iPhone 17 Air Debuts With Ultra-Thin Design
Apple has officially introduced the iPhone 17 Air, the company’s thinnest smartphone yet, at its “Awe Dropping” event on Sept. 9. The new device redefines the iPhone lineup, debuting as an ultra-slim model that takes the place of the Plus tier without being branded as its direct replacement.
A Slimmer, Lighter iPhone
At just 5.6 millimeters thin, the iPhone 17 Air is about a third thinner than the iPhone 16 Pro, making it Apple’s sleekest smartphone to date. Weighing in at 165 grams, the device strikes a balance between lightweight portability and premium durability with its titanium-aluminum frame.
Despite its slim profile, the Air still boasts a 6.5-inch ProMotion display, designed to deliver crisp visuals and smooth motion for everything from streaming to gaming. Apple describes the new model as a “paradox you need to hold to believe.”
Power and Performance
The iPhone 17 Air is powered by the A19 Pro chip, the latest in Apple’s lineup of processors. According to Tim Mellet, Apple’s vice president of platform architecture, the A19 Pro delivers “MacBook Pro levels of compute in an iPhone,” promising both speed and energy efficiency.
This leap in performance is expected to appeal to users who want a device capable of handling demanding apps, multitasking, and advanced mobile gaming—all without sacrificing battery life.
Camera Capabilities
Apple has also given the Air’s camera system a boost. The device includes 28mm and 35mm lenses, adding to the range of focal lengths already offered in the iPhone 17 line. Users can now choose between four different focal lengths for more creative control over their photography.
On the front, the Air incorporates Apple’s Center Stage sensor, which automatically adjusts during video calls to keep the user in frame, a feature that has been popular across other Apple devices.
Accessories Designed for the Air
To complement the slim design, Apple is launching a range of accessories for the iPhone 17 Air. The most notable is an attachable battery pack that extends the phone’s video playback time to an impressive 40 hours.
Protective options include a translucent case under 1mm thick, available in frost and shadow shades, and a bumper case offered in the Air’s four launch colors. Apple will also sell a cross-body strap, appealing to users who want a hands-free way to carry the lightweight phone.
Colors and Pricing
The iPhone 17 Air will be available in black, white, light gold, and light blue, continuing Apple’s trend of offering understated yet stylish finishes.
The device is priced at $999 for the 256 GB model, or $41.62 per month with a 24-month plan. Pre-orders begin Friday, Sept. 12, with the phone officially launching on Friday, Sept. 19 alongside the rest of the iPhone 17 lineup.
A Bold New Direction
The launch of the iPhone 17 Air signals Apple’s interest in pushing design boundaries while maintaining the power and performance the iPhone is known for. With its ultra-thin build, upgraded chip, enhanced camera system, and range of new accessories, the Air is positioned to be both a design statement and a versatile everyday device.
For Apple, the Air isn’t just another model—it’s a test of how far users are willing to embrace sleek minimalism without sacrificing the features they rely on.