Commentary: As someone who has been writing about the iPhone for over a decade, I'm ready to see Apple step it up in this perhaps unexpected way.

The most widely discussed rumor is that Apple might be introducing its slimmest phone ever, the iPhone Air, which may replace the iPhone Plus. This rumored device is said to have a profile thickness of 5.5 mm, making it about 0.08 inches thinner than current iPhones. It’ll also feature a 6.6-inch screen.

According to latest data, Apple’s iPhone exports from India touched $7.5 billion during April–July this year, a sharp jump of almost 63 per cent compared with $4.6 billion in the same period of FY25.

The iPhone 17 is reportedly rumored to be announced in September, meaning Californians may be just weeks away from their next upgrade. Last year, Apple introduced its iPhone 16 range on Sept. 9, with the new phones ready for pre-order later that week. In September of 2023, Apple unveiled its iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

The standard iPhone 17 could see some welcome display upgrades. At least one supply chain source claimed it will add a 120Hz variable refresh rate (ProMotion) display, which the Pro series has used since 2021.

August, meaning that Apple's annual iPhone event is just around the corner. This year, Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone

The thinner handset could feature a 5.5mm profile and replace the iPhone Plus model. The iPhone "Air" will reportedly replace the iPhone Plus model. It could measure 5.5mm thick and have a 6.6-inch display.

Apple’s September 2025 event may unveil iPhone 17, ultra-thin iPhone Air, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and AirPods Pro 3.