Apple just wrapped this year’s iPhone event, and this time, there is no Plus variant, which some people had really grown to love. In place of the awkward middle child, there’s the new iPhone 17 Air, which at just 5.6mm is the thinnest iPhone ever. But with a $999 price tag, a single camera setup, and questionable battery life, the real question is, why has Apple made a thin iPhone? And who’s it even for? Let’s find out.
What’s the Point of the iPhone Air?
Apple has leaned in hard to the thin and light segment with the Air, and it shows. The iPhone Air is ridiculously thin, and all the major internals and the camera are housed at the top plateau. While we do agree that not many have asked for such a phone, it’s hard to ignore the incredible in-hand feeling of such a thin device.
In addition, you get the same A19 Pro processor as the pro models, a new Pro Motion 120Hz display, and a single camera sensor, which is from the base iPhone 17. There’s also a new N1 chip, which handles all the connectivity aspects, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and the C1x modem to manage cell service.
However, there are some red flags. First up is the battery. That’s because at the event, Apple said that the iPhone Air has “all-day battery life,” and immediately followed that statement by announcing a new MagSafe power bank, just for this phone. There’s also the notable lack of a SIM slot from all worldwide variants, which makes switching carriers a big headache.
It’s the only phone in the lineup to retain the titanium sides, which Apple said was necessary to maintain the structural integrity. However, when announcing the Pro models, Apple stated that they are returning to aluminum for improved heat dissipation. So, coupled with the A19 Pro chip, less space inside, and no aluminium frame to remove heat, we might be looking at significant thermal throttling.
Is the iPhone Air for You?
In the end, the iPhone Air is surrounded by other iPhones that are just better in every way except being thin. For example, the regular iPhone 17 is a huge upgrade as it finally brings Pro Motion, faster charging, better UltraWide cameras, and a new processor. On the other hand, the 17 Pro features a new design, stunning colors, a professional camera setup, and better performance.
So, at a starting price of $999, the iPhone Air is only for people who value form over function. It has the same appeal as a folding phone like the Galaxy Flip, and if you’re the kind of person who doesn’t care about the latest specs, the in-hand feeling of carrying a phone like the iPhone Air is unmatched.