Apple has once again captured the world’s attention with the launch of its slimmest iPhone yet, the iPhone 17 Air. Revealed at the company’s “Awe Dropping” event, the device stands out for its ultra-thin design, measuring just 5.6mm, making it even slimmer than Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge. Despite its light build, the phone packs powerful features and cutting-edge technology.
Sleek and Strong Design
The iPhone Air is designed to feel almost weightless in the hand. At only 165 grams, it combines elegance with durability. The phone comes with Ceramic Shield 2 on both the front and back, which Apple claims offers 3x better scratch resistance and improved protection compared to older models. It is available in four stylish colours: Space Black, Cloud White, Light Gold, and Sky Blue.
Immersive Display
Apple has fitted the iPhone Air with a 6.6-inch Super Retina XDR display that supports ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate. With a brightness level of up to 3,000 nits, the screen ensures clear visibility even in strong sunlight. The improved contrast also makes videos, games, and photos appear sharper and more vibrant.
Power of the A19 Pro Chip
At the heart of the iPhone Air lies the A19 Pro chip, the same processor used in the iPhone 17 Pro lineup. The chip features a 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU, each with built-in neural accelerators. This allows the phone to handle high-end games, advanced photography tools, and even AI-powered tasks with ease. Apple says the GPU offers three times more power than the previous generation, making it ideal for users who enjoy demanding apps and creative workflows.
The phone also debuts Apple’s C1X modem, an upgrade from the earlier C1 modem. With faster and more reliable connectivity, the iPhone Air ensures smooth browsing, streaming, and downloads.
Camera Innovations
Apple continues to focus on cameras, and the iPhone Air introduces a new system with a 48MP main rear camera and an 18MP front camera. The front shooter features autofocus and a special feature that allows users to take landscape selfies without rotating the phone. The rear camera supports 2x telephoto zoom, low-light photography, and pro-style video recording up to 4K at 60fps.
Another highlight is the Clean Up tool, powered by Apple Intelligence, which allows users to remove unwanted objects from their photos with just a tap.
eSIM-Only Future
The iPhone Air marks a major shift as it becomes the first iPhone to drop physical SIM card support worldwide. Apple had earlier tested this in the US, but now the move is global, signalling the company’s confidence in an eSIM-only future.
Battery and Software
Despite its slim profile, the iPhone Air promises all-day battery life with up to 27 hours of video playback. It also supports fast charging, delivering up to 50% power in just 30 minutes. The device runs on iOS 26, which introduces fresh design changes, AI features, call screening, and productivity tools like Hold Assist and Polls in Messages.
Price and Availability
The iPhone Air starts at ₹1,19,900 for the 256GB variant, while the 512GB model costs ₹1,39,900 and the 1TB version ₹1,59,900. Pre-orders open on September 12 and the phone will be available from September 19.
With its slim design, powerful performance, and innovative features, the iPhone Air sets a new benchmark in smartphone design.