Key Takeaways
- Apple plans to release the first-generation 17 Air as a high-end option alongside the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max in 2025.
- The 17 Air is expected to be very slim, with special buttons and no SIM-card slot.
- Other companies, like Oppo, may soon enter the ultra-thin smartphone market, potentially diminishing the 17 Air's uniqueness.
- Oppo may introduce a non-foldable flagship to compete with the 17 Air, building on their experience with ultra-thin designs.
- The upcoming Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge could also compete with the 17 Air and Oppo's alternatives in the near future.
Apple is said to be planning to release the first-generation 17 Air as a high-end choice alongside the regular iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models in 2025. It is expected to be incredibly slim, requiring special buttons and lacking a SIM-card slot.
Predictions on Competition
If these forecasts turn out to be correct, the 17 Air may not have a unique spot in the market for long, as other companies could follow suit. Notably, the well-informed leaker Digital Chat Station has suggested that the Android maker Oppo could also jump into this trend soon.
Oppo's Moves
One might argue that Oppo already has an "ultra-thin flagship" with the Find N5, which is now sold in Europe through TradingShenzhen. However, according to the source, Oppo is likely to introduce a non-foldable version to compete directly with Apple's innovative iPhone.
Oppo has a track record in this field and could potentially design a larger battery for their alternative to the 17 Air, as shown by the successful release of the 13T from their well-known brand OnePlus.
Future Competition
The Oppo 'Air-killer' might encounter increased competition from the supposedly similar Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, which is expected to launch soon.
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