The Apple iPhone Air is one of the pioneer models that the company has recently released. It was a part of Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup on September 9, 2025. Known to be Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever at just 5.6mm thick and weighing only 165 grams. Now iPhone users have a decision to make. Should you buy Apple iPhone Air now or stick with the standard option.
This one particularly came as a replacement for the Plus model. Hence, it provides a premium option between the standard iPhone 17 and the Pro models. It’s available for pre-order from September 12. In stores, it will come around September 19. So, coming to the question, should you or should you not buy it right now? Let’s dig into the answer here.
Also read: Apple iPhone 17 Features: What’s New In The Series This Time?
The Appeal: Why You Dhould Buy Apple iPhone Air
If you are someone who prioritises in-hand feel, the iPhone Air is the best, no question asked. But for clarity, here’s why it stands out:
Unmatched Thinness and Build Quality
At 5.6mm, it’s noticeably slimmer than even the Apple iPhone 17 (which is around 7.8mm thick). It feels incredibly light in the hand. Perfect for one-handed use or slipping into a pocket without bulk. Apple achieved this with a grade 5 titanium frame and a redesigned “camera plateau”. It supposedly keeps the phone flat while housing the optics. Plus, it doesn’t sacrifice durability. Apple iPhone Air is still rated for the same water and dust resistance as other iPhones. If you have ever complained about your phone feeling like a brick, this could be the upgrade for you.
Slimmness Didn’t Affect The Solid Performance (Surprisingly!)
Powered by the A19 Pro chip, the same beast is found in the Pro models. The iPhone Air handles everything from multitasking to gaming with ease. It comes with 12GB of RAM and storage options up to 1TB. You also find the latest iOS 26 in it.
In this year’s Apple event, the company introduced a new N1 chip. It enables blazing-fast Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and smart home integration via Thread. In simple words, this means smoother streaming, quicker downloads, and better connectivity in crowded networks. If you are upgrading from an older iPhone (say, iPhone 13 or earlier), you will feel the difference. There’s a huge leap in speed and battery life, which Apple claims lasts all day, even in this slim form.
Also read: Apple iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16: Worth the Upgrade or Skip This Year?
Innovative Camera Features (Yet Not The Best)
The camera setup is a highlight! This time, iPhone rocks the computational photography. Basically, it’s a smart software that enhances photos using AI rather than multiple lenses. It features a single high-res lens that can simulate zoom, portrait modes, and even low-light magic through processing power. Early demos show impressive results, like professional-level bokeh effects without the hardware bulk. This brings better shots without the complexity of Pro-level cameras. Good for novice photographers.
We will talk about where the camera compromised later in this article.
Future-Proof Features
This model comes with a 120Hz refresh rate (thank goodness!). Scrolling and animations feel buttery smooth. It’s also packed with Apple Intelligence features, like advanced Siri and on-device AI for photo editing or text generation. Plus, the software updates are going to happen for at least 4 to 5 years. This is a phone you can use for the long term.
Also read: iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: The Ultimate Comparison
The Drawbacks: Why You Might Want To Wait (Or Skip It)
No phone is perfect, especially a first-generation model like the iPhone Air. Here are the reasons to pump the brakes:
Potential First-Gen Drawbacks
As Apple’s first “Air” iPhone, there could be teething issues. For instance, that ultra-thin body might mean compromises in battery capacity or heat management. On paper, Apple promises an all-day battery. But real-world tests (which aren’t out yet) will tell the full story. There’s a possibility that during intensive tasks like video editing or gaming, it may overheat. Also, historically, slim devices can overheat or throttle performance to stay cool. If you are a heavy user, waiting a few weeks for independent reviews could save you regret.
Camera Compromises
Not having better camera specs is something unexpected from iPhones in general. The iPhone Air poses a single 48-megapixel camera with high-res sensor, that it. There is no ultra wide lens or telephoto lens like the pro models have. Also, no pro-level video tricks like 8K recording or advanced stabilisation that Pros get. In fact, it can “zoom” up to 2x optically (using the sensor itself, no quality loss). Beyond that, it can do digitally (like cropping and enhancing the image with AI). This set up was done to keep the phone thin, and weigh less. However, this simple single camera performs sufficiently well, delivering high quality images.
Also read: iPhone 16 Hidden Features That Will Blow Your Mind!
Should You Buy Apple iPhone Air:Price Factors
A better phone than it’s preceeding models offcouse means higher price tags. But iPhone Air has to be an exception because it is first of it’s kind. So where is the bar set? It is suposed to start around Rs. 1,19,900 for 256GB (up to Rs. 1,59,900 for 1TB). That’s a big jump from the US price of 999 USD (about Rs. 83,900 at current rates), thanks to India’s 22 percent GST. Given, the phone is not made for everyone, targetting only ‘design conscious buyers’, the price is questionable. Also, everything starting at 256GB is a nice perk but doesn’t justify the Air’s premium price tag.
Is iPhone Air Worth It Afterall?
If thin design is your top priority and you only care about cutting edge Apple iPhone Air features, take it. Jumping in early means you get to experience Apple’s boldest redesign since the iPhone X.
It’s a statement piece that screams “premium” without going full Pro.
If you are okay with the traditinal boxy design, and your current phone is still going strong (e.g., iPhone 15 or 16), you may wait. The upgrades might not justify the switch unless you are due for a refresh.
Again, since it’s just launched, full reviews aren’t available yet. I would recommend waiting until September 19 or later for hands-on tests. That would confirm battery life, camera performance, and any quirks. Weigh your needs, check your budget, and decide if this slim sensation fits your life.
Also read: Things Missing In iPhone 16e Compared To iPhone 16! Full List Revealed!
What do you think about Apple iPhone Air features? Are they worth it? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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