Earlier today, Apple introduced the second beta of iOS 26 for developers. Alongside several helpful new features and enhancements to the contentious Liquid Glass UI, the latest beta seemingly also offers a clue regarding Apple’s anticipated iPhone 17 Air.
Did Apple unintentionally reveal the iPhone 17 Air?
As noted by Macworld on Monday, iOS 26 beta 2 showcases an updated iteration of the original clownfish wallpaper that was first seen in Mac OS X. Notably, the wallpaper boasts a resolution of “420×912@3x,” equating to 1260×2736 pixels. This is quite close to the resolution used in a contemporary iPhone, yet as Macworld emphasizes, Apple has yet to release an iPhone sporting a display with that precise resolution.
This solitary leaked detail isn’t sufficient to confirm anything, but last July, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo shared a list of “currently known specifications for the ultra-thin iPhone 17.” This list highlighted a screen resolution of “approximately 2,740 x 1,260.”
It might be a peculiar coincidence, but that’s merely 4 pixels off the resolution of the wallpaper found in iOS 26 beta 2. Combining these leaks with the fact that iOS 26 will debut alongside the iPhone 17 series this fall, it’s difficult not to think that Apple might have inadvertently validated the existence of the iPhone 17 Air a few months ahead of schedule.
What’s known about the ultra-thin iPhone
Presuming that the remaining details from Kuo’s report for 2024 are correct as well, here’s what we believe to know about Apple’s speculated ultra-thin iPhone thus far:
– **Display**: 6.6-inch screen with a 2736×1260 resolution
– **Processor**: A19 chip
– **Camera**: Single wide rear camera
Regarding the design, it is expected to be remarkably thin (possibly merely 5.5mm thick). Speculation also suggests that the iPhone 17 Air will incorporate a titanium-aluminum alloy frame and a Dynamic Island akin to the iPhone 16 models.
