Apple Drops Plans for Larger iPhone 17 Air Due to 'Bendgate' Concerns
- Apple flirted with a 6.9-inch iPhone 17 Air before fears of a modern “Bendgate” pulled the plug.
- The company’s bold prototype was scrapped to dodge potential bending disasters.
- Leaked reports now point to a refined 6.6-inch model that promises durability and flair.
Apple's ambitious plans for an ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air—featuring a 6.9-inch display—have been scrapped over concerns that the device might bend under pressure, reminiscent of the infamous 2014 "Bendgate" controversy.
Photo via Sangri Times // A concept rendering of what Apple's upcoming 2025 iPhone 17 Air might look like.
The Story
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his latest Power On newsletter:
When it first started work on the phone, it prototyped a device with a 6.9-inch screen — matching the Pro Max. Apple pulled the plug on that over fears that a thin device with a giant screen would be susceptible to bending. The company suffered such a controversy in 2014 — 'Bendgate' — when the iPhone 6 Plus would sometimes warp when in a tight pocket.— Mark Gurman, Bloomberg
Gurman’s insights reveal that while Apple initially experimented with the larger display to rival the Pro Max, the risks associated with an ultra-thin design ultimately led to a pivot.
iPhone 17 Air: Rumors
Even though the 6.9-inch prototype was abandoned, leaked reports suggest that the upcoming iPhone 17 Air—expected to debut in September—will still offer a high-end experience with:
- 6.6-inch display featuring 120Hz ProMotion support
- Dynamic Island integration
- Apple-designed A19 chip for enhanced performance
- Single 48-megapixel rear camera
- Apple’s custom-made C1 modem
- Starting price: Approximately $899 in the U.S.
Photo via Majinbu Official // Something is in the Air over at Apple HQ, and this time, it's not a notebook...
Some speculate that the rumored dimensions may closely match those of the iPhone 17 Pro Max, with the key difference lying in the device’s thickness.
iPhone 17 Lineup
In parallel to the iPhone 17 Air’s evolution, other reports from MacRumors hint at significant changes for the iPhone 17 Pro lineup:
- A large horizontal matrix design for the rear cameras, diverging from Apple’s traditional square layout.
- A potential transition to a part-aluminum, part-glass rear panel coupled with a rectangular aluminum camera bump.
These updates signal a bold design shift as Apple seeks to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving smartphone market.
Photo via Majinbu Official // The rear camera unit of this year's new iPhones will look considerably different, new rumors confirm. But are these latest rumors true?
The USB-C Dilemma
In an unexpected twist, Apple also considered a port-free design for the iPhone 17 Air. The idea was to rely solely on wireless charging and data transfer. However, concerns over potential regulatory backlash—especially from the EU—led to the decision to retain the USB-C port for now. Should the iPhone 17 Air resonate well with consumers, we might see future iterations adopting a port-free design.
Final Thoughts
Apple’s decision to scrap the 6.9-inch prototype highlights its careful balancing act between innovation and durability. While enthusiasts eagerly await the refined 6.6-inch model, the company’s cautious approach reflects lessons learned from past design missteps.
Recommended by the editors:
- No More September iPhones? Apple's Strategy Shift Changes Everything
- MacBook Pro M6 OLED Rumors: Release Date, Price, Features, and More
- iPhone 18 Rumors: Apple Reportedly Testing Under Display Face ID
- Intel Could Finally Return to Apple Computers in 2027
- Foldable iPhone Could Be Apple’s Most Expensive Phone Ever At $2,399
Published to Apple Scoop on 17th March, 2025.
