Apple’s new iPhone Air is already facing questions about durability after a day-one buyer reported condensation forming inside the rear camera. Tech YouTuber Luke Miani posted photos on X showing visible fogging in the lens, writing, “Brand new day 1 iPhone Air with condensation in the camera.” The post has drawn over 2 million views, sparking speculation about whether this is an isolated case or a potential hardware flaw.
Another X user, DongleBookPro, claimed to have experienced the same issue, saying, “So uh…my iPhone Air has condensation in the camera…maybe this is widespread.” The reports quickly fueled reactions online, ranging from jokes about humidity to more serious questions about whether Apple would replace affected units or issue a recall. Comments like “Form over function” and “They had to condense everything in that phone” highlight user concerns that Apple’s slim design may have introduced new risks.
The iPhone Air sits between the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro in Apple’s lineup and is marketed as the thinnest model in years. Apple condensed multiple components into a smaller chassis, but this compact design may also make it more vulnerable to environmental factors like moisture. While the company advertises strong water and dust resistance, condensation inside the camera is highly unusual for a brand-new device and could affect image quality over time.
This is not the first time early iPhone units have sparked controversy. Past generations saw issues like the iPhone 4’s “Antennagate,” where signal strength dropped when the phone was held a certain way, and the iPhone 6’s “Bendgate,” when some units bent under pressure. More recently, the iPhone 15 Pro faced scrutiny over heating concerns at launch. Each case drew viral attention before Apple responded with software updates, repair programs, or design changes in future models.
For now, only a handful of iPhone Air condensation reports exist, and Apple has not issued an official statement. But the viral nature of the issue shows how quickly potential hardware flaws gain traction online. With the iPhone Air priced at $999 and positioned as a balance of thin design and premium features, any widespread defect could impact consumer confidence. Customers and analysts will be closely watching to see if condensation turns into the next iPhone controversy or remains a rare anomaly.
