Another Day, Another iPhone Leak
It seems like every day brings a new leak about the upcoming iPhone. Last week, we covered some of the initial rumors surrounding the iPhone 17 Air, but today, there’s even more to unpack. And this time, it’s not just about Apple—I’ll also touch on the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, which has also been making waves in the gadget rumor mill. Both of these devices have generated enough buzz to spawn multiple thinkpieces, all speculating on what their designs could mean for the future of smartphones.
Thin is In, But Not Everyone’s a Fan
This year’s trend in smartphones is all about thinness. While this concept sounds appealing, I’m not entirely sold on it. It’s not that I dislike the idea of lighter, slimmer smartphones—I actually appreciated the lightweight design of the Oppo Find N5 foldable. However, given the rise of GLP-1 weight loss drugs and the shifting political climate in the U.S., it feels a little too on-the-nose. Manufacturers are clearly after marketing credit, eager to claim they have the thinnest device on the market. What’s surprising, though, is that this has turned into a “battle of svelte” between Apple and Samsung, the two biggest players in the smartphone space.
The iPhone 17 Air: A Foundation for Apple’s Future?
Varying reports suggest that the iPhone 17 Air is more than just a thinner device—it’s a precursor to what Apple may have planned for its foldable phones. The idea is that the Air will introduce a design language and feature set that could define the next generation of iPhones, possibly influencing future foldables. The iPhone 16e gave us an early look at what Apple thinks is “essential,” but the Air will sit somewhere in between the basic iPhone and the iPhone Pro, likely with a more robust design.
Also, as we’ve discussed previously, rumors point to the iPhone 17 Air adopting a design reminiscent of Google’s Pixel devices on the back. Renders and even 3D videos have started circulating, and Ice Universe, a well-known leaker, has expressed excitement about what’s to come. It’s clear that Apple is positioning the Air to fit a specific niche between its entry-level and Pro models, with an interesting mix of design and functionality.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: A New Narrative?
While Apple’s thinness trend is well-documented, Samsung’s approach with the Galaxy S25 Edge is shaping up to be a bit different. The S25 Edge was an unexpected surprise following the Galaxy S25 Unpacked event. Many had resigned themselves to the belief that smartphone designs had plateaued, but Samsung’s move with the S25 Edge proves otherwise.
However, even though I’ve seen the S25 Edge in person, the full specifications of the device remain under wraps. From what we know, the Galaxy S25 Edge shares the same processor and memory as the other models in the Galaxy S25 family, but there’s speculation that it will include the 200-MP camera sensor found in the S25 Ultra. While it’s exciting, the rumors surrounding the battery aren’t as impressive. The S25 Edge is expected to pack a 3,900 mAh battery—about 20% smaller than the battery in the S25 Ultra, which also shares the same camera sensor. This raises questions about the practical trade-offs of slimmed-down devices.
The Trade-Offs of Thinness
One of the biggest concerns with these ultra-thin smartphones is the number of compromises manufacturers have to make. We saw this with the Motorola Razr, where slim designs led to noticeable drawbacks. In the case of the Galaxy S25 Edge, the smaller battery is one such compromise. There’s also the challenge of fitting high-resolution camera equipment into a thinner body—an issue that Apple and Samsung will both have to navigate.
Ergonomics are another concern with these ultra-thin phones. Will they feel comfortable in the hand, or will their slender frames make them awkward to hold? And then there’s the question of practicality—how much sense does it make to carry around a phone that’s more about looks than function? With artificial intelligence becoming such a central feature in smartphones, will these devices be able to meet the performance expectations?
What’s the End Goal?
At the end of the day, it’s hard to see what the real goal is with all this focus on thinness, beyond simply claiming bragging rights. The iPhone 17 Air, for example, doesn’t seem like it has a long shelf life. Analysts suggest that it’s just a stepping stone toward Apple’s eventual foldable device. If that’s the case, what’s the point of the iPhone 17 Air? Will it eventually replace the iPhone Pro model, or is ultra-thin the new norm for smartphones? Only time will tell as Samsung prepares to launch the Galaxy S25 Edge. We’ll have to wait and see how these design choices impact the future of mobile technology.
