Apple fans are buzzing with excitement and curiosity over the major changes rumored for the iPhone 17 series this year, particularly the slim new iPhone 17 Air and the high-end iPhone 17 Pro.

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 lineup this year with its first major design overhaul in years. These changes have sparked heated discussions on tech forums and can now be seen firsthand - if you're willing to book a flight to China.

A well-known industry leaker has released several 3D renders and CAD files simulating the design of the upcoming iPhone 17 models. These renders also showcase iPhone 17 Pro units in various colorful cases, offering a glimpse at how the phones will look with protective accessories.

These CAD files have quickly spread online, and one store in China is using them to produce 3D-printed models of the iPhone 17 lineup, allowing customers to physically experience Apple’s upcoming design. Shoppers can now examine the updated camera module and, more notably, feel the incredibly slim form of the iPhone 17 Air.

Goodbye iPhone Plus, hello ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air

Of particular note is Apple’s reported decision to discontinue the iPhone Plus line. In its place, Apple is introducing a radically thinner iPhone model aimed at consumers who prioritize aesthetics.

According to analysts, the iPhone 17 Air is not only meant to boost sales but also marks the beginning of Apple’s ultra-slim product era. Much like the MacBook Air, this new iPhone will be thinner than the rest of the lineup and will combine both high-end and mid-range features. It incorporates new components and a refreshed design language. If the rollout goes smoothly, these innovations may eventually spread to the rest of the iPhone family.

Although the iPhone 17 Air is expected to be more expensive than the Plus series, strong sales could secure its long-term place in the lineup - something Apple failed to achieve with its Mini and Plus versions in the past.

Previously, Apple replaced the underperforming iPhone Mini with the iPhone Plus, but both versions struggled in the market.

Meanwhile, Samsung is also venturing into the ultra-slim smartphone space with its Galaxy S25 Edge, slated for release later this year.

Die-hard fans get early access to iPhone 17 models

According to the source Majin Bu, a Chinese store has begun using CAD-based models from this leak to showcase the differences between the iPhone 17 series and older iPhones.

In a video shared by Majin Bu on X, visitors at the store are seen comparing the thinness of the iPhone 17 Air against previous models, as well as observing the new camera setup on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Of course, flying to China just to hold a 3D prototype might be excessive for most consumers. But for hardcore iPhone fans, it may still seem easier than printing the model themselves at home.

Still, enthusiasts are encouraged to wait until September, when Apple is expected to officially launch the iPhone 17 lineup. The real experience, after all, will be well worth the wait.

The upcoming iPhones are expected to debut this fall. The 2025 models will likely include the standard iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air, with notable upgrades - especially in the Pro models.

Hai Phong