Apple has taken the wraps off the iPhone Air, a brand-new addition to its 2025 lineup. Positioned between the standard iPhone 17 and the more powerful Pro models, the iPhone Air blends premium design with many of the performance features of Apple’s Pro series. The result is a device that is exceptionally thin and lightweight while still delivering flagship-level performance.
Design & Build: The Thinnest iPhone to Date
The defining feature of the iPhone Air is its design. Measuring just 5.6 mm in thickness, it is officially the thinnest iPhone Apple has ever made. At only 165 grams, it feels featherlight compared to other models in the lineup. The frame is made of titanium, giving it both strength and a luxurious finish, while the back features improved crack resistance. The Ceramic Shield 2 on the front provides three times more scratch resistance than before. Despite its ultra-slim profile, the Air retains an IP68 rating, meaning it can survive up to 6 meters underwater for 30 minutes. To save space, Apple is pushing for an eSIM-only design in many markets, although a physical SIM slot may still be available in limited regions. This decision aligns with Apple’s long-term push toward a completely digital mobile ecosystem.
Display: Premium Visuals with ProMotion
The iPhone Air comes with a 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, slightly larger than the standard iPhone 17. It supports ProMotion 120Hz adaptive refresh rates, Always-On display, and an impressive 3,000 nits peak outdoor brightness making it one of the brightest displays ever on a smartphone. Reflection handling and contrast are improved, ensuring content looks crisp even under harsh sunlight. Apple has also included the Dynamic Island, giving the Air the same interactive display cutout experience found on the Pro series.
Performance: A19 Pro Chip and New Networking Tech
Under the hood, the iPhone Air packs Apple’s A19 Pro chip, the same silicon found in the iPhone 17 Pro. It combines a 6-core CPU, enhanced GPU, and an upgraded Neural Engine for faster AI-driven tasks. Apple has also introduced a new in-house C1X modem and N1 networking chip, which work together to improve 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread connectivity. This ensures faster speeds, lower latency, and more efficient wireless performance — a crucial feature for users who rely heavily on streaming and cloud-based apps. RAM configurations are not officially disclosed, but reports suggest 8 GB on the base variant and up to 12 GB on higher storage models. Storage options start at 256 GB and go up to 1 TB, ensuring ample space for apps, photos, and high-resolution video.
Cameras: A Different Approach
Unlike other iPhones with multiple rear cameras, the iPhone Air uses a single 48 MP Fusion Main Camera. Instead of adding separate ultrawide or telephoto lenses, Apple relies heavily on computational photography. The camera supports 2× telephoto zoom via sensor crop, Night Mode, Smart HDR, Photonic Engine enhancements, and 4K Dolby Vision recording. The front-facing 18 MP “Center Stage” camera includes autofocus, Focus Pixels, Retina Flash, and advanced video stabilization. Dual Capture allows users to shoot from both front and back cameras simultaneously, a feature that appeals to vloggers and content creators. This streamlined camera system makes the Air thinner while still delivering competitive imaging capabilities. However, serious mobile photographers may prefer the Pro models for their additional telephoto and ultrawide lenses.
Battery & Charging: Small but Smart
Battery life was one of the biggest concerns for an ultra-thin phone, but Apple claims the iPhone Air can last up to 27 hours of video playback. That’s slightly less than the Pro Max, but respectable for its size. Apple has also introduced an optional MagSafe battery accessory designed specifically for the Air. With this add-on, battery life can stretch up to 40 hours of video playback — perfect for frequent travelers. Charging supports both USB-C fast charging (50% charge in ~30 minutes) and MagSafe wireless charging.
Audio & Multimedia
Despite its slim frame, the iPhone Air retains stereo speakers with Spatial Audio support. The acoustics may differ slightly due to the thinner body, but Apple has fine-tuned audio recording for video, including wind noise reduction, Dolby Vision support, and spatial audio recording. This makes the Air an excellent device for entertainment consumption as well as content creation.
Pricing & Availability
Apple has priced the iPhone Air at $999 (USA, 256 GB base model). Higher storage options — 512 GB and 1 TB — will cost more. The device is available in multiple finishes, including classic silver, black titanium, and a new light blue.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Thinnest and lightest iPhone ever — only 5.6 mm, 165 g.
Premium titanium build with Ceramic Shield 2.
Same A19 Pro chip as the Pro models.
Bright 6.5-inch OLED with 120Hz ProMotion.
New modem & networking chips boost wireless performance.
Starts at generous 256 GB storage.
Cons
Only one rear camera — lacks true ultrawide and telephoto lenses.
Battery life shorter than Pro Max unless paired with MagSafe accessory.
eSIM-only design may frustrate some users.
Verdict
The iPhone Air is Apple’s boldest design experiment in years. By making the thinnest and lightest iPhone ever, Apple has delivered a device that feels futuristic in the hand without compromising too much on performance. It sits perfectly between the standard iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Pro, appealing to those who want a premium, ultra-thin flagship but don’t necessarily need the full Pro camera setup. For $999, the iPhone Air will likely attract style-conscious buyers, travelers, and those who value portability above all else — making it one of the most exciting devices in Apple’s 2025 lineup.
Price (USA): $999
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