Along with the launch of the Apple iPhone 17 series, comes the unveiling of the iPhone Air, and it is already turning heads. Why? Because it is the thinnest iPhone ever made, and it even comes with Apple’s slimmest battery to date.
For some that raises a few immediate questions:
- Will the smaller battery mean less battery life?
- Is a super thin phone easier to break?
- And how does it stack up against the latest iPhone models?
Let’s dive into the Air and look at why Apple have changed approach, dropping the iPhone 17 Plus and replacing it with the Air in their latest series of phones.
First Off, How Thin Is It?
Well the iPhone Air measures just 5.6mm thick, so yes it’s thin. To put that in perspective, it is thinner than most other smartphones on the market, including Apple’s own iPhone Pro models.
A reengineering of many components and improvements in battery life has led this to be as powerful as previous models with a much thinner profile.
It is also super light at around 165 grams, making it perfect for anyone who prefers a slim, easy to carry phone.
Specs You Should Know
Display: 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR with ProMotion (up to 120Hz) and outdoor brightness up to 3000 nits.
Camera: The same 48MP Main Fusion camera as others in the launch, with improved zoom, plus a smarter front camera that can keep you in frame during calls. Also comes with the new 18MP Centre Stage camera upgrade.
Chip: Runs on Apple’s new A19 Pro chip which is fast, efficient, and future proof
Battery: Up to 27 hours of video playback on a single charge. Pair it with Apple’s slim MagSafe battery pack, and you can stretch that to around 40 hours
Overall, the specs on the iPhone Air are very much in line with the other models in the iPhone 17 Family range.
Battery Life: The Big Question
Yes, the iPhone Air has a thinner battery than the Pro and Pro Max models. But thanks to Apple’s more efficient chip and clever software, the battery life is still “all day” for most people.
When compared to the estimated battery lives of the other new launches the Air holds it’s own at 27hours of video playback on a full battery (iPhone 17= 30 hours, iPhone 17 Pro max = 37 hours).
Here is the clever bit. Apple has designed a new rechargeable MagSafe battery pack especially for the iPhone Air. It snaps neatly to the back of the phone without adding much bulk, almost like a natural extension of the design. With it, you can get up to 40 hours of video playback which is perfect for travelling, festivals, or those long days when you are nowhere near a charger.
If you are a heavy user with lots of streaming, gaming, or navigation, this accessory makes all the difference. Think of it as a second battery you can carry in your pocket.
So, Is It Fragile?
A thin phone often sounds delicate, but Apple has stepped up durability:
- Ceramic Shield 2 on the front with three times better scratch resistance
- Ceramic Shield on the back which is four times stronger against cracks than regular glass
- A strong titanium frame to help prevent bending
Of course, any phone this slim still benefits from a good case and a screen protector, especially if you are accident prone.
Tips to Make the Battery Last Longer
Want to get the maximum battery life for your iPhone Air? Try these simple tricks:
- Lower screen brightness or switch on Auto Brightness
- Turn off Background App Refresh for apps you do not need running in the background
- Limit location services to only the apps that really need them
- Use Low Power Mode when your battery is running low
- Update your iOS regularly as updates often improve efficiency
Read our in depth blog here
Should You Buy It?
Well that’s not up to us! All we can say is, the iPhone Air is perfect if you want a phone that is slim, stylish, and easy to carry. It is powerful, packed with the latest Apple tech, and surprisingly durable for something so thin.
If you are after maximum battery life, the Pro Max models might still be the safer choice. But if you like the idea of an ultra thin iPhone with the option to snap on Apple’s rechargeable MagSafe battery pack when you need extra juice, the iPhone Air is a fantastic choice.
View the full range of iPhone Air here