Apple has once again pushed the boundaries of smartphone design with the release of the iPhone Air, a stunningly thin device that prioritises a lightweight frame over some traditional features. Priced at £999, this sleek gadget raises an important question: How much are you willing to sacrifice for style and portability? Let’s delve into the standout features and potential drawbacks of this impressive new contender.
A Design to Behold
At first glance, the iPhone Air appears to be just another iPhone, but once you pick it up, its true nature becomes apparent. With a remarkable thickness of only 5.64mm, this phone feels almost ethereal in your hands. Weighing in at 165g—12g lighter than the already featherweight iPhone 17—its soft-edged design adds to the experience, making it a delight to hold.
However, it’s worth noting that the ultra-slim profile comes at a cost. The rear camera protrudes slightly, adding to the thickness, which measures around 11.3mm at its bulkiest point. The back of the phone is primarily glass, housing the device’s core components, while the sides feature the usual array of buttons for camera control and action functions.
Performance That Delivers
Powered by the A19 Pro chip, the iPhone Air offers robust performance, albeit with one less GPU core than its Pro counterpart. This means that while it excels in everyday tasks and general use, it may struggle a bit with graphics-intensive applications, particularly as it tends to warm up during intense use.
Running on iOS 26, the iPhone Air provides all the familiar features, including Face ID and a plethora of apps. However, one notable omission is the nano SIM card slot; this model relies entirely on eSIM technology. While most major UK networks support eSIM, the transition may not be seamless for all users, particularly with some budget providers lagging behind.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone Air’s camera system is another area where Apple has made compromises. Sporting a single 48-megapixel rear camera and an 18-megapixel front-facing camera, it lacks the ultrawide and telephoto options found in higher-end models. While the main camera produces decent photos in good lighting, it struggles in dim environments, and the absence of additional lenses limits creative photographic possibilities.
The front camera, equipped with Centre Stage technology, offers a fun feature that allows for automatic panning and zooming during video calls, making it easier to capture group shots without needing to adjust the phone’s position.
Battery Life and Sustainability
Despite its ultra-thin design, the iPhone Air houses a smaller battery than its thicker counterparts. However, battery performance holds up surprisingly well, offering around 40 hours of use on lighter days and about 30 hours on more intensive days, complete with demanding tasks like gaming and video streaming. For those who need a quick boost, the phone supports Qi2 and MagSafe chargers, making it easy to top up throughout the day.
From a sustainability perspective, Apple has incorporated over 35% recycled materials into the iPhone Air’s construction, including metals and plastics. The battery is designed to last over 1,000 charge cycles, and replacement is relatively straightforward, costing £109.
Price and Verdict
The iPhone Air retails at £999 for the 256GB model, positioning it between the standard iPhone 17 and the pricier Pro models. While the stunning design and lightweight feel are undeniable, the question remains: Is the trade-off in features worth the price tag?
For those who value elegance and portability above all else, the iPhone Air is undoubtedly an attractive option. However, if photography and battery longevity are your top priorities, you might find better value in other models across the smartphone spectrum.
Why it Matters
The iPhone Air represents a bold step in smartphone innovation, challenging consumers to rethink their priorities when it comes to device features versus form factor. As Apple continues to redefine what a smartphone can be, the iPhone Air stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to sleek design, albeit at the expense of some essential functionalities. For those who cherish a device that feels as good as it looks, this gadget is a worthy investment, but it also serves as a reminder that in tech, sometimes less is not more.
