Apple Unveils iPhone Air: A Bold New Super-Thin Flagship Alongside iPhone 17 Series
As the fall season arrives, Apple has launched a new lineup of iPhones, headlined by a surprising new addition. The star of the show is the iPhone Air, a super-slim device that joins the base iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max.
The iPhone Air represents a brave new direction for Apple. While early rumors suggested it might launch with no ports at all, relying solely on wireless charging and WiFi, the final product is a more practical engineering marvel. With a body thickness of just 5.6mm and crafted from spacecraft-grade titanium, it is remarkably thin and durable. Both the front and back are protected by Ceramic Shield 2, which Apple claims makes it the most durable iPhone ever.
Internally, it is powered by the same A19 Pro chip found in the iPhone 17 Pro models. It also features Apple’s N1 chip for wireless connectivity and the new C1X modem, which is reportedly twice as fast as the modem in the previous iPhone 16e.
To achieve its slim profile, compromises were made, most notably with the camera system. It sports a single 48-megapixel camera, though Apple has equipped it with a large sensor that excels in low light and includes an optical-quality 2x telephoto function. The company markets it as the equivalent of having four lenses, though it may seem underpowered next to rivals like Samsung’s S25 Edge with its 200MP sensor.
Battery life was another concern due to the thin design. Apple claims all-day battery life thanks to new hardware designed to pack more capacity into a smaller space and software features like Adaptive Power Mode. To further ease concerns, Apple is also releasing a new super-slim MagSafe battery pack to extend usage.
Priced at $999, the iPhone Air carries the same intangible appeal as other first-generation Apple products, much like the groundbreaking iPhone X.
Beyond the Air, Apple updated its core iPhone lineup. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max feature the A19 Pro chip and new screen sizes of 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, respectively. A major redesign allows for the largest battery ever in an iPhone Pro model. The camera system sees a significant upgrade with a new 48MP telephoto lens capable of 8x optical quality zoom, and both the wide and ultrawide sensors are now also 48MP. The Pro series starts at $1,099.
The standard iPhone 17 also received meaningful updates, including a smoother 120Hz ProMotion display, improved durability, and a new selfie camera with a unique square sensor that allows for landscape photos and videos without rotating the phone. Base storage for all new iPhones now starts at 256GB.
Apple also refreshed its wearables. The AirPods Pro 3 offer improved noise cancellation, a new heart rate sensor for health tracking, and a live translation feature that works directly on the buds. They are priced at $249.
The Apple Watch Series 11 is now twice as scratch-resistant, includes 5G connectivity, and can monitor for hypertension. The high-end Ultra 3 model gains a larger display and satellite connectivity, while the new SE model finally gets an always-on display. The Series 11 starts at $399, the Ultra 3 at $799, and the SE at $249.
All of Apple’s new operating systems, including iOS 26, will be released on September 15. Pre-orders for the new hardware begin on September 12, with availability starting September 19.
