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Apple’s iPhone Air has finally arrived, and it’s exactly what you’d expect from a device with “Air” in its name impossibly thin, surprisingly light, and undeniably premium. After spending two weeks with Apple’s latest flagship, I’ve put it through the daily grind of work calls, photography sessions, gaming marathons, and everything in between. The question isn’t whether this is Apple’s thinnest phone ever (it absolutely is), but whether that razor-thin profile comes at the cost of performance, battery life, or durability. Here’s my unfiltered take on whether the iPhone Air lives up to the hype.
The moment I picked up the iPhone Air, my jaw dropped. At just 5.6mm thick, this phone feels more like holding a premium business card than a smartphone. I kept flipping it around in my hands, amazed that Apple managed to cram all the essential iPhone features into something this impossibly slim.
The titanium frame gives it a surprisingly solid feel despite the minimal thickness. I was worried it might feel flimsy, but Apple’s engineering team clearly knows what they’re doing. Even my friends who saw it couldn’t believe how thin it actually was – photos don’t do it justice.
I’ve used plenty of iPhones over the years, but the Air feels completely different. The rounded corners and polished edges create what I like to call that “sci-fi space pebble” look that Apple seems to be perfecting. It’s even thinner than Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge, and you can definitely feel the difference when holding them side by side.
Despite being super thin, Apple didn’t skimp on durability. The IP68 rating means I don’t have to baby it around water, and the new Ceramic Shield 2 with anti-reflective coating actually works pretty well. I tested it outside on a bright day, and while it doesn’t eliminate all glare, it’s much better than previous generations.
My only real complaint about the design? The single mono speaker. After years of stereo sound being standard on premium phones, going back to one-sided audio feels like a step backward. Sure, it’s loud and clear, but it just doesn’t feel right for a $999 phone.
I was worried that Apple might have had to make major compromises to fit everything into such a thin body, but the A19 Pro chip (with five GPU cores instead of six) handles everything I throw at it. Apps launch instantly, multitasking is smooth, and even demanding games like Destiny: Rising run without breaking a sweat.
The only time I noticed any slowdown was during extended gaming sessions, when the camera bump area got noticeably warm. It never got uncomfortably hot, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning to use this as a gaming phone.
One thing worth noting: the Air uses Apple’s new C1X modem, which doesn’t support mmWave 5G. For most people, this won’t matter, but if you’re in an area with mmWave coverage and need those peak speeds, it’s something to consider.
Here’s where things get interesting. The iPhone Air only has one rear camera – a 48MP sensor that does double duty. I was skeptical about this choice, but Apple’s computational photography really shines here. The 2x optical quality zoom works well, and the photos I’ve taken look fantastic.
I shot some cookies I made last weekend, and the detail and color reproduction made my mouth water all over again. Even tricky sunset shots came out beautifully, capturing those subtle golden tones that usually get lost.
That said, if you’re someone who loves ultrawide shots or relies heavily on telephoto zoom, you’re going to miss having those extra lenses. The single camera is good, but it can’t replace multiple pieces of glass.
The real star, though, is the new 18MP Center Stage front camera. The square sensor automatically switches between portrait and landscape orientations based on how many people are in the frame. As someone who usually avoids selfies, I actually found myself using it more because it makes capturing yourself with scenery behind you so much easier.
This was my biggest concern going into testing. How could such a thin phone possibly have decent battery life? Well, I’m happy to report that Apple worked some magic here.
On my typical day – which includes about seven hours of screen time, some gaming, and running benchmarks – I ended up with 25% battery left. On lighter days when I wasn’t constantly testing things, I often had 40-45% remaining. Apple rates it for 27 hours of video playback, which is only three hours less than the regular iPhone 17. That’s a trade-off I can live with.
Charging is straightforward: 50% in 30 minutes, either wired or wirelessly. Nothing groundbreaking, but it gets the job done.
I don’t usually recommend phone accessories, but Apple’s MagSafe Battery Pack for the iPhone Air might be essential for some people. At $99, it’s pricey, but it’s incredibly thin at 7.5mm and snaps perfectly onto the back of the phone.
The best part? It can wirelessly charge AirPods Pro 3 too, making it perfect for travel. Between the phone, battery pack, and AirPods, you’ve got an incredibly lightweight kit that can handle long days away from outlets.
I used the iPhone Air as my daily driver for a full week, and honestly, I started to forget I was carrying a phone at times. It’s that light and slim. Slipping it into my pocket or bag became effortless in a way that I didn’t realize I was missing with thicker phones.
The 6.5-inch ProMotion display is gorgeous – 3,000 nits peak brightness with that smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Sometimes when I was reading or watching videos, it genuinely looked like the content was floating in my hand. It’s an almost magical effect that you have to experience to believe.
No phone is perfect, and the Air has its compromises:
If you prioritize style and portability above all else, the iPhone Air is incredible. It’s perfect for people who want a conversation starter, frequent travelers who pack light, or anyone who just appreciates beautiful industrial design.
However, if you’re a photography enthusiast who relies on multiple lenses, or if you need maximum battery life, you might be better served by the regular iPhone 17 or Pro models.
I can’t shake the feeling that the iPhone Air is more than just a thin phone – it feels like Apple testing the waters for something bigger. My guess? This is the foundation for Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone. Take two Airs, connect them with a hinge and flexible screen, and you’ve got something truly revolutionary.
After a week with the iPhone Air, I’m convinced that this isn’t just a gimmick. Yes, it makes compromises, but they’re thoughtful ones that serve a larger purpose. Apple has created something that feels genuinely different in a world where phones have become increasingly similar.
At $999, it’s not cheap, and it’s definitely not for everyone. But if you value design, portability, and that “wow factor” when people see your phone, the iPhone Air delivers in spades. It’s the coolest iPhone Apple has made in years, and that counts for more than you might think.
Rating: 4/5 stars
The iPhone Air proves that sometimes, the best innovations aren’t about adding more features – they’re about perfecting what’s already there and presenting it in a completely new way.
