iPhone Air reviews: stunning thin design, big trade-offs

Apple’s new iPhone Air has arrived, and it’s already sparking strong reactions across the tech world. At just 5.6mm thick, the Air is Apple’s thinnest and lightest iPhone ever, weighing only 165 grams, yet packing the powerful A19 Pro chip, a bright 6.5-inch OLED display with 120Hz ProMotion, and Ceramic Shield 2 protection on the front and back. Reviewers agree that the iPhone Air feels like a marvel of engineering — but the compromises are impossible to ignore.

Design and display

Julian Chokkattu of Wired admitted he was “prepared to hate the iPhone Air” but came away “pleasantly surprised.” He praised its featherweight titanium frame, noting that it feels “like a twig that can snap in a heartbeat, but the sturdy titanium frame dispels any notion of fragility.” Abrar Al-Heeti at CNET described falling “in love with Apple’s sleek, lightweight iPhone Air the moment I first held it.” She also highlighted the durability of Ceramic Shield 2, saying it survived a fountain drop with only minor scuffs.

Sam Rutherford at Engadget called it “the best example yet of what I like to call the sci-fi space pebble look.” Reviewers consistently praised the 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display with 3000 nits peak brightness and ProMotion refresh rates, placing it among the best screens Apple has ever shipped.

Performance and battery life

Powered by the new A19 Pro chip, iPhone Air offers flagship-level speed while maintaining efficiency. Mark Spoonauer of Tom’s Guide praised its “remarkable performance in a super thin and light design,” noting that the chip’s efficiency helped the phone last a full day despite its slim build.

Battery life proved stronger than expected across tests. Spoonauer measured 12 hours of web browsing, while Al-Heeti reported it lasted through a typical day. Apple’s new Adaptive Power mode in iOS 26 helps stretch usage further by learning user habits.

Camera limitations

Across reviews, the single rear 48MP camera is the most divisive element. Chokkattu of Wired called it “extremely limiting” compared to the multi-lens setups on the iPhone 17 Pro. While Apple’s software enhancements deliver sharp portraits and strong low-light shots, the absence of ultrawide and telephoto options makes the Air less versatile at its $999 price point. The new 18MP Center Stage front camera was more warmly received, offering AI-powered auto-framing and landscape or portrait selfies without rotation.

Features and ecosystem

Reviewers praised the Air’s integration with iOS 26, which brings Apple Intelligence, Live Translation, and Adaptive Power. However, the Air lacks some pro extras such as vapor chamber cooling and multi-lens photography. Still, its compatibility with Apple’s ecosystem — including new MagSafe accessories and improved eSIM support — positions it as a modern, flexible iPhone for travelers and minimalists.

Verdict

The consensus is clear: iPhone Air is a bold design statement, but not the most practical choice for everyone. Those who prize portability and cutting-edge design will find it irresistible. Those who value battery endurance, versatile cameras, or better value may prefer the iPhone 17 or iPhone 17 Pro. As Rutherford put it, “for those who appreciate a powerful but still eminently effervescent mobile companion, the iPhone Air is in another stratosphere.”

iPhone Air vs iPhone 17 vs iPhone 17 Pro