Apple’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) upcoming iPhone 17 lineup may represent more than just an annual refresh, with Evercore ISI suggesting it could mark the beginning of a longer-term pivot in the company’s flagship product strategy.
At its September 9 “awe dropping” event, Apple is expected to introduce four models: the Base, Pro, Pro Max, and an all-new “iPhone Air.”
Evercore analysts described the addition as Apple’s “most notable design change to the iPhone in recent years.”
“We expect the Air model to follow a similar guise of Air models seen in the iPad and MacBook product lines and feature a thinner and lighter version of the base model,” the analysts wrote.
According to their projections, the iPhone Air will be just 5.55mm thick, roughly 35% slimmer than the iPhone 16 range, setting a new benchmark as Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever.
Other expected updates across the lineup include 120Hz ProMotion displays and enhanced camera systems. The Base and Air models are expected to be powered by the A19 chip, while the Pro and Pro Max will use the higher-performance A19 Pro.
Evercore analysts also pointed to a material change in Apple’s premium line, with the Pro models “shifting to a glass-aluminum hybrid frame and away from prior titanium builds.”
Looking ahead, the firm noted that this iPhone cycle “sets the stage for a multiyear iPhone roadmap” that could see Apple’s first foldable phone as soon as 2026 and a curved-glass anniversary edition in 2027.
The report also suggested Apple might use the event to showcase new Apple Watch iterations, including a possible Ultra version, alongside the rollout of iOS 26. “We think the launch of the iPhone 17 Air would mark a notable change in Apple’s recent iPhone strategy and could be the start of what we believe is a multiyear road map of notable design changes,” Evercore said.
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