Apple’s new iPhone Air feels like a big moment for the company and for its iPhone lineup. By skipping the “17” name entirely, Apple is treating this as a bold new chapter. The Air isn’t just a Plus replacement; it’s Apple’s attempt to reimagine the iPhone formula. It is an attempt to lure in buyers who value style, lightness, and refinement as much as raw specs.
Unboxing experience: Premium, as always
The iPhone Air’s unboxing is classic Apple minimalism. Inside the slim box, you get the phone, a USB-C cable, some documents, and a SIM ejector tool. As with all other recent iPhones, there’s no charger or anything extra.
It might sound basic, but the presentation still feels carefully considered and premium.
We also had a “Shadow” coloured iPhone Air Case with MagSafe and the MagSafe Battery accessory, which followed the same clean and simple approach to packaging
Design and build: the thinnest iPhone ever
The dimensions of the iPhone Air are pretty impressive, at least on paper. The phone is just 5.6 mm thick and weighs 165 grams making it one of the thinnest phones to have ever been made.
The result is we get a phone that feels incredibly slim to hold.
The frame is made from recycled titanium, which is a first for a non-Pro model, and it’s paired with the brand-new Ceramic Shield Gen 2 on the front and a frosted glass back. The Sky Blue finish we tested looks fresh and resists smudges nicely, and Apple also offers it in Cloud White, Light Gold, and Space Black.
Camera and performance: light but capable
This is one aspect where Apple seems to have taken a step back. Like the iPhone 16e, Apple has equipped the iPhone Air with a single 48 MP Fusion Camera on a new design element which Apple has named the Camera Plateau. It’s designed to deliver strong results while keeping the phone slim. Powering everything is a slightly tuned-down A19 Pro chip, the same SoC that we get in the 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. It promises smooth everyday-performance while helping with power efficiency.
Battery and charging: A mixed bag
The iPhone Air comes with a 3,149 mAh battery, but thanks to its efficient LTPO display and chip, Apple claims it will still deliver impressive battery life. For those who need more, the iPhone Air MagSafe Battery accessory can add up to 65 per cent extra charge and is designed exclusively for this model. The phone reaches peak speeds with a 20 W Power Delivery charger.
Pricing in India
The Indian pricing starts at ₹1,19,900 for the 256 GB variant. You also have the option of a 512 GB unit and a 1 TB variant that’s available for ₹1,39,900 and ₹1,59,900, respectively.
Bottom line: Who is the iPhone Air for?
The iPhone Air is clearly Apple’s most design-driven device in years. It’s built for anyone who wants a phone that’s light, sleek, and premium without going all-in on the Pro models.
Having said that, it is somewhat of a pro. You still get a flagship-level chip, smooth performance, and Apple’s signature build quality, just in a more elegant, minimalist package. But then, you do sacrifice some cameras and battery capacity. How much do these take away from the overall experience of the iPhone Air that we will have to see.
