buying.
Since the iPhone Air is eSIM-only, also make sure your mobile network offers eSIM on your number before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the iPhone 17 slim the same as the iPhone Air?
Yes. The ultra-thin phone rumoured as the iPhone 17 slim or iPhone 17 Air launched in September 2025 under the official name iPhone Air.
How thin is the iPhone Air?
The iPhone Air is 5.64mm thick and weighs 165 grams, making it the thinnest iPhone Apple has ever made.
What is the iPhone Air price in Pakistan?
At its official Pakistan launch in October 2025, the PTA-approved iPhone Air was priced at about Rs 480,000 for 256GB, Rs 563,000 for 512GB and Rs 646,000 for 1TB. Prices change with the dollar rate, so check current retailer prices.
Does the iPhone Air have a SIM card slot?
No. The iPhone Air is eSIM only, so you need a mobile network that supports eSIM. Non-PTA units must also be registered with PTA’s DIRBS system to work in Pakistan.
