Move, iPhone Plus, here’s your super slim replacement: iPhone Air.
During Apple’s hardware event on Tuesday, the company unveiled its thinnest model to date, the iPhone Air. This will be replaced by the Plus model of the company’s 2025 lineup, following a decline in performance from the iPhone 16 Plus last year, based on data from research firm DSCC.
The star of today’s event is inspired by Apple’s MacBook Air Strategy. It debuted in 2008 as the thinnest laptop available, located between a more affordable MacBook and a high-quality MacBook Pro.
Currently, Apple has applied the concept of “Air” to iPhones, emphasizing thinness and lightness as the main selling points.
The sense of “ventilation” is thanks to its titanium frame, and is only 5.6 mm thick. This makes it thinner about 0.08 inches (or just over 2 mm) than the current iPhone, and thinner than the Samsung’s 5.8 mm Galaxy S25 edge. To better ideas about how thin it is, think about a stacked dime totaling about 5.4 mm.
The phone has a large 6.6-inch display and features the same 120 Hz promotional setup found on the Pro model. It runs on the A19 Pro chip. It offers performance boosts on the base iPhone 17 models, like the new Pro and Pro Max models.
Another interesting detail is that it is an e-sim-only device. This helps keep your phone in a sophisticated state, as it does not require a physical SIM card slot. It also offers more security than a regular SIM card, as it cannot be easily deleted from lost or stolen phones.
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When rumors began to spread about the iPhone air, many concerns center around the battery life and the lack of two rear cameras like the Plus model. However, during the event, Apple introduced a new 48-megapixel fusion camera system. It acts as multiple advanced cameras in one.
The iPhone Air offers an all-day battery life despite its thinness. Additionally, the iOS 26 update helps users gain Adaptive Power Mode functionality and use Apple Intelligence to make intelligent adjustments throughout the day, helping to extend battery life.
Still, Apple appeared to acknowledge battery concerns by unveiling a new line of air-specific accessories, such as the slim Magsafe battery that is compact enough to fit in your pocket. With this additional battery, users can enjoy up to 40 hours of video playback.
Additionally, you can use two custom cases on your iPhone Air. One is a 1 mm thick, semi-transparent case with frost and shadow colors, while the other is a lightweight bumper that can be used in four matching colors. In particular, the air on the iPhone can also be paired with a new crossbody strap.
For color options, the iPhone Air is available in Space Black, Cloud White, Light Gold and Sky Blue.
Apple will take part in the “War of Thinness” but will it appeal to the general public?
Rumors about a new ultra thin iPhone potentially named “Air” first emerged from Bloomberg’s Markgerman in 2024. He recently argued that the thin design would set the standard for all future iPhone models, similar to how the MacBook Air influenced Apple’s laptop lineup.
When the MacBook Air first appeared, it was praised for being super-aportable when most laptops were heavy and bulky. However, it also received many criticisms for being too expensive, with some drawbacks, such as low connectivity and a slow, small hard drive.
Still, the original model set the stage for the 2010 version. This was revamped for an improved processor and a more affordable $999. Since then, the MacBook Air has been Apple’s top seller for over a decade.
That being said, anyone considering buying an iPhone air should consider whether it’s a smarter move to curb a later version with upgrades and better features. Or, for these stubborn Apple fans, it may be worth owning the original model because of their bragging rights.
Plus, Slimmer phones can pave the way for future iPhones. This is a concept that has been rumored and is expected to be released at the same time next year. The foldable device will help Apple compete with Samsung and Google, and will also help regain market share in China, which has been struggling recently.
