Tech leader calls ultra-thin device 'first new iPhone upgrade I have really wanted in a while' as Apple unveils revolutionary design.
Apple pulled the wraps off its most radical iPhone redesign in years on Tuesday. They introduced the ultra-thin iPhone Air alongside a refreshed lineup that has tech enthusiasts and industry leaders buzzing with excitement.
CEO Tim Cook called it the "biggest leap ever for iPhone" as the company unveiled the iPhone 17 series at its Awe-Dropping event at Apple Park. The spotlight is firmly on the revolutionary iPhone Air that measures just 5.6 millimeters thick.
The MacBook Air Blueprint for iPhone Innovation
The iPhone Air represents Apple's answer to years of criticism about incremental updates. CCS Insight chief analyst Ben Wood (Reuters) said,
"It has been a few years since Apple has had new iPhones that you could put on the table in a coffee shop, meeting room, or pub, and people would ask, 'Is that the new iPhone?'"
Drawing inspiration from the company's successful MacBook Air line, the iPhone Air borrows both the name and design philosophy that made Apple's laptops iconic. Seventeen years ago, Steve Jobs famously introduced the MacBook Air by pulling it from an envelope — and now Apple has brought that same impossibly thin philosophy to the iPhone.
Samsung Takes a Familiar Dig
Samsung trolled Apple's latest announcement. On its official X account, Samsung reposted a comment from 2022 that read, "Let us know when it folds." The jab references Samsung's leadership in the foldable phone market, where Apple has yet to compete.
The Korean tech giant has made this particular dig a tradition, previously using the same line during Apple's iPhone 14 launch in 2022. Samsung followed up with "#iCant believe this is still relevant." emphasizing that the rivalry between the tech giants remains as spirited as ever.
iPhone Air: Thin But Powerful
Despite its ultra-slim profile, the iPhone Air doesn't compromise on performance. The iPhone Air, which was speculated to arrive since January, runs on the same A19 Pro processor found in the iPhone 17 Pro models, paired with Apple's N1 networking chip and C1X modem.
Key iPhone Air Specifications:
- Display: 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR with ProMotion (1-120Hz refresh rate), 3000 nits peak brightness
- Processor: A19 Pro
- Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB options
- Rear camera: 48MP Fusion camera (single lens)
- Front camera: 18MP Center Stage camera
- Battery: Up to 27 hours of video playback
- Thickness: 5.64mm
- Weight: 165 grams
- Colors: Space Black, Cloud White, Light Gold, Sky Blue
The device's standout feature is its innovative Center Stage front camera, which Apple describes as giving users "flexible ways to frame your photos and videos." The camera can expand its field of view and rotate from portrait to landscape without moving the iPhone, and automatically adjusts when friends join the shot.
iPhone Air’s Pricing and Environmental Commitments
Starting at $999 for the 256GB model, the iPhone Air positions itself as a premium alternative to the traditional Plus model it replaces. Apple has also unveiled a range of accessories, including the ultra-thin iPhone Air Case with MagSafe ($49), a matching Bumper case, and the innovative iPhone Air MagSafe Battery that can deliver up to 40 hours of video playback when combined with the phone.
The company continues its environmental push with the iPhone Air made from 35 percent recycled content, including 80 percent recycled titanium. The device is manufactured with 45 percent renewable electricity and features a new 3D-printed titanium USB-C port that uses 33 percent less material than conventional forging processes.
Complete iPhone 17 Lineup Unveiled
Apple announced four new iPhone models, including the latest model, called the iPhone Air. The complete lineup includes the entry-level iPhone 17 ($799), the ultra-thin iPhone Air ($999), the iPhone 17 Pro (starting at $1,099 with a $100 price increase), and the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Beyond iPhones, Apple also introduced the AirPods Pro 3 with enhanced noise cancellation and live translation features, plus updated Apple Watch models including the Series 11, SE 3, and Ultra 3.
John Ternus, Apple's senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, summed it up best,
"iPhone Air is a brand-new member of the iPhone family that delivers advanced features our users will love, like pro performance, a versatile 48MP Fusion camera system, our innovative Center Stage front camera, and great all-day battery life — all in a breakthrough design that feels like you're holding the future."
