Apple’s thinnest ever phone, the iPhone Air, has officially arrived, and it’s stirring up excitement and skepticism alike. Departing from the conventional Plus model, the iPhone 17 lineup introduces this ultrathin marvel, measuring just 5.6 mm thick—roughly the size of three stacked credit cards. But the big question remains: Did anyone really ask for a super-thin iPhone?
Innovative Engineering and Features
Apple has loaded up the iPhone Air with advanced features, boasting better battery life and faster processing power thanks to the A19 Pro chip. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the 48-megapixel fusion camera on the back, paired with a 12-megapixel 2x telephoto camera on the front. Apple claims this is the most power-efficient phone yet. At a starting price of $999 for 256GB, the iPhone Air promises to pack in value—but durability concerns loom large.
As someone who occasionally drops their phone, the thought of relying on such a slick device raises anxiety. Throwing it in a bag or tossing it on the counter while cooking makes me question whether the iPhone Air can withstand everyday bumps and bruises, despite Apple’s assertion of it being its “most durable design yet.”
Concerns About Durability and Past Issues
The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus faced significant backlash in 2014 due to reports of bending, a fiasco known as Bendgate. This historical precedent left many concerned about how a thinner model like the iPhone Air will hold up under similar pressures. Ben Wood, an analyst at CCS Insight, noted that Apple is clearly keen on addressing these durability fears.
In testing, the iPhone Air held up better than expected, though lingering doubts about breaking an expensive device remain. One can’t help but wonder if those extra millimeters matter in terms of durability.
Size Comparisons and User Perspective
The difference between the iPhone 17 and the iPhone Air is just a few millimeters—7.95 mm for the iPhone 17 versus 5.6 mm for the Air. The engineering feats achieved are commendable, but as someone prone to dropping my phone, I can’t help but hesitate. Thinner doesn’t always mean better.
As advancements roll out in future iOS updates and the iPhone lineup, consumers will need to weigh the trade-off between sleekness and sturdiness. The quest for an ultrathin phone is commendable, but the everyday realities of owning a smartphone still take center stage.
For a deeper look into everything Apple announced during the iPhone 17 event, check out those details.