Apple’s new iPhone Air will arrive in stores tomorrow, Mirror Online has already had our hands on it and here’s what we think.
There’s an all-new iPhone arriving in UK stores tomorrow, and it’s like nothing the US technology giant has launched before. It’s called the iPhone Air and, measuring in at just 5.6mm thick, it’s the thinnest smartphone Apple has ever made. I’ve been using this device since it was unveiled last week and it honestly has to be seen to be believed.
It’s so skinny and light you barely notice it’s popped in your pocket, and it has a striking design that’s guaranteed to have everyone taking it.
Now, you might be worried about durability. Let’s not forget the iPhone 6, which suffered the nightmare of ‘bendgate’ back in 2014.
Thankfully, the Air is made of tough titanium and Ceramic Shield Glass 2, which means it will survive years of punishment.
How can I be so certain of that? Well, I’ve actually seen what the firm puts this device through in the lab, and it’s gruelling to watch. Apple’s team applies huge amounts of pressure to the middle of the screen to see how the design will cope under extreme stress. Although it bends, the Air doesn’t crack and instantly returns to its normal shape. It’s impressive stuff.
Along with its eye-catching appearance, the Air also features a stunning 6.5-inch ProMotion 120Hz display that looks pin-sharp and packed with colour.
Under its tough shell is an A19 Pro processor, which will supply more grunt than you will ever need and is perfect for work and play on the move. That chip is also very efficient, and that’s great news for battery life.
Despite its sleek appearance, Apple promises all-day battery life from the Air, and that’s not far from the truth. I’ve easily been able to squeeze enough juice out of this skinny smartphone without having to pop it on the charger before bed.
Even with the screen pushed to full brightness, I was able to stream two hours of Disney+ content while only losing around 10% of life.
Those who are worried about the battery light flashing red will find they can buy a dedicated slimlime battery pack that sticks to the rear case via MagSafe (it does cost £100 extra but might put minds at rest).
I honestly think most normal users won’t have an issue with the battery. It’s something I was concerned about when I got the Air, but it really has impressed. Just be aware that after a long day and a night on the town, things might be low when you try to order an Uber home. It’s also nowhere near as good as the iPhone 17 Pro Max which is an absolute battery life beast.
One significant change coming to the Air is eSIM-only technology. That means there’s no fussy SIM tray to pop out or annoying card to try and squeeze inside it. Apple has made this change to maximise space inside the slimline shell, and it’s nothing to worry about.
Your network will do all the hard work for you, and switching to eSIM really is very simple and seamless.
David Snelling takes a look at the iPhone Air
Other features to like include the Camera Control button on the side for quick access to the camera. Thanks to the Apple-made C1X modem and new N1 wireless networking chip, connectivity is improved. It can also be fast-charged and has MagSafe for easy wireless refilling.
This really is a very good phone, so what’s the compromise?
To maximise every inch of space inside the device, Apple’s design team has placed the processor, modem, and other vital tech in a bar that runs across the top of the rear case. It looks neat, but it does mean there’s only room for one camera. The cheaper iPhone 17 has two lenses and the Pro takes that up to three.
It is a clever 48MP fusion snapper so you can zoom and snap wider-angle shots, plus it will take portrait images and shoot video in 4K.
It’s decent enough but it simply can’t match the might of the iPhone 17 Pro’s triple camera system. That’s a phone that only costs £100 more than the £999 iPhone Air.
If you simply take photos of your pets or kids playing in the park, you probably won’t be all that disappointed. But those who want the ultimate image experience are definitely better off switching to the pro models.
For example, the Air won’t snap that epic ultra-wide shot at a concert or zoom in close when the star of the show pops up on stage. It also struggles with extreme close-ups as there’s no macro technology.
To be honest, that’s the biggest downside of going for the Air.
Even its new front-facing Centre Stage Camera matches its siblings. This selfie snapper is a game-changer in my opinion.
It adapts the lens automatically depending on the number of people in your shot and widens the frame without you having to spin the phone around.
So, you can go from a portrait selfie to a full wide-angle landscape image without touching the settings or changing the grip on the device.
I think this will be one of the most used new features on all the new iPhones, especially because it works so seamlessly.
Another bonus is something called Dual Capture, which records using both the front and rear cameras simultaneously. This allows you to film your reaction at the same time as you video what’s going on on the other side of the camera.
So, should you buy the iPhone Air?
If you really want something slim, light and beautiful you can’t go wrong. Just be aware that it’s £200 more than the iPhone 17 and can;t match the iPhone 17 Pro for camera or battery life.