iPhone Air launched on September 9, 2025

Apple has recently unveiled a new model in its iPhone lineup, the iPhone Air, alongside the iPhone 17 series. This new device is positioned as a premium offering that replaces the "Plus" model and focuses on a breakthrough thin and light design. 

Launch Details

Announcement Date: September 9, 2025, at the "awe-dropping" Apple Event.

Availability: Pre-orders started on September 12, with general sales beginning on September 19.

Pricing:

US: Starts at $999 for the 256GB model.

India: Starts at ₹1,19,900 for the 256GB model.

Color Options: The iPhone Air is available in Space Black, Cloud White, Light Gold, and Sky Blue.

Features and Specifications

Design: The most notable feature is the design. At just 5.6 mm thick and weighing 165 grams, the iPhone Air is the thinnest and lightest iPhone ever. It features a titanium frame and Ceramic Shield 2 on both the front and back for enhanced durability.

Display: It has a 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology, offering an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz. The screen boasts a peak outdoor brightness of 3000 nits, which is the highest on an iPhone to date.

Performance:

Chip: The iPhone Air is powered by the new A19 Pro chip, the same one found in the iPhone 17 Pro models. It features a 6-core CPU and a 5-core GPU with Neural Accelerators for on-device generative AI.

Modem: It includes Apple's new, in-house C1X cellular modem, which is reportedly 2x faster and 30% more power-efficient than the previous C1 modem.

Networking: The device also features the new N1 wireless networking chip, enabling support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.

Camera: The iPhone Air has a single rear 48MP Fusion Camera system with a 12MP telephoto lens. The front camera is an 18MP Center Stage selfie camera. A new "Dual Capture" feature allows for simultaneous recording with both the front and rear cameras.

Storage: The base model starts with 256GB of storage, with options for 512GB and 1TB.

Other Features:

eSIM-Only: The iPhone Air is an eSIM-only device, dropping the physical SIM card tray to save internal space, which contributed to its thin design.

Battery: Apple claims "all-day" battery life with up to 40 hours of video playback, achieved through the power-efficient A19 Pro chip, software optimizations (like Adaptive Power Mode in iOS 26), and a redesigned internal architecture that maximizes space for the battery.

Durability: The use of a titanium frame and Ceramic Shield 2 on both the front and back makes the iPhone Air highly durable. It is also IP68 rated for dust and water resistance.

Benefits

Revolutionary Design: The impossibly thin and light form factor is the main selling point, offering a sleek and elegant device that is a pleasure to hold and carry.

High-End Performance: Despite its slim profile, the iPhone Air does not compromise on performance, featuring the same A19 Pro chip as the Pro models.

Superior Display: The large 6.5-inch ProMotion display with its high brightness and adaptive refresh rate provides an excellent viewing experience.

Enhanced Durability: The combination of a titanium frame and Ceramic Shield 2 on both sides makes it surprisingly robust for its size.

Future-Proof Connectivity: The inclusion of Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, along with the new C1X modem, ensures the device is ready for the latest wireless standards.

Ecosystem Integration: The iPhone Air is deeply integrated with the Apple ecosystem, offering seamless functionality with other Apple devices and services.

Potential Drawbacks

Camera System: Unlike the Pro models, the iPhone Air features a single rear camera. While the 48MP Fusion camera is highly capable, it lacks the versatility of a multiple-lens system (e.g., dedicated ultra-wide or telephoto lenses for greater optical zoom) found on the Pro and Pro Max models.

Potential Battery Compromises: While Apple claims "all-day" battery life, the ultra-thin design means a smaller internal battery compared to other iPhone models. This could be a concern for power users, though Apple's optimizations and accessories like a MagSafe battery pack aim to mitigate this.

Higher Price: The iPhone Air is a premium device with a starting price higher than the standard iPhone 17.

eSIM-Only Design: While a benefit for some, the complete reliance on eSIM could be an inconvenience for users in countries or with carriers that do not fully support the technology. It also removes the option to easily swap physical SIM cards for travel or other purposes.