Apple’s iPhone 17 Air will arrive in stores next week and here are 5 things to know before you buy.
The rumours all turned out to be true. Yes, Apple really is launching a new iPhone Air and it’s like nothing the US firm has released before. I was lucky enough to be at the US firm’s keynote in Cupertino, California and have already had my hands on this super slimline device. If you are thinking this gadget is made for you, here are 5 things you must know before you buy.
Yes! It’s ludicrously skinny
The Air measures in at just 5.6mm thick. That not only makes it the thinnest iPhone Apple has ever made but it’s also skinnier than Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge. The pictures really don’t do the design any justice at all.
When you get it in your hand, it really does feel ludicrously light, mind-bogglingly slender and much easier to handle.
This device definitely has the wow factor and will also take up far less space in those skinny jeans. I’d highly recommend popping to your local Apple Store when it launches on September 19, as you won’t believe it until you see it.
It’s made of tough stuff
It might be thin, but the iPhone Air is built to withstand some serious punishment. It’s made from tough Titanium and covered in Apple’s latest Ceramic Shield 2 glass.
The US tech firm says the iPhone Air exceeds its stringent bend strength requirements and is more durable than any previous iPhone. We will have to wait for the endless YouTubers trying to bust this device, but it appears they may have a tough time breaking it.
There’s a Pro processor inside
The Air is getting a very impressive A19 Pro chip under its glass and metal shell. That’s the same processor that powers the top-end iPhone 17 Pro models.
This super brain will ensure that the Air keeps pace with all your daily digital needs and offers decent performance when gaming on the move.
The iPhone Air also packs Apple’s N1 silicon. This is a new Apple-designed wireless networking chip that enables fast Wi-Fi 7 for stutter-free streaming and better Bluetooth 6 connectivity.
It only has one camera
To keep things thin, Apple has only put one camera on the rear case. That means there’s no ultra-wide snapper or telephoto lens for zooming.
The company promises that its 48MP Fusion camera system offers many photographic features, such as different focal lengths and portrait mode. It can also shoot video in pin-sharp 4K with Dolby Vision.
However, this is clearly a slight compromise that iPhone fans will need to consider.
It won’t last as long as Apple’s other iPhones
There’s no hiding the fact that a thinner phone means a smaller battery inside. Apple is promising all-day life but has admitted that it won’t last as long as the iPhone 17 Pro. Exactly how long the screen keeps glowing remains to be seen, but if battery is important, this might not be the phone for you.
In a bid to alleviate fears, Apple is launching a portable power pack that sticks to the back of the Air to boost things.
Finally there’s the price. The standard iPhone 17 costs £799. The Air will set you back £999.