Apple(US:AAPL) 36氪·2025-08-27 11:28Core Viewpoint - The article discusses Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 series, particularly the iPhone 17 Air, which is part of a three-year plan to innovate and revitalize the iPhone lineup after a series of incremental updates. The focus is on making the iPhone thinner and lighter while introducing new technologies and design philosophies [5][6][7]. Group 1: iPhone 17 Air Features - The iPhone 17 Air will be the thinnest iPhone ever at 5.5mm, marking a significant design shift towards lightweight devices [9]. - It serves as a testing ground for new technologies that, if successful, will be integrated into the entire iPhone family, leading to a gradual reduction in thickness across models [10]. - The device will feature a self-developed C1 baseband chip, a single camera, and a battery capacity of less than 3000mAh, which may raise concerns about performance and battery life [14]. Group 2: Design Philosophy and Innovations - Apple's design philosophy emphasizes simplicity and elegance, aiming to create devices that feel like seamless extensions of the user experience [13][25]. - The iPhone 17 Air will eliminate the physical SIM card slot in favor of eSIM technology, reflecting a broader trend towards removing unnecessary physical components [15][16]. - The device may also feature a titanium alloy frame for increased durability and a new optical module design to accommodate a compact Face ID system [21][23]. Group 3: Future Developments - The article hints at the potential for a foldable iPhone, expected to be released next year, which will adopt a large foldable design and may include advanced camera features [28][30]. - The foldable iPhone is likely to prioritize practicality over aesthetics, potentially sacrificing some features like Face ID for a more compact design [31]. - Future iterations of the iPhone, including a fully glass iPhone, are envisioned to embody a seamless design with no visible buttons or ports, aligning with Apple's long-term vision for mobile devices [62][68]. Group 4: Market Context and Challenges - The smartphone market is experiencing a decline in shipment volumes, with consumers often replacing devices due to aging rather than advancements in new models [78]. - Despite the challenges posed by emerging technologies like AI and XR, the iPhone remains a core product for Apple, with the company aiming to recapture the innovation spotlight through its three-year plan [75][81]. - The article concludes that while the narrative of smartphones may be reaching its end, Apple is not ready to let the iPhone fade quietly into the background [82].