Apple Unveils iPhone Air: Its Slimmest Smartphone Yet in Bold New Redesign
Apple CEO Tim Cook took the stage in Cupertino, California, on Tuesday to introduce the iPhone Air, the company’s thinnest smartphone ever — marking the most significant shake-up to the iPhone lineup in nearly a decade.
Opening the annual launch event with a nod to Steve Jobs, Cook quoted: “For us, design goes beyond just how something looks or feels. Design is also how it works.”
Apple’s Thinnest iPhone Yet
Measuring just 5.6 mm (0.22 inches), the iPhone Air is even slimmer than Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge at 5.8 mm. Apple says the engineering breakthrough comes from shrinking circuitry to the size of postage stamps while still delivering “all-day battery life.”
The design also features a titanium frame and Apple’s signature “ceramic shield” glass for enhanced durability.
A Four-Model Lineup for Every Budget
Apple unveiled four new models:
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iPhone Air
This diverse lineup is aimed at attracting both budget-conscious buyers and premium users.
Despite skepticism before launch, analysts say the range could inject fresh excitement into Apple’s iPhone business, which many felt had grown stagnant.
Features and Performance
The iPhone Air runs on the A19 Pro chip, built to power advanced AI tasks and improve energy efficiency. It also comes with two new custom communication chips, reinforcing Apple’s push toward hardware self-reliance.
But there’s a trade-off: unlike the iPhone 17 and Pro models, the Air comes with only one rear camera. Analysts say the slimmer design meant compromises in cameras, battery, and audio.
Still, early hands-on impressions were positive. Popular tech YouTuber Gaurav Chaudhary (“Technical Guruji”), who attended the event, said he was impressed with the build and portability: “Even though leaks gave away a lot, the iPhone Air feels fresh. Now the real test is if the battery lasts as Apple promises.”
A Throwback to Jobs’ Iconic Reveal
Seventeen years ago, Steve Jobs famously pulled a MacBook Air from a manila envelope to demonstrate its ultra-thin design. The iPhone Air follows that legacy, combining minimalism with hardware feats Apple hopes will stand out in today’s crowded smartphone market.
Market Challenges and Expectations
Apple shares have dipped 6.4% in 2025, lagging behind Microsoft and Nvidia. At $3.5 trillion, Apple is still the world’s third-most valuable company, but investors have been eager for innovation to spark growth.
Analysts believe the iPhone Air could drive upgrades during the holiday season, particularly in markets like China where Apple has lost ground to slimmer, cheaper competitors.
Pricing also gives Apple an edge. The iPhone Air costs $100 less than Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge, which shipped 1 million units in Q2 this year. IDC predicts the Air could outperform the older iPhone Plus, which accounted for 5–7% of shipments.
Will It Be Enough?
Some experts remain cautious. Will Wong of IDC noted that compromises in battery life, cameras, and audio quality could hurt adoption among power users. Others, like IDC’s Nabila Popal, are more optimistic: “Apple may be late to slim phones, but when they do it, they do it bigger, louder, or better than anyone.”
With four models targeting different price points and the iPhone Air redefining Apple’s design philosophy, the company is betting on a bold refresh to win back momentum in the smartphone market.