On September 9, 2025, at its “Awe Dropping” event, Apple unveiled a groundbreaking new model to its iPhone lineup: the iPhone Air. This device is more than just a new iPhone; it’s a bold statement of design and engineering, prioritizing an impossibly thin and light form factor without compromising on “Pro” level performance. At just 5.6 mm thick, the iPhone Air is now officially the thinnest iPhone ever made, taking its design cues from the MacBook Air and iPad Air. It replaces the previous “Plus” model, appealing to a user base that desires portability and elegance above all else.
Design and Build Quality: A Masterpiece in Minimalism
The iPhone Air’s most striking feature is its build. At just 5.6mm thick and weighing a mere 165 grams, it feels remarkably light in hand. The device’s frame is crafted from Grade 5 titanium with a polished, high-gloss mirror finish that is both strong and stunning. This choice of material, also used in the Pro models, contributes to its surprising durability despite the slim profile.
For enhanced durability, the iPhone Air features Ceramic Shield on both the front and back for the first time. The front cover, with Ceramic Shield 2, offers 3x better scratch resistance, while the back is 4x more resistant to cracks. This blend of polished titanium and advanced ceramic glass makes the iPhone Air its most durable device yet.
A key design innovation is the new “plateau” on the back. This sculpted section houses the cameras, speakers, and Apple silicon, maximizing internal space for a large, high-density battery. The iPhone Air is also an eSIM-only device globally, a strategic choice to further optimize internal space and contribute to the ultra-thin design. The device includes the new Action Button and Camera Control Button for quick access to various functions.
Display: A Pro Experience
The iPhone Air features a large 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. It’s the first non-Pro “large” iPhone to include ProMotion technology, which allows for a dynamic refresh rate up to 120Hz. This ensures buttery-smooth scrolling, responsive animations, and a superior visual experience.
The display boasts an impressive 3,000 nits peak brightness, making it highly readable in direct sunlight. A new 7-layer anti-reflective coating on the front glass further reduces glare. The “Liquid Glass” design language from iOS 26 gives the display a seamless, edge-to-edge look that dynamically adapts to content.
Performance: Pro-Level Power
Under the hood, the iPhone Air is a powerhouse. It is equipped with the new A19 Pro chip, the same system-on-a-chip found in the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models. The A19 Pro features a six-core CPU and an advanced GPU with second-generation Dynamic Caching, offering substantial performance gains for gaming, multitasking, and on-device AI.
For connectivity, the device includes an Apple-designed C1X modem, which is said to be twice as fast as the C1, and a new N1 chip that integrates Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, ensuring ultra-fast and efficient wireless connections.
Camera and Video Capabilities
The iPhone Air’s camera system is a study in purposeful design. While it foregoes the ultrawide lens of the Pro models to maintain its thinness, it introduces a powerful new 48MP Fusion Main camera system. This advanced single camera operates like a multi-lens system, with an integrated optical-quality 2x telephoto lens for crisp, clear zoom.
Key camera features include:
- Next-Generation Portraits: Users can now turn photos into stunning portraits after the fact, with enhanced bokeh and depth control.
- Advanced Low-Light Photography: With a large sensor and fast aperture, the Fusion camera excels in low-light and Night mode, capturing sharp, bright images with natural colors.
- 8MP Center Stage Front Camera: The front-facing camera is a major upgrade. It uses AI to automatically expand the field of view to keep everyone in the frame during video calls and group selfies.
- Dual Capture Video: A new feature allows users to record video simultaneously from both the front and rear cameras, perfect for vlogging or unique perspectives.
- Video Recording: The iPhone Air supports 4K video recording at 60 fps with Dolby Vision and features an Ultra-stabilized video mode for smooth, shake-free footage.
Pricing and Availability in India
The iPhone Air is set to retail at a premium price point in India. The official pricing for all storage variants is as follows:
- iPhone Air 256GB: ₹1,19,900
- iPhone Air 512GB: ₹1,39,900
- iPhone Air 1TB: ₹1,59,900
The device will be available in four high-gloss, mirrored finishes: Space Black, Cloud White, Light Gold, and Sky Blue. Pre-orders began on Friday, September 12, with general availability following on Friday, September 19.
Final Verdict: A New Direction for Apple
The iPhone Air is a bold and significant new product in Apple’s lineup. It’s designed for users who crave a premium, lightweight, and incredibly thin device without compromising on performance. While it lacks the full-featured camera system of the Pro models, its powerful A19 Pro chip and stunning display make it a compelling choice for a new generation of users.
