In a joint interview conducted by Tom’s Guide and TechRadar, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Marketing, Greg Joswiak, and Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, John Ternus, provided detailed insights into the iPhone 17 series. The discussion centered on the iPhone Air, highlighting its design, durability, and features, while addressing historical concerns such as the 2014 “bendgate” issue associated with earlier models.
The iPhone Air represents Apple’s thinnest iPhone to date, measuring 5.64mm in thickness and weighing 165 grams. It replaces the iPhone 16 Plus in the lineup and is priced at $999, with shipments scheduled to begin later this month. Joswiak emphasized the device’s focus on user experience, stating, “This product, more than any other, it just feels like you’re holding a display. You know you’re holding your content.” The design aims to minimize the perception of technology, allowing users to engage directly with their content.
Engineering advancements were critical to achieving this slim profile. Ternus explained that the device incorporates the A19 Pro chip, a custom C1X modem, and an N1 chip supporting Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth, and Thread connectivity. He noted, “It wasn’t just one thing we needed, it was lots of things. We needed advancements in our materials development, Ceramic Shield on the back to be able to create that hollow plateau… And then we need the efficiency of Apple silicon.”
The camera system features a single 48MP wide lens, capable of shooting at four different focal lengths, including an optical-quality 2x telephoto. Joswiak clarified, “Don’t be fooled by what appears to be a single lens camera… You can shoot at four different focal lengths, including having optical quality 2x telephoto.” For users requiring more advanced photography options, the iPhone 17 Pro models are recommended.
A notable portion of the interview involved a live durability test to address potential concerns about the device’s thinness. Joswiak handed his personal iPhone Air to the interviewers, inviting them to attempt to bend it. The device flexed slightly under pressure but returned to its original shape without damage. Ternus affirmed, “Drop performance is exceptional. It exceeds our internal metrics for bend strength,” with Joswiak adding that these metrics are “really high.”
The iPhone Air incorporates a Grade 5 titanium frame, Ceramic Shield 2 on the display (three times more scratch-resistant), and a Ceramic Shield back (four times better at crack prevention than standard glass). It also holds an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. Ternus highlighted the battery’s metal casing as a contributing factor to overall strength, stating, “We feel really good about it.”
This demonstration directly references the “bendgate” controversy from the iPhone 6 era, where devices were reported to warp under normal use. Ternus confirmed that the iPhone Air is “more durable than any previous iPhone,” underscoring Apple’s progress in materials science.
The conversation extended to the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, which have been redesigned with a focus on the camera system. These models achieve 40% improved sustained performance through a vapor chamber cooling system and utilize aluminum frames for enhanced heat management. Apple opted against extreme zoom capabilities, such as 100x, prioritizing authentic imaging over AI enhancements. Joswiak remarked, “We use AI for a lot, and we use computational photography for a lot… But we do like it to be real.” A new color option, Cosmic Orange, was mentioned for the Pro lineup.
Regarding potential foldable devices, Joswiak focused on current products, saying, “I’d rather focus on what we have here today.” Ternus suggested that innovations in materials and miniaturization could influence future products, though no specific confirmations were provided. Reports of a foldable iPhone in 2026 remain unconfirmed rumors.
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