Apple is rumored to introduce a brand-new color with the upcoming iPhone 17 Air, but early reactions suggest it might not make a bold splash. According to a translated source cited by PhoneArena, the new light blue shade is so faint that it may appear white under certain lighting conditions.
This continues Apple’s recent trend of launching phones in muted, nearly colorless tones — a direction that some fans feel lacks excitement. The iPhone 17 Air, expected to be the slimmest model in the lineup, will reportedly replace the existing Plus models and be unveiled alongside the rest of the iPhone 17 series later this year.
While the Air’s subtle shade might not appeal to those wanting a vibrant device, Apple is rumored to include a new purple option for the base iPhone 17. Reviewers say it looks better than the iPhone 14’s purple, though not as bold as the iPhone 12’s “royal” variant.
Meanwhile, display durability has become a concern. The iPhone 17 Air will feature a much thinner LTPO OLED panel, marking Apple’s shift away from 60Hz displays — but reports say some prototype units have experienced cracking issues.
The color criticism isn’t unique to Apple. Rival brands like Samsung have faced similar backlash for playing it safe, offering Galaxy S25 Edge in muted tones like “Titanium Icy Blue” — which also leans heavily toward white.
While the iPhone 17 Air promises a modern design and upgraded specs, Apple may be playing it safe with its color choices once again — a decision that could influence buyers looking for more expressive options.
