iPhone Air Review: Is It Truly the Thinnest Smartphone?

Apple has officially taken the wraps off its latest innovation, the super-slim iPhone Air. After spending some hands-on time with the device at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, it’s easy to see how its lightweight design and sleek profile are already capturing attention. At just 5.6mm thick and weighing a mere 165 grams, holding it is an experience that truly speaks to its appeal. Now, the question remains: does the performance and functionality live up to such an eye-catching design?

The comparison between the iPhone Air and the heftier iPhone 16 Pro Max is astonishing. The Air feels refreshingly light and easy to handle, especially when considering the trade-offs in specs, including camera capabilities and battery life. It’s comparable to the Galaxy S25 Edge, which I reviewed earlier this year. The Air is lightweight enough that you may hardly notice it tucked away in a pocket, yet it feels remarkably sturdy as well. I’m eager to put it through the Back Pocket Test to assess its durability.

Pricing for the iPhone Air starts at $999 (£999, AU$1,799). Its durable titanium frame complements the Ceramic Shield 2 covering on the front and the Ceramic Shield on the back. With a 3,000-nit peak brightness and anti-reflective display, using the screen in bright sunlight should be a breeze—something I look forward to testing outdoors.

In terms of market positioning, the iPhone Air is poised to challenge other slim devices like the Samsung S25 Edge, potentially rejuvenating interest in this niche segment. According to Nabila Popal, senior research director at IDC, “The iPhone Air takes center stage today.” This model represents a strategic shift in design, possibly paving the way for a foldable iPhone in the future. While the Air may not drastically change the volume of sales, it does cater to users who prioritize lightness and sleekness over sheer functionality.

Display and Connectivity Innovations

The iPhone Air boasts a generous 6.5-inch screen, providing an ideal size that’s neither too large nor too small. Much like the baseline iPhone 17, it features a ProMotion display with a 120Hz variable refresh rate, allowing for an always-on display. This feature is a significant upgrade, as it was previously exclusive to Apple’s Pro models. Notifications can now be viewed without the need to wake the screen—definitely a game-changer for everyday use.

Under the hood, the iPhone Air is powered by the A19 Pro chip and incorporates Apple’s N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, enhanced by a more efficient version of the C1X modem, an upgrade to the C1 debuted in the iPhone 16E. Apple claims the Air is the “most power-efficient iPhone we have ever made,” touting an all-day battery life. For those needing extended longevity, a MagSafe battery is available for purchase. The Adaptive Power feature in iOS 26 will also help conserve battery life by adjusting the device’s performance based on current usage patterns.

Camera capabilities also impress, with a 48-megapixel fusion camera on the back that supports 2x telephoto pictures. The front hosts an 18-megapixel Center Stage selfie camera that adapts well to both landscape and portrait orientations. I had the opportunity to test this feature and found its ability to frame shots adaptively quite impressive. I look forward to further exploring what the solo 48-megapixel lens on the back can achieve.

Preorders for the iPhone Air and the complete iPhone 17 lineup will begin on Friday, leading to an in-store release scheduled for the following Friday, September 19. With such exciting updates, the Apple community is undoubtedly in for a treat.