Apple has officially unveiled the iPhone Air, a device that redefines smartphone thinness at a mere 5.6mm. This groundbreaking design is achieved through a complete transition to eSIM technology, eliminating the physical SIM card slot entirely.
The iPhone Air boasts a vibrant 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display, featuring a peak brightness of 3,000 nits and a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate for a fluid visual experience. Its construction utilizes a robust titanium frame, complemented by Ceramic Shield 2 for enhanced durability and scratch resistance on the front display, while the rear is protected by Ceramic Shield, offering four times greater resistance to cracks than previous models.
Photography is a key focus, with the iPhone Air equipped with a 48MP Fusion main camera and an 18MP Center Stage front camera system designed for sharper selfies and improved video calls. Powering these advanced features is the new A19 Pro chip, engineered with a five-core GPU and neural accelerators on each core to significantly boost AI capabilities and daily workflows, delivering performance comparable to MacBooks for AI-intensive tasks. Apple claims a 40% improvement in sustained performance over its predecessor, attributed to an advanced thermal architecture including a vapor chamber.
The adoption of eSIM-only connectivity, a trend initiated with US models, is now a global standard for the iPhone Air. This technology streamlines device design, enhances security, and simplifies cellular service activation. Projections indicate a rapid growth in the eSIM market, with 60% of all smartphone shipments expected to support eSIM by 2025, and an estimated two to three billion smartphone connections globally powered by eSIM by the same year.
The iPhone Air is available for pre-order starting September 12, 2025, with general availability commencing on September 19, 2025. Pricing begins at $999 for the 256GB model, with 512GB and 1TB options also available. The use of titanium, first introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro series, continues to be a key differentiator for Apple, offering a blend of strength, lightness, and a premium feel.
While some analysts have raised concerns about all-day battery life, Apple has emphasized the innovative internal design and software optimizations aimed at maximizing battery performance. The iPhone Air represents a significant advancement in smartphone engineering, merging cutting-edge technology with an ultra-slim, durable design.