Apple’s latest event on Tuesday, September 9 was all about design and redesign. The company introduced the iPhone 17 Air, its thinnest iPhone yet, measuring only 5.6mm. To make it possible, Apple had to rethink the internal structure, dropping the physical SIM slot to free space while keeping a strong battery and the new A19 Pro chip, which is faster than the processor in the base iPhone 17.
The iPhone 17 series start at $799, while the iPhone 17 Air is priced from $999.
Apple says the new phone is not just about looks. The iPhone 17 Air is the “most durable iPhone ever”, while still delivering impressive all-day battery life. It comes with a 6.5-inch OLED screen featuring ProMotion adaptive refresh from 1-120Hz, giving smoother scrolling and graphics. The device also carries a 48MP fusion main camera and an 18MP centre-stage front camera for sharper photos and video calls.
What made the launch special was the person introducing the iPhone Air. The design was presented by Abidur Chowdhury, an industrial designer at Apple. During the event, his name appeared on the screen as a voiceover described the journey behind the product.
“It’s the thinnest iPhone ever, with the power of Pro inside. A paradox you have to hold to believe”, Chowdhury said.
Describing himself as “an Industrial Designer who loves to develop innovative products and joyful experiences”, Chowdhury represents a philosophy that aligns perfectly with Apple’s design-first approach to technology. Chowdhury was born and raised in London and has been working at Apple’s San Francisco office since 2019. He studied product design and technology at Loughborough University in the UK. On his website, he describes himself as someone who enjoys making “innovative products people can’t bear to be without”.
By putting Chowdhury in the spotlight, Apple highlighted its trust in young designers and the power of design to keep the iPhone ahead in a competitive market.
