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.

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.

Apple's newest iPhone is predicted to be announced in early September. Here's what Floridians need to know now

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.

AppleAAPL stock has been creeping higher recently as the consumer electronics giant prepares to unveil its fall product lineup, including the iPhone 17 family of smartphones.On Aug. 8, Apple stock cleared its 200-day moving average line for the first time since March 10.

The iPhone 17 could have a slightly larger 6.3-inch display, instead of the 6.1-inch one on the iPhone 16, tipster Digital Chat Station said in June. That means it could be the same size as the iPhone 16 Pro, as well as the rumored iPhone 17 Pro, 9to5Mac reported.