Apple reportedly considered eliminating the charging port to create an even thinner version of its ultra-slim smartphone, the iPhone 17 Air.
According to industry sources, on Monday, Apple had contemplated removing the USB-C charging port for the iPhone 17 Air to achieve a sleeker design. This would have meant the device relied solely on wireless charging. However, wireless charging still falls short of wired charging in terms of speed and is prone to issues like overheating.
Apple was recently forced to abandon its proprietary Lightning port after the European Union (EU) mandated the standardization of mobile device chargers to USB-C. Given the potential backlash from the EU, Apple ultimately decided to retain the charging port.
Apple initially considered launching the iPhone 17 Air with a 6.9-inch display but opted for a 6.6-inch screen due to durability concerns. The company must compromise on various specifications, including the camera and speakers, to achieve a thinner profile.
Recent reports suggest that the iPhone 17 Air’s thinnest part will measure just 5.5 mm, with the camera bump extending to 9.5 mm. The device is expected to feature the A19 chip instead of the A19 Pro and will likely include a single 48-megapixel rear camera. Other potential compromises may include a single speaker and eSIM-only support, eliminating the physical SIM slot.
